SOCIETY FOR HOSPITALITY AND FOODSERVICE MANAGEMENT’S “A CATALYST FOR WORKPLACE EVOLUTION” WAS A MAJOR SUCCESS SHFM NATIONAL CONFER
I n early December 2021, Aramark and Compass Group hosted a three-day networking and seminar event for Homegrown Hospitality. Featured chef Kenny Gilber, Owner and Chef of Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar in Jacksonville, FL., kicked off the event with a homecoming banquet featuring a Southern comfort food menu prepared by the host corporations. The event continued the following day with keynote speaker, Clint Pulver, who shared his childhood experiences, involvement in a lifechanging research study on company management styles, and mistakes he’s made along his journey. He left the audience with a profound quote to take back to their work in hospitality: “People do business with people they like.” The day continued after Pulver’s session with an innovation showcase featuring vendors’ tables with the latest innovations in the foodservice industry. Attendees networked around the room and learned about new methods and modern techniques they can bring back home with them to their workplaces. Afterwards, attendees gathered for a three-person panel discussion about how the COVID-19 pandemic
has permanently impacted the foodservice industry, including the resulting changes and challenges foodservice professionals now face every day in the workplace. The panel also highlighted three significant factors influencing how businesses can manage effectively: culture, cultural fluency and mentorship. Following the panel, convention leaders lightened up the day by bringing back their version of the popular book and movie series, “The Hunger Games.” This charitable event included four games to test the skills and abilities to be a team player. The session raised $30,000 for Gracie’s Kitchen, a volunteer organization working to provide meals to those in need. Day two ended with an award presentation to confirm Rob Gebhardt as the new 2022 SHFM president. The final day of the seminar began with, “Myths of Sustainability,” a discussion highlighting ways businesses can be more sustainable. Finally, the event ended with one final innovation showcase. Attendees of the three-day seminar mastered countless new skills in a short period of time and were eager to return home to incorporate them into their own business models! n
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