Hi SHFM members,

Somehow, I blinked, and we’re already halfway through July and summer. Hoping everyone is enjoying the warmth of the season, or if you’re anywhere near me, the unbelievable humidity and frizzy hair that accompanies it… Before anything else, I want to share this: registration for the 2026 SHFM National Conference: Yes, And... The Power of Possibility is open! I am lucky in many ways, but the greatest of which is all of the people surrounding me, making the responsibility and honor of leading SHFM so very rewarding and inspiring. And, you need to look no further than our National Conference Chair, Jessica Zucker (Compass Group, Eurest) and our talented planning committee. We are thrilled to welcome you to Chicago, a first for SHFM, and to a city many of us call “home”, a city where “Yes, And” is foundational. We’ve been intentional in everything, and we can’t wait to see you October 6^th – 8^th.

So, it’s been a few months since I’ve written to the membership, and it’s hugely important to reflect and celebrate the incredible work of so many SHFM leaders. In April, we took some big swings in the big apple. Three events, over two days, in one city – our 7^th annual young professional summit, a New York local, and the 24^th edition of our Critical Issues Conference. One word – exceptional.

Our Young Professional Summit, hosted by American Express and led by Sam Euler (HMG+) went above and beyond in both preparation and execution. Sam, along with an all-star committee, curated a day of valuable content - C-suite leadership and industry insights, networking with intention, and a masterclass in personal and social branding. It was inspiring to see new young professional faces emerge to lead panels, introduce sessions and contribute thought leadership so impactfully. The day also included recognition of our outstanding Young Professional of the Year, Amanda Beni (HMG+), who (for years) has been committed to elevating SHFM through acts of service, both in front, but mostly, behind the scenes. It was sure time for her to be recognized properly! Immediately following the YP event, we held a New York local, which nearly 250 showed up for! It was a magical (no, really, there was a magician) networking opportunity and a beautiful April New York night at Le District!

Our Critical Issues Conference: The Efficiency Imperative occurred the following morning at People, Inc. 200+ leaders joined for an incredible day challenging us to reimagine the  “do more with less” mentality and instead, to be smarter, more efficient, thoughtful and empowered to harness change. Amy Lewis (Kitchens To Go by Mobile Modular) led the CIC committee through six months of planning and iterations, always respecting and honoring all ideas and voices. The result was flawless. We leaned into AI as a tool and an enabler, talked about trends at both the consumer and industry level, and we heard from JPMC and Airbnb clients about their strategies to keep people-centered hospitality at the heart of transformation. We took a calculated risk, and for the first time, invited Phil Kirschner (PK Consulting LLC), to thread the sessions as a host, and it really landed – this CIC was the highest rated Critical Issues event in many years. And we celebrated two more awards! Congratulations to Lauren Beckwith (Guckenheimer) for winning the SHFM Spirit Award, and to the duo of Olivia Desormey (GravyWork) and Xiomara Vazquez-Battle (Guckenheimer) for earning the SHFM Community Service Award. Keep your eyes peeled on these talented women – they are forces for excellence in SHFM and our industry.

Across all events, we benefited from the incredible professionalism, generosity and creativity of so many. Equal parts congratulations and appreciation to the speakers, committee members, leaders, FSA team, hosts and culinarians for two iconic days in New York that will not soon be forgotten. And of course, to our sponsors, of which nothing happens without – thank you!

In May of each year, many of our members converge on Chicago for the National Restaurant Association, which gives SHFM an incredible opportunity to both host a breakfast event and network across the many events of the week and weekend. A few stand-out moments:

• Antonio Edwards (JBH Advisory Group), SHFM Foundation Military Board Advisor, sharing his personal journey transitioning from the U.S. Air Force into the industry through a Skillbridge opportunity with JBH Advisory Group, a connection fostered through SHFM. *We have a great opportunity and responsibility to attract military foodservice, facilities and operations talent to our industry and hope Antonio will just be one of many stories as we continue the partnership between the Foundation and our service branches.
• Past President Sharon Eliatamby (The World Bank) being recognized as Top Operator Achiever at FE&S’ Dealer of the Year Gala and Past President Sally Minier (Jane Street) for winning IFMA’s Silver Plate for B&I. These are rare career achievements, and so well deserved; we are so proud! Congratulations again, Sally and Sharon!

There is more, of course, because we stay (intentionally) busy around SHFM, especially as it relates to our most critical strategies. Our Board of Directors will vote to approve the slate of incoming board members at our next meeting, and they continue to be hugely supportive of our executive leadership team’s initiatives related to our client strategy, Rising Stars and the SHFM brand. From an event perspective, our newly launched client task force has executed two (new) virtual client roundtable events, with a third coming soon. Our IAB completed their third installment of Industry Insights with Infuse Hospitality. And we have had three additional locals – Philly, Nashville and Denver. WOW!

Additional upcoming events:

Thursday, 7/30: Conversations that Matter: Prioritizing Mental Health in Hospitality

Friday, 8/7: Client Roundtable (*client liaisons only)

Thursday, 8/27: North Texas Local

Thursday, 9/17: Charlotte Local

Tuesday, 10/6-10/8: 2026 SHFM National Conference

Monday, 11/9: SHFM Foundation Gala

If you’ve made it this far, I’m glad, because this part is important. SHFM is so much more than one person, and I remain, honored to be the current voice of the activity and contribution of many others. To all of our dedicated leaders, volunteers, sponsors and FSA, thank you. Please continue to have a safe and joyous summer, and I’ll look forward to seeing you soon… in Chicago, in October, did I mention there’s a National Conference? GO CUBS!

All my best,
Jenna