I hope this newsletter finds you doing well and you are enjoying 2025! Our industry continues to evolve in many exciting ways. These past weeks and months have proven to be a great time to be in the hospitality industry.

Our committees have been very active planning a full years of events and educational opportunities. Check out our website for upcoming events. SHFM Locals are a great way to stay active and get involved in your society!

January started out with our second annual WISE Experience, held in beautiful Napa Valley, CA. Rising Together: A Call to All Bee-words! This provided a unique experience to celebrate achievements while fostering a spirit of collaboration and empowerment. Thank you to Immediate Past President Raquel Weiss Fusco and the entire committee for executing a great experience for all those who attended.

Our Critical Issues Conference planning committee led by Gina Brophy has put together an outstanding program, Table Talk: Inclusivity and Impact of Food in the Workplace. This year’s conference brings together industry leaders and subject matter experts to tackle pressing challenges and innovations in workplace hospitality. With food allergies and sensitives affecting millions, this raises critical questions about how workplace dining can foster safe and inclusive settings. Food is so much more than just fuel - it’s the foundation of how we feel, think and function each day. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate the workplace dining experience and lead the charge to actionable insights. Join us on April 2 at our gracious host location Citi!

New this year, our Young Professionals Summit will be held on the same day as Critical Issues Conference. This year’s summit, led by Lauren Beckwith and a powerful committee will explore the key dimensions of whole-person health. Through insights from industry experts, peer networking and interactive session, young professionals will learn strategies to foster meaningful relationships and enhance productivity to thrive both in the workplace and home.

This year’s conference planning committee has really hit the ground running. Under the leadership of Stephanie Gilbert, the team is assembling a conference you will want to attend! Be sure to save the dates of September 16-18th in Great Palm Springs, CA.

The SHFM Foundation Fellowship Program recognizes the important role students, culinary professionals and members of our armed forces play in the success of our Foundation’s mission to develop the next generation of diverse hospitality professionals by empowering individuals through awareness, education and relationship building. This fellowship program has been established to recognize and reward students and members of the armed forces. This year nine fellows were selected. Be sure to look for these folks and say hello.

I am looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming SHFM event! Get involved and stay involved in your Society.

Best,

Shayne Varnum
SHFM President