I hope this newsletter finds you doing well and enjoying the start of summer! As the calendar turns to June, many of us are celebrating graduations and wedding season. Our industry is providing hospitality and is busy adapting to our clients’ needs. SHFM is the association to attend to learn from our subject matter experts.

The NRA Show was an incredibly busy time for many of you, and I appreciate those that were able to attend our annual networking breakfast! May was also Military Appreciation Month, and we had an opportunity to hear from our own Hennessy Traveler, Kevin D’Onofrio. Thank you to the SHFM Foundation for once again sponsoring our Hennessy Traveler.

Our committees have been very active planning a full year of events and educational opportunities. Be sure to check out our Industry Advisory Board (IAB) virtual session Industry Insights, beginning July 18th. This will be a 4-part series to support suppliers in the evolving foodservice landscape. Each session will offer practical insights from the contractor community on onboarding, growth strategies and navigating key challenges. Check out our website for additional details and for other upcoming events. SHFM Locals are a great way to stay active and get involved in your society!

Our Critical Issues Conference Advisory Committee, led by Gina Brophy, put together an outstanding program, Table Talk: Inclusivity and Impact of Food in the Workplace. This year’s conference brought together industry leaders and subject matter experts to tackle pressing challenges and innovations in workplace hospitality. With food allergies and sensitives affecting millions, the conference raised 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.

The SHFM National Conference on September 16-18th in Palm Springs, California is quickly approaching! The conference website and registration are now live! Please be sure to register for the conference and secure your hotel room, our block is filling up rapidly. A few highlights to share with you include Kyle Scheele as our Opening Keynoter, Michele Gendreau will conduct a General Session, Chef Kwame Onwuachi will be a lively session that you will want to experience and we will have the pleasure of a Client Liaison Panel with Helen Wechsler from Google as our moderator with Sally Minier and one additional client, along with designer Christine Gurtler.

This year’s Industry Networking Event will have a Mid-Century Modern Theme. You will want to experience networking and taste the fabulous food prepared by our amazing culinary teams which highlights some of our industries’ Culinary Rising Stars! Of course, Hunger Games is always a conference favorite that is not only fun for our attendees but supports a great cause, this year our beneficiary organization will be Food Now, which we also supported in 2019.

This year’s Conference Planning Committee, led by Stephanie Gilbert, has put together a packed agenda with some great sessions. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Finally, our SHFM Foundation has been hard at work planning the annual Foundation Gala. Be sure to save the date November 10th, in New York City. The gala raises money every year to help support its mission. It is a special evening that you will want to attend.

I am looking forward to seeing you at an upcoming SHFM event and especially our 2025 National Conference! Get involved and stay involved in your Society.

Best,

Shayne Varnum
SHFM President