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2024 WISE Experience
February 28, 2024 @ 12:00 am - February 29, 2024 @ 11:59 pm
2024 WISE Experience
Bee who you want to Bee. Join the Hive!
Calling all Bee-words! Yes, we said it – we're calling all the Bosses, Bigwigs, Believers, Best Sellers, Self-Betterers, above and Beyonders, trail Blazers, the Bold, the Boisterous, the Bonafides, Brainstormers, the Bright, the Brilliant, the Budget conscious, the Busy, Bustling, Buzzing BEES!
Join SHFM on February 28-29, 2024, at the WISE Experience. This event is designed to honor your achievements, empower you with confidence and provide invaluable insights from some of the WISE-est industry icons. Join us as we reflect on how far you have come in your journey and share collective wisdom that will propel you even further. This is a unique opportunity to connect with leaders who are passionate about personal and professional growth. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to come together as a community of strong, ambitious women – as we create a powerful network of support and inspiration. Register NOW for this empowering gathering of Wisdom, Inspiration, Support and Excellence.
Bee in the know! Our WISE Experience is changing locations. Join us at our new venue:
The Westin Los Angeles Airport
5400 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Note: The Wednesday evening networking event will take place at Mattel Global Headquarters and transportation from the Westin Hotel will be provided.
Agenda At-A-Glance
(see Full Agenda below)
Wednesday, February 28
| 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration Opens |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | SESSION 1: Dear Me |
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. | SESSION 2: Embracing Now: Bee Present in the Present - Stand Tall. Lift Your Voice. Bee Heard. |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | |
Thursday, February 29 |
|
| 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | SESSSION 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Master Class Lunch*- SOLD OUT! |
| 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Bee Authentic: Master Your Motives* - SOLD OUT! Master Class with Cathy Larsen, Executive Coach |
| 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | California Local* |
| *Additional Fee |
|
When
February 28-29, 2024
Where
The Westin Los Angeles Airport
5400 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Registration
Member – $195
Non-Member – $245
Master Class & Lunch – $75 - Sold out!
Hotel
IMPORTANT! If you booked a hotel room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel LAX - El Segundo, please cancel your room ASAP (to avoid penalties) by calling (310) 322-0999 and rebook at the Westin for $185 per night! The cut off date is Monday, February 26, 2024.
The Westin Los Angeles Airport
5400 W Century Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Submit Your Photo
After you register, please submit your favorite childhood photo for an exciting portion of the event! Kindly submit your photo by Monday, February 12.
Thank You to Our 2024 WISE Sponsors!
Aramark Workplace Experience Group
The Coca-Cola Company
Compass Group
Corporate Dining, Inc.
elite|studio e
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine
Good Pharma
Hoshizaki America, Inc.
ISS Guckenheimer
ITW Food Equipment Group
Kitchens To Go by Mobile Modular
Lavazza North America, Inc.
The Middleby Corporation
PepsiCo
Sodexo
Interested in sponsorship?
Download the 2024 WISE Experience Sponsorship Program and return your completed form to Michelle Romero, Executive Vice President, at mromero@hqtrs.com.
Full Agenda
Wednesday, February 28
All events will take place at the Westin Hotel unless otherwise indicated.
| 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration Opens |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
SESSION 1: Dear Me In this inspirational kick-off session, we will hear from industry leaders including SHFM President, Raquel Weiss Fusco, as well as Belinda Oakley. SHFM all-stars will also share their own self-reflections and then we will mine our own experiences to find the strength, wisdom, and inspiration that has honed the professional and personal excellence we strive for today. You'll emerge from this session personally connected to the WISE community, more connected with yourself, and ready to make every experience count! This is where you will put the "I" in WISE. |
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |
SESSION 2: Embracing Now: Bee Present in the Present - Stand Tall. Lift Your Voice. Bee Heard. Through a facilitated conversation, interactive activities, and the wisdom shared in the book, we'll navigate the journey of personal growth and unlock the power within to confidently assert yourself in various aspects of life. Get ready to embrace your uniqueness, break through barriers and learn the secrets to claiming the space you deserve. Step into your own light and thrive authentically. |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Networking Reception Note: The event will take place at Mattel Global Headquarters and transportation from the Westin Hotel will be provided. Mattel Global HQ |
Thursday, February 29
| 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
SESSSION 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes Part One Join us for an insightful session delving into the dynamic world of innovation in the foodservice industry. Discover how leveraging innovation and vision can help secure your seat at the table. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. Part Two Prepare to be inspired by this panel of remarkable foodservice industry leaders and visionary minds spanning publishing, technology and design, as well as on-site hospitality and operations. These women have paved the way in the creation of platforms and pathways for the advancement of women and leaders of all backgrounds to succeed across the hospitality landscape. Over the past 5+ decades, these fierce leaders have overcome nearly every obstacle, innovated in ways never previously considered and traversed scenarios both trivial and monumental in scope, living to tell the tale. Through sharing their unique stories and lessons learned, you will walk away inspired and armed with invaluable insights as you continue to navigate the various stages and phases of your career. |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Master Class Lunch* - SOLD OUT! Attend this networking lunch and connect with like-minded professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Bee Authentic: Master Your Motives* - SOLD OUT! Authentic leadership promotes strong collaboration and more effective communication across teams. Authentic leaders report higher levels of satisfaction and lower rates of burnout. Leading authentically requires us to truly understand our core motives. We are each born with a pure core motive that guides our decisions and actions throughout our lives. The Color Code assessment illuminates why you do what you do versus focusing on your behavior. Harnessing this knowledge of yourself allows you to act in greater alignment with your core and unlock superior success aligned with authentic you. In this Master Class, Executive Coach and Color Code Expert, Cathy Larsen, will guide you through decoding your true colors and mastering your motives. Participants will complete the online Color Code assessment before the session (SHFM will send out the assessment closer to the event) and receive a personalized report with analysis and customized content, tailored to YOU. By understanding your Color Code, you'll gain deep insights into your innate strengths, communication style and areas for growth. This session is not simply about self-awareness, it's a masterclass to unlocking your potential, complete with strategies and tools to harness your strengths. If you want to boost performance, foster a culture of understanding and respect, and harness your authentic core motive to drive innovation and success in all aspects of your life, join us to Master Your Motives! *Invest in YOU! This Master Class and Lunch as well as the California Local have an additional fee but the investing in yourself will far outweigh the cost. Take advantage of the extra day of the year and stay for this class and Local! |
| 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
California Local Register for the California Local here. |
Presenters
Raquel Weiss Fusco, Vice President, Operations & Client Relations, elite | studio e
In her current role, Raquel Weiss Fusco is involved with every project elite | studio e works on. She liaises throughout the design and build processes ensuring streamlined communication between clients as well as the elite | studio e project solutions and design teams. With more than 40 team members in five locations, this position involves much coordination, dedication and organization. Previously, Raquel managed the elite | studio e estimating team and was a project estimator. The role provided her with an education about foodservice equipment, FF&E, technical drawings and other solutions necessary for a successful project. Currently, she serves as the President of SHFM.
Session 1: Dear Me
Belinda Oakley, CEO, Sodexo Live!
Belinda Oakley is the Chief Executive Officer for Sodexo Live! North America where she leads 20,000+ team members at more than 150 partner venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, including stadiums, convention and conference centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, ski areas, and more. A proven international business leader with two decades of foodservice management experience, she has a track record of successfully leading enterprise growth strategies through operational excellence, innovation and the development of high performing teams. Belinda has held executive roles in franchised retail, quick-service restaurants and the corporate services sector for companies including Famous Brands International (Mrs. Field and TCBY), Brumby’s Bakeries and Benugo. Prior to joining Sodexo Live! in January 2023, she was the CEO of Chartwells K12 School Dining.
Session 1: Dear Me
Kelsey Harmon Finn, VP Strategic Initiatives, Compass Group USA, Inc.
Kelsey Harmon Finn has committed her career to creating team cultures that have a positive impact on their environment. With a focus on creating highly functional staff teams that provide exceptional services and facilities that foster student and employee success while contributing to the financial health of the organization, she is viewed as an expert in leadership, organizational culture, and higher education. With 25 years of service in higher education, Kelsey is currently a podcast host of Campus Confidential and the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives with Compass Group USA. Prior to this role she was the CEO of National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS), where she provided leadership, vision, and ongoing strategic planning for NACAS. Kelsey holds her Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation and Master of Science in Education from Illinois State University in Normal IL.
Session 2: Embracing Now: Bee Present in the Present - Stand Tall. Lift Your Voice. Bee Heard.
Jess Legge, CEO and Co-founder, Sifted
Jess Legge, embarked on her career journey in tech, which led her to found Sifted, a national food service provider. As CEO and co-founder, she spearheads strategic expansion initiatives, driven by her passion for harnessing technology to enhance efficiency, minimize waste and elevate client satisfaction. Jess embraces the challenge of "scaling thoughtfulness" within the foodservice landscape, championing a holistic approach that blends culinary excellence with technological advancement. In her spare time, she works with other founders in both the tech and food space - working on projects using AI cameras for city curb management and providing mentorship to other prepared food brands.
Session 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes
Maureen Slocum, CEO & Publisher, Zoomba Group (Moderator)
In 2009 Maureen Slocum founded Zoomba Group, which has evolved from a one-woman consulting group into a leading original content creation company serving readers across the commercial and noncommercial foodservice industry. As CEO, she publishes the Zoomba Group media portfolio, which includes Foodservice Equipment & Supplies (FE&S) and restaurant development + design (rd+d) as well as their related websites, webcasts, e-newsletters and social media. Starting her career in the foodservice and hospitality industry prior to Zoomba Group, Maureen has extensive experience as both an operator and in foodservice distribution sales. She has steadfastly maintained throughout her career that no matter what business you are in, it’s all about the people!
Session 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes
Ellyn Elson, CEO, Coloring Concepts, Inc
Ellyn Elson, R.D., is a veteran of start-ups, and is a leadership and management consultant and past CEO of six companies over 50 years. She is committed to assisting others so that they may live and work in highly efficient environments and enjoy the benefits of sustainable lifestyles that provide the highest degree of good health and personal satisfaction. Ellyn began her career working with eldercare facilities to educate administrators the need to provide nutritious and delicious meals for their residents. This led to training dietitians and foodservice staff in over 150 facilities to upgrade their food and nutrition offerings. She continued her career as founder of Computrition, Inc. a software company specializing in management and nutrition programs for the foodservice industry. After selling Computrition in 2007, Ellyn became the CEO of several for profit enterprises, including Coloring Concepts, Inc. With her love of the foodservice industry and its members, Ellyn has spent her career opening doors for other foodservice professionals and inspiring her colleagues to take risks and find new and different approaches to solving foodservice challenges.
Session 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes
Dr. Shirley Everett, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Residential & Dining Enterprises, Stanford University
Dr. Shirley J. Everett is a visionary and transformational leader of a diverse and talented team in creating a culture of excellence through staff development and mentorship. She is the steward of a $3B asset portfolio overseeing Stanford’s largest auxiliary. Shirley has transformed R&DE into a nationally recognized industry leader housing 15k students in innovative residential environments, and providing delicious, healthy and sustainable food choices in support of students’ well-being. She serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet which governs university policy and serves as the senior adviser to the provost on equity and inclusion. In addition, Shirley founded the Stanford Food Institute, and serves on several university committees including Enterprise Risk Management and is Board Chair of the Stanford Federal Credit Union.
Session 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes
Helene Kennan, ounder, Helene Kennan has over three decades of experience in the foodservice industry and is a compulsively curious food leader. As a professional culinarian, she rose through the ranks as Regional Vice President with Bon Appetit to Chief Innovations Officer at ISS Guckenheimer. She then served as Chief Executive Officer at ISS Guckenheimer before taking the role of Global Head of Food Strategy at ISS Group. Helene's background, as a chef and operator, allows her to better identify with teams in the field. In the increasingly commoditized world of contract food and facility services, she understands communicating a higher sense of purpose is the key to differentiation and unlocking excellence in employee engagement.
Session 3: Through the Lens of WISE Eyes
Cathy Larsen, Executive Coach
Cathy Larsen has been a certified Hartman Color Code Coach for 30 years. She has been involved in corporate training and leadership development, team development, individual coaching and keynote speaking with the goal of helping others understand and implement the tools of the Hartman Color Code system. Cathy is dedicated to empowering her clients to overcome challenges using the Color Code tools of understanding their motive (their WHY) and taking 100% responsibility to achieve personal growth and improve their relationships. Additionally, she is co-founder of Edge4, a company dedicated to strengthening the coach/athlete relationship, helping athletes grow their identity past being an athlete and supporting teams in creating the culture and skills needed to connect, understand each other and grow. Cathy's curiosity, non-judgmental attitude and empowerment mindset help her clients discover their strengths and achieve their goals.
Master Class: Bee Authentic: Master Your Motives*
Meet Safely
COVID-19
By participating in this event, attendees acknowledge the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and additionally acknowledge that SHFM cannot guarantee that attendees will not be infected with Coronavirus/COVID-19.