SHFM National Conference Military Spotlights
Tu Ngo
What were your top 2 or 3 takeaways from the national conference?
My top takeaways are the following:
1) There are genuine individuals who do care about the future on the next generation of hospitality leaders.
2) Building relationship is a big thing, especially for students like myself should learn quick. Ideally in the SHFM conference for those who are more introverted.
3) Be vigilant as some brands/individuals are only there for the personal gain rather than building relations/network with you.
How did the conference and its’ attendees meet or exceed your expectations?
I was skeptical in the beginning of the overall atmosphere. As I was told majority of the attendees would be friendly. I thought it was more the side of personal gain and protection of their personal brands reputations. However, majority of the attendees where genuine natural and professionally kindhearted and soft spoken. I felt like I knew most of the mentors I met there for years only speaking with them for a short period of time.
What actionable steps have you been able to take as a result of your engagement with SHFM?
I’ve been actively applying the words of wisdom from my new mentors. I’ve also, stated in contact with some, scheduling appointments to ask them questions. Questions about how to further my career, what literature to read, and overall seeing what step they took to success in their career.
What advice will you share with other students about your conference experience?
Majority of the attendees at the conference, has a genuine interest of seeing the next generation to succeeded. They’ll give you their life to work advice and all you got to do is listen and apply it to your life.
Tell us about your best day as an active-duty chef fueling our nation’s warriors?
My best day would be turning the containerized kitchen (CK) into a hibachi grill. The reason this was my best day is I was able to cheer and make my fellow joes laugh even the higher brass.
Cynthia Woods
Can you describe your opportunity for engagement with the Foodservice Industry Professionals you met at the SHFM Conference?
Thank you again for the opportunity to attend SHFM. It was a great way to see how industry keeps everything moving forward regardless of current world events. Everything was incredible!!!
From an Air Force Services veteran who now works at HQ Air Force Services, I believe that receiving information regarding innovation in technology and equipment would be huge asset. Typically, equipment/technology is outdated for military foodservice and market research is limited to what we can find unless we have opportunities like attending SHFM.
The wealth of information both shared in break-out sessions to just the welcoming and engagement of everyone as they passed by was amazing.
What advice might you offer Industry Foodservice Professionals to share with you, Innovations in Food, Equipment, Technology, or other services?
Several connections with both existing and new equipment manufactures were enhanced by seeing or hearing what is on the horizon. Our team would love to arm our personnel with even just a bit of the knowledge and resources that B&I currently have available. We would love to partner to the capability of having technology available for possibly self-operated kiosk as our challenge stems from government security measures being met. We remain hopeful in finding a solution that would fit into our world. Our Air Force team remains confident that connections made over the week at SHFM will continue to connect a much needed bridge.