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WISE Experience
2026 WISE Experience
WISE Voices: Expanding Leadership, Inclusion and Impact
We're reuniting 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!
In a time of constant change and uncertainty, women in workplace hospitality are rising to meet the moment. WISE is your call to action: lead with intention, strengthen your influence and use your voice to shape not only your career, but also the future of our industry. Through shared stories, skill-building, and authentic connection, explore what it means to lead boldly, champion inclusion and create meaningful impact to elevate others.
New This Year! We’re elevating your experience—the Master Class is now included with every registration.
When
March 18-19, 2026
Where
Hyatt Regency Boston
One Ave de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Registration
*Member Early Bird- $525
*Non-member Early Bird- $695
Member Regular- $595
Non-member- $795
*Early Bird registration rate cutoff is January 16, 2026
Hotel
Book your stay at the WISE Experience hotel: Hyatt Regency Boston. The special room rate is $239 per night.
Note: The WISE room block cutoff date was Wednesday, February 18. The hotel will continue to accept reservations based on availability.
Hyatt Regency Boston
One Avenue de Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Note: If you need to adjust the default dates, please make your changes using the navy-blue toolbar on the first page.
Interested in sponsorship?
Download the 2026 WISE Sponsorship Program and return your completed form to Michelle Romero, Executive Vice President, at mromero@hqtrs.com.
All 2026 SHFM Annual Sponsors receive sponsorship benefits for the WISE Experience, download the 2026 SHFM Annual Sponsorship Program.
Thank You to Our 2026 WISE Sponsors!
Alto-Shaam
Aramark
Bevi
Cal-Mil
CFS Brands
The Coca-Cola Company
Compass Group
David Rio Chai and Tea
Dynamify
Ecolab
elite|studio e
Follett Products, LLC
Food Service Solutions USA
Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine
FoodSpace
Guckenheimer
Hoshizaki Alliance
Infuse Hospitality LLC
Instawork
ITW Food Equipment Group
Kanpla
Kitchens To Go by Mobile Modular
Leanpath
MEIKO USA
Middleby
Nestle Professional Solutions
NGAssociates Foodservice Consultants, Inc.
PepsiCo
RC Fine Foods
Sodexo
UNOX
Vivreau
Welbilt, an Ali Group Company
Full Agenda
Wednesday, March 18
All events will take place at Hyatt Regency Boston unless otherwise indicated.
| 1:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
SESSION 1: Charting Your Own Path: Leadership, Resilience & Redefining What’s Possible Greta Patel, President, LifeWorks Restaurant Group Begin the WISE Experience with a brief moment of reflection to ground yourself in your personal and professional journey. You’ll take a few minutes to consider the people and experiences that shaped your path and write a note to a mentor—past or future—capturing the gratitude and lessons that guide you. Was it luck, timing, hard work, or a mix of it all? We’ll then welcome Greta Patel, President of Aramark LifeWorks, for an inspiring keynote. After starting her career in Finance and later moving into foodservice and hospitality, Greta has navigated uncertainty, challenged expectations, and led with clarity and conviction. She’ll share what it takes to own your ambition, lead authentically, and create opportunity for others. Her story—rooted in resilience, reinvention, and championing diverse voices—will set the tone for WISE, inspiring attendees to lead with confidence and step boldly into what’s next. |
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next Amelia Ekus, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, Guckenheimer (Moderator) Late Night with SHFM is back, and this year, our celebrity guests are the ultimate leading ladies: the past women presidents of SHFM! Join us for a candid and inspiring conversation with the Commander-in-Chiefs who helped shape the future of our industry. This is an intimate sit-down where these leaders will give us the real talk on their legacy, what they believe is necessary for our collective future, and the lessons learned along the way. Through their personal stories and reflections, we'll dive into the defining moments in their careers, the choices that tested their courage, and the critical balance between comfort and brave action. We will also explore how true leadership is found not just in securing the top seat, but in creating opportunities for others to RISE. In true late night form, we will be asking the questions you're all too afraid to ask (in public)! This dynamic session is one you won't want to miss. |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
Close out the day with a buzzworthy networking reception! Note: The event will take place at the UMASS Club. |
Thursday, March 19
| 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
Sound Bath with Shayla Martin Begin Day 2 with a morning sound bath meditation led by SHFM member Shayla Martin. This experience opens with a gentle guided meditation and flows into the soothing tones of seven crystal singing bowls, inviting calm, focus, and mental clarity. Whether you’re new to sound baths or a longtime fan, this session offers a quiet, restorative moment to pause and reconnect before the day begins. By settling the nervous system, we create space to show up more fully and lead with authenticity. Come as you are, let the sound guide you, and start your morning curious, centered, and ready to engage. |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
Bevin Mugford, CEO, InspireCorps Use your core strengths and compelling storytelling to find your authentic voice! We are honored to have Bevin Mugford, a renowned leadership expert, organizational consultant, TEDx speaker, and CEO of InspireCorps, as our guide for this immersive experience. Bevin is celebrated for her bold and empathetic approach, focusing on transforming leadership and organizational consulting. She will be leading us through a dynamic session designed to equip you with the tools to understand, embrace, and leverage your character strengths, and create powerful narratives that inspire action, build trust, and drive results. Participants will have the opportunity to develop practical tools that enhance influence, deepen connections, and maximize impact in both professional and personal relationships. This session promises to be an enriching experience, offering insights and strategies to unlock breakthrough performance and develop awareness and agility as leaders. |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Setting the Stage Master Class: Amplify Your Voice, Elevate Your Presence Molly Hunt, CEO, Ty Boyd, Inc. Your voice is your most powerful leadership tool and how you use it can inspire, influence and ignite change. In this energizing introduction, Molly Hunt, CEO of Ty Boyd, Inc. and a global expert in leadership communication helps you tap into the art of confidence, authentic connection. Grounded in her background in psychology and decades of executive coaching, Molly will guide you to elevate your presence, strengthen your message and communicate with clarity and purpose. |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Attend this networking lunch and connect with like-minded professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 1:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Diving Deeper Master Class: Amplify Your Voice, Elevate Your Presence Molly Hunt, CEO, Ty Boyd, Inc. Building on the previous session, we will dive deeper into making your leadership voice resonate. Learn to connect authentically, command presence and turn ideas into action. Walk away ready to speak and lead with confidence and influence that lasts. |
| 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
New England Local Extend your experience and keep the momentum going by joining the New England Local gathering immediately following the WISE event. This is a great opportunity to deepen connections and continue conversations. This event will require separate registration and a separate fee. |
Presenters
Sharon Eliatamby, Senior Program Manager, World Bank Group
Sharon Eliatamby is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of well-developed knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry. Raised in Malaysia, she comes from a multinational background and is fluent in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Cantonese, Hokkien and German. Presently, she serves as the Senior Program Manager at the World Bank Group (WBG) overseeing the Food and Catering services and the conference center at the World Bank office in Paris. Sharon's tenure before joining W.B.G. was highlighted by her leadership role as the Director of Food and Beverage at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. Her extensive experience encompasses roles with prestigious hotels, convention properties, catering organizations, high-profile events and clients. Sharon has an impressive and successful track record of leading teams to enhance service standards, quality and profitability. She is known for her outstanding interpersonal skills and professionalism, especially when handling international protocols.
Sharon is recognized as an energetic inspiration and exemplary mentor, having served as the President of SHFM. She remains actively involved as a committee member for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Council, Branding & Marketing committees, and participates in the local chapter planning committee in Washington, D.C. Sharon holds degrees from Hotel Consult Cesar Ritz College (Switzerland) and Johnson & Wales University.
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next
Amelia Ekus, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, Guckenheimer
Amelia Ekus is an innovator, self-proclaimed "hospitalitarian," and lover of food. At Guckenheimer, she works with major clients across several industries to bring hospitality to modern workplaces. Tasked with sourcing and creating innovations for the future of food, sustainability, and employee happiness, Amelia’s work spans thought leadership, partnerships, and pilots — all in pursuit of designing a more connected world through the art of hospitality.
Amelia has always enjoyed bringing people together through excellent food and drink experiences. Her extensive culinary career in New York City included management roles at prominent restaurants dell'anima, L'artusi, and Jonathan Waxman's Barbuto. Her vision for philanthropic and environmentally sound practices led her to create the position of Director of Community Development at Epicurean Management. She later became Head of Food + Beverage at Neuehouse, a private membership community, where she discovered the powerful intersection of hospitality and the workplace experience.
Amelia graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, concentrating in Activism in the Food Industry, and a minor in Social Entrepreneurship.
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next
Raquel Weiss Fusco, Vice President, Business Development, 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, Raquel serves on the SHFM Industry Advisory Board and is also a proud SHFM Past President.
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next
Molly Hunt, CEO & Executive Faculty, Ty Boyd, Inc.
Molly Hunt, CEO of Ty Boyd, Inc., is an expert in public speaking, leadership, and corporate culture, helping leaders harness communication to drive meaningful change. With over 25 years coaching executives worldwide, she has worked with professionals from top Fortune 500 companies including Compass Group, Seattle Seahawks, Mars, Nissan, Unilever, and Coca-Cola.
Holding a degree in psychology from Queens University, Molly guides leaders to overcome obstacles, develop strengths, and build authentic connections that foster trust, belonging, and high performance. Whether in the boardroom, on camera, or delivering keynotes, her empathetic, energetic approach inspires and motivates teams.
Beyond business, Molly is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and giving back to her community.
Master Class: Amplify Your Voice, Elevate Your Presence
Sally Minier, Head of Workplace Strategies, Jane Street Capital
Sally is Head of Workplace Strategies at Jane Street Capital, overseeing employee amenities and hospitality spaces. She previously served eleven years as Global Head of Office Administration, managing food service, travel, and hospitality across offices worldwide.
Before Jane Street, she founded Sweet Sally’s Bakeshop, a nationally recognized online kosher bakery, and earlier held roles at Lehman Brothers, Goldman Sachs, Viacom/MTV, and in hotel operations and events.
Sally holds a BA in Economics from Wellesley and an MS in Hospitality Industry Studies from NYU. She is a past President of the Society for Foodservice and Hospitality Management and remains active in industry organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and charity cycling events.
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next
Bevin Mugford, CEO, InspireCorps
Bevin Mugford is a leadership expert, organizational consultant and TEDx speaker who advises organizations on aligning talent, culture, and business strategy to accelerate performance.
As CEO of InspireCorps, she brings two decades of experience spanning venture-backed startups, luxury real estate, and people strategy consulting. Known for her bold, empathetic facilitation style, Bevin helps leaders develop awareness and agility to navigate complexity with clarity and unlock breakthrough performance.
SESSION 3: Rising Voices
Greta Patel, President, LifeWorks Restaurant Group (LifeWorks)
Greta Patel is President of LifeWorks Restaurant Group, a premium Aramark division known for elevating workplace hospitality. She leads with a blend of creativity, operational excellence, and client-focused strategy, guiding LifeWorks in redefining modern hospitality experiences.
Previously, Greta served as Regional Vice President for the East Region, where she expanded LifeWorks’ footprint and strengthened performance through strong team leadership and strategic growth.
She also spearheaded the launch of Cuisine Boulud New York, a joint venture with Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud, and serves on its board to support its continued growth.
Before joining LifeWorks, Greta held leadership roles across multiple industries, recognized for fostering collaboration, developing global teams, and driving innovative, high-impact solutions.
SESSION 1: Redefining Premium Hospitality in a Changing World
Victoria E. Vega, FMP, Executive Vice President, Operations Excellence, CCL Hospitality Group
Victoria Vega is a visionary leader in contract foodservice with over 30 years of experience, now serving as Executive Vice President of Operations Excellence. She curates a network of powerhouse functional support departments, unifying their expertise to deliver world-class hospitality rooted in innovation, specialization and an unwavering commitment to elevating service, strengthening operational performance, ensuring regulatory excellence and championing a modern vision of senior living through exceptional food and hospitality.
In 2020, she was awarded the hospitality industry’s highest honor as recipient of the IFMA Silver Plate for Business & Industry Foodservice Management heralding her outstanding contributions to the advancement of corporate dining. As the 39th president of the Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management, she launched the SHFM Diversity & Inclusion Council, advanced the Young Professionals Council and introduced the Rising Star Award. Victoria was honored with the Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award for her dedication to workplace hospitality, the SHFM President’s Award and has received an honorary Doctorate of Foodservice from NAFEM.
Victoria supports the Hospitality Tourism Management Department at the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Amherst as the incoming Chair of the Alumni Leadership Board. She has addressed hundreds of undergraduates and faculty as the Keynote Speaker for the Women of Isenberg Conference and guest lectures every semester. Receiving the Stephen Elmont Award is the highlight of her academic legacy.
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next
Bernadette Ventura, Managing Principal, Prism Hospitality Group
Bernadette Ventura has been a leader in the hospitality industry for over 25 years with roles spanning from “on the ground” operations to positions driving local, national, and global business.
After a ten-year progressive career with Marriott International, Bernadette held client liaison positions leading hospitality strategy and operations for American Express, Marsh & McLennan Companies, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. As the Director of Business Consulting with Cini-Little International, Bernadette consulted with numerous organizations in multiple sectors (B&I, Higher Ed, Health Care, Private Restaurants and Retailers), providing customized solutions and delivering best-in-class results.
Bernadette is currently leading Prism Hospitality Group, a consultancy specializing in customized hospitality solutions.
For 5-years, Bernadette was an influential board member at the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM), and in 2016 served as its president, where she introduced the “Rising Star” program, preparing the Society for the next generation of leaders, and brought a renewed focus to technology, leading to the first Conference APP.
In 2018, Bernadette served as a Hennessy Traveler evaluating multiple Air Force foodservice operations internationally.
Bernadette holds a BS in Business Administration and has been recognized with several industry awards, including an Honorary Doctorate of Foodservice from NAFEM.
SESSION 2: Late Night with SHFM: WISE Voices – Legacy of Leadership: One Seat to the Next
Leaders:
Jeanine Cosgrove-Albert, At Your Service Staffing
Raquel Weiss Fusco, elite studio | e
Stephanie Gilbert, Food Service Holdings
Jessica Zucker, Eurest/Compass Group
Committee:
Amanda Beni, HMG+
Gina Brinegar, Webb Foodservice Design
Gina Brophy, Becton Dickinson
Meghan Daro, The Middleby Corporation
Amelia Ekus, Guckenheimer
Maggie Fisher, Aramark
Laura Gutkowski, ITW Food Equipment Group - Traulsen
Helene Kennan, Kennan Food Strategies
Amy Lewis, Kitchens To Go
Natalia Lopresti, Jane Street
Allison Pietrucha, Sodexo
Samantha Slocum, Zoomba Group
Briana Theraube, 365 Retail Markets
Courtney Willis, Restaurant Associates