Prosper Forum
August 25-28, 2024
August 25, Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Presented by: J&J Snack Foods Corp.
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
3:10 PM - 3:20 PM
Mike Manzo, Chief Operating Officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc.
3:20 PM - 3:45 PM
Mike Axiotis, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands
Carlos Bernal, CEO, Areas USA, Inc.
Matthew Daniel, Managing Director, Citi
Elliott Gaskins, SVP Resource Development and Growth, Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry
Lynwood Mallard, SVP & CMO, J&J Snack Foods Corp.
Aleshia McMath, VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Compass Group North America
Reggie Stover, Chief People Officer, Henny Penny
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Presented by:
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery®
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
David Jobe, Co-Founder & CEO, Prosper Forum
James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer, YUM! Brands, Inc.
Hattie Hill, CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises and Prosper Company Board Member
Carol Dover, President & CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Perry Miele, Board Member / Advisor, Former President & CEO of Nestlé Professional Solutions
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Allison Walker Beacham, A 3-time Emmy Award Winning Television Host and Anchor
Michael Beacham, Chief Operating Officer, California Pizza Kitchen
Experience a story of resilience, courage, and love in the face of unthinkable challenge and adversity, as we explore the heartbreaking and compelling account of a family, much like all of us, experiencing a life-altering event as they fought and refused to give up for a year to save the life of their baby daughter who was given no chance of survival. Join us for this special session as Michael and Allison Beacham open up and share their story with the Prosper community. You will leave inspired and motivated, with a renewed sense of what truly matters and perhaps a few significant key take-aways to apply to life and business.
Presented by: California Pizza Kitchen
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by:
Sysco Corporation
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Presented by:
PepsiCo Foodservice
August 26, Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Presented by:
First Watch Restaurants, Inc. and Hormel Foods
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
David Jobe, Co-Founder & CEO, Prosper Forum
James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer, YUM! Brands, Inc.
Hattie Hill, CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises and Prosper Company Board Member
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Moderated by:
Anne Fink, President, Global Foodservice, PepsiCo
Panelists:
John Chidsey, CEO, Subway
David Deno, CEO, Bloomin’ Brands
Aaron Powell, Global Chief Executive Officer, Pizza Hut
At Prosper, we’ll explore key themes of Transformation, Innovation, and “creating space for humanity.” These are more than just principles or aspirational buzzwords; they are essential strategies recognized by top brands and leaders for seizing upcoming opportunities to drive their business. Join us to hear from an esteemed panel of leaders from some of the world’s largest and most influential brands as they share their priorities for thriving in this evolving landscape.
Presented by: PepsiCo Foodservice
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and President & CEO, Marshalling Resources Consulting, Retired AT&T Executive and Author
Moderated by:
Hattie Hill, CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises and Prosper Company Board Member
A conversation with Cynt Marshall who will share her journey to overcome obstacles and become the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. An inspiring message, when you have been intentionally chosen to make a difference and drive business results. Cynt has spent her entire life beating personal and professional odds, yet helping others along the way.
Presented By: DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Presented by: ezCater, Inc.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Presented by: DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS
10:30 AM - 12:45 PM
10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Today’s consumers are looking for unexpected and delightful experiences with their food, whether on the shelf or in a restaurant. Food innovation can deliver the novelty and excitement that consumers seek by breaking through menu repetition, but what truly resonates with consumers is when that innovation is driven by collaboration. When done well, it can be the foundation and an accelerator that resonates with consumers to drive buzz, interest and ultimately foot traffic and purchase behavior. Unleashing the full potential of partnership and innovation, organizations must prioritize a deep understanding of operational capabilities for itself and its partners, a commitment to creativity, and keeping the consumer at the center of every decision along the way.
Jessica Waller, General Manager of Away From Home, Kellanova
Presented by: Kellanova
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Anne Filipic, CEO, Share Our Strength / No Kid Hungry
Elliott Gaskins, SVP and Acting Chief Revenue Officer, Share Our Strength / No Kid Hungry
Charles Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Presented by: SkyTab
2:00 PM - 3:40 PM
2:00 PM - 2:40 PM
Opening: Matthew Haller, President & CEO, IFA
Introduction: Ray Johnson, President & COO, Just Love, Coffee Cafés and Founder & Owner, ReCee’s Leadership Consulting Group
Moderated by: Kevin Johnson, CEO of Fixins Restaurant Group, Founder and General Partner, Black Capital
Michelle Rhee, Venture Partner, EO Ventures
How can we build the next generation of diverse industry leaders? This session delves into the founding of Fixins Soul Kitchen, one of the country’s top 100 restaurants, and how they have successfully utilized the apprenticeship model for their expansion. Promoting from within is ideal but it’s hard without the right infrastructure. Learn how apprenticeships are uniquely suited to our industry and can build future leaders through the belief in their potential rather than their credentials.
Presented By: International Franchise Association
2:40 PM - 3:40 PM
Intro: Hillary Wirtz, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Breakthru Beverage Group
Dr. James H. Pogue, CEO, JP Enterprises
Deep Connections between Leaders and Teams help teams and organizations win. The evidence for this is clear.
Your ability to connect as a Leader and Team member is your Connection Quotient (CQ).Building muscles around your CQ enhances your opportunity to deeply connect with your team…and win.
It’s time to get in the gym.
This session will dive neck deep into what it takes to connect as a Leader…for the benefit of the team, the person in the mirror…and the future of the industry.
Presented By: Breakthru Beverages
3:40 PM - 4:15 PM
Hosted by: Smalls Sliders
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Inclusion of all employees is a workplace imperative to promote productivity and engagement. There are many invisible differences we do not see, such as religion, LGBTQ, neurodivergent and many more. Today’s leaders seek to enhance our understanding and seek belonging for ALL communities.
Moderator: Luke Kircher, Co-Founder & President, Prosper Forum
Panelists:
Christie Cook, Vice President of Human Resources, Dine Brands Global
Alex Eagle, CEO, Freebirds World Burrito
Nicole Ward, Storyteller/Data Journalist Research & Innovation, Dallas Regional Chamber
Presented by: SkyTab
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Learn how The Cheesecake Factory’s Nourish program, powered by Copia, showcases the scalability of sustainability initiatives. This conversation will delve into the program’s success in seeing surplus as a valuable resource, supporting the community, and protecting the environment, while also ensuring legislative compliance.
Kimberly Smith, CEO, Copia
Megan Bloomer PhD, Vice President of Sustainability & CSR, The Cheesecake Factory
Presented By: Copia
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
A regenerative, healthy food system that helps replenish the soil, supports stability and livelihoods, and enhances the health of the environment is critical to sustaining the future of food production and a healthier planet. From adopting regenerative agriculture practices on the farm, to driving collective action along the value chain, this panel discussion will dive into what it takes to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable food system, how sourcing ingredients fits in, and the importance of creating shared value to drive meaningful progress.
Moderator: Liz Moskow – Futurist, Founder of Saase, and Principal, Bread & Circus Future Food Advisory
Panelists:
Louis Basile, Founder & President, Wildflower
Chastity McLeod, Vice President of Sustainability for Nestlé – Zone North America
Shara Orem, Sr. Director of Community Engagement, Datassential
Presented by: Nestlé Professional Solutions
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Presented by: Proactive AI Lab
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by: Nestle Professional Solutions and Breakthru Beverages
August 27, Tuesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Presented By: DYMA Brands
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
We all know that people are any organization’s most crucial asset. Hear from leaders across the corners of foodservice – restaurant, hotel, and Convenience on: New approaches to the workforce during divergent and challenged economic and political environments; Building and maintaining a premier employer brand attract the best talent; Skill building and leadership development to build a culture of innovation and collaboration; Building a business of belonging.
Moderated by: Sarah Lockyer, Chief Brand Officer, The Elliot Group
Panelists:
Derek Gaskins, Chief Marketing Officer, Yesway
Telesa Via, Head of Sales, IHG Hotels
Charles Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Presented By: The Elliot Group
8:45 - 9:15 AM
Strong operational foundations all have one thing in common: a reliance on mutual trust. Regardless of the relationship – whether between store managers and employees or between restaurant operators and industry partners – professionals from a variety of fields remain laser focused on building, maintaining, and developing trust over time. This will be an engaging duscission highlighting the unique ways they have each developed meaningful connections – even in times of hardship.
Moderated by: Fred LeFranc, Chaos Strategist & CEO, Results Thru Strategy
Panelists:
Josh Halpern, CEO, Big Chicken
Jeffrey Kiesel, President & CEO, Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
Sanjay Kotte, Head of Strategic Partnerships at DoorDash
Presented by:
Restaurant Technologies, Inc. and DoorDash
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Three major tech shifts—Blockchain, XR (Extended Reality), and AI—are revolutionizing how brands connect with consumers. Embracing this trifecta will enable brands to thrive in the digital landscape.
Moderator: Paul Barron, CEO & Executive Producer, Savor.fm
Panelists:
Geoff Alexander, President & CEO, Wow Bao
Robin Schweitzer, Sr Director Sales Enablement & Strategy, Paytronix
André Vener, Founding Partner, Dog Haus
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Innovative Employee Engagement Techniques: Explore how Taco Bell and B142 are implementing cutting-edge strategies to boost morale and retain talent, including flexible scheduling, career development programs.
Profit-Driven Happiness Models: Examine the relationship between employee satisfaction and financial performance, showcasing data-driven outcomes from these industry leaders’ investment in their workforce.
Sustainability and Scalability: Learn about the sustainable practices these corporations are adopting to ensure long-term employee happiness and profitability, and how these can be scaled across different markets and business sizes.”
Mitesh Gala, Founder & CEO, Altametrics
Presented by: Altametrics
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Presented by: J&J Snack Foods Corp.
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Continued resilience from the consumer side in the face of rising economic pressures has buoyed the industry over the last year or so. Join AlixPartners as they explore how more than 15 years of restaurant consumer research and targeted operator and employee surveys around the Prosper Forum describe a different landscape in the industry today. The resilience of consumer spending for many demographics shows that the mindset has been more permanently changed with experiences and convenience winning over frequency. On the other hand, lower income consumers are far more concerned with their financial needs and choose to eat out either less frequently or to seek value options.
However, the restaurant industry’s record-breaking job trend has slowed here in mid-2024 leading many to wonder exactly what it may mean for them. Companies that engage their employees in a rich and more meaningful way are better prepared to grow their teams and businesses in spite of the mixed signals in the market.
Co-Presenters:
Chris Tomasso, President & CEO, First Watch Restaurants, Inc.
TJ Wommack, Partner, AlixPartners
Derrick Yarbrough, Director, AlixPartners
Presented By: AlixPartners
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
John Barone, President, MarketVision
John Barone, President of Market Vision, Inc., will delve into the Macro-Economic, Geo-Political, and Major Commodity Landscapes of the Future. This session will provide invaluable insights for all restaurant operators, offering a unique opportunity to understand the critical factors shaping our industry. Don’t miss out on this essential foresight!
Presented By: DYMA Brands
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Presented By: Mountaire Farms
1:30 PM - 3:15 PM
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
In this session, distinguished women leaders from the restaurant industry come together to share their insights and experiences on navigating challenges, fostering innovation, and driving success in a competitive market. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, these trailblazers will explore strategies for overcoming barriers, cultivating inclusive cultures, and harnessing diversity as a strategic advantage. Attendees will gain practical wisdom and actionable advice from these esteemed panelists, empowering them to elevate their own leadership and make a lasting impact within their organizations.
Moderator: Teri Trullinger, Group Vice President, Field Sales, Cargill Foodservice
Panelists:
Kirsten Michulka, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Purchasing Cooperative
Tracy Skeans, Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer, YUM! Brands, Inc.
Presented By: Cargill Foodservice
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Often there are unique considerations as we interact with various key stakeholders, with differing views, goals, and objectives, and how to monitor the impact and effectiveness of the results. This dynamic oceanside chat will explore how to effectively navigate expectations and considerations of stakeholders while enhancing the company’s financial performance.
Moderator: Michael Gottlieb, Managing Director, National Hospitality Advisory, CohnReznick LLP
Gregg Majewski, Founder and CEO, Craveworthy Brands
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Join us for a pivotal session exploring the dynamic landscape of the restaurant industry as we delve into critical insights from CEOs of state restaurant associations as they navigate through unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Gain strategic perspectives on how to not just survive but thrive in an era of shifting consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements. Discover actionable strategies to ensure your organization remains a driving force at the table, not merely an option on the menu.
Moderator:
Joe Monastero, OSI, Chief Revenue Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Panelists:
John D. Barker, President & CEO, Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
Stan Harris, President & CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association
Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Presented By: Golden Corral Corporation
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Presented by: Kellanova
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Delve into the nuanced challenges and personal journeys of leadership in today’s foodservice industry. From managing high-stakes decisions to fostering team morale, discover how these leaders navigate the delicate balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities. Gain valuable insights into their strategies for maintaining authenticity, resilience, and inspiration within their peer groups. This session offers real-world perspectives and practical wisdom for leaders striving to lead with purpose and impact in challenging times.
Moderated by: Chip Wade, CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group
Panelists:
Heather Neary, President & CEO, Taco Johns International
Kevin Brown, CEO, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Johann Moonesinghe, CEO, InKind
Ricky Richardson, CEO, Eggs Up Grill
Presented By: Citi
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Ryan Leak, CEO, The Ryan Leak Group
When it comes to the energy we give to our careers, there are levels to it. Most people find themselves coasting and doing what they have to do to survive not realizing there’s a life they could live where they get to do everything and can actually thrive. Leveling Up is a keynote designed to help audiences have the life and career they’ve always wanted through the art of asking the right questions.These are questions stemming from Ryan Leak’s Wall Street Journal Best-Selling book Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate Your Personal and Professional Development. Some of those key questions are:
The Self-Awareness Question: What’s it like to be on the other side of me?
The Vision Question: What’s my definition of success?
The Team Player Question: What credit can I give away?
The Focus Question: What has the most of my attention?
You may not be responsible for the level you are at today, but you are responsible for the level you go to tomorrow.
Presented By: Foode
5:30 PM- 6:30 PM
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Presented By: Foode
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented By: Ecolab, HennyPenny, and Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Presented By: California Restaurant Association and Zaller Law Group, PC
August 28, Wednesday
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Ever wondered what leadership qualities CEO’s look for, have learned, or value most? Join us for a dynamic conversation with Greg Creed, former CEO of Yum! Brands Inc. and current CEO of Creed Unco, as he reveals the 10 most critical leadership traits. In this exclusive session, Mr. Creed will share his personal experiences and discuss why these traits are essential for high-impact leadership. Engage in a deep dive into these insights and discover how they can elevate your own leadership approach and enhance your executive toolkit.
Moderated by: James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer, YUM Brands
Presenter: Greg Creed, Global Marketer, Author, and Retired CEO
Presented By: Workstream
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Active Intentional Leaders are grounded in Trust, centered on the Individual, and guided by their Core Values. In this session we will explore how leadership is a full-contact sport, always active and intentional. From the dish room to the boardroom, Paul has learned the value of understanding each person as a unique individual, which is crucial to developing leaders who will support teams to thrive in a complex world. We will learn how this approach was received and how it has prepared future leaders in the hospitality industry from Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech.
Paul Carolan, Principal, Paul Carolan Consulting & Adjunct ProfessorPamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
Mac Brand, Founding Partner, Bellwether Food Group Inc.
Panelists:
Elena Bradley, Student, Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
Aiden Buckner, Student, Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
Katie Hearns, Student, Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Presented by: J&J Snack Foods Corp.
3:00 PM - 3:10 PM
3:10 PM - 3:20 PM
Mike Manzo, Chief Operating Officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc.
3:20 PM - 3:45 PM
Mike Axiotis, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands
Carlos Bernal, CEO, Areas USA, Inc.
Matthew Daniel, Managing Director, Citi
Elliott Gaskins, SVP Resource Development and Growth, Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry
Lynwood Mallard, SVP & CMO, J&J Snack Foods Corp.
Aleshia McMath, VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Compass Group North America
Reggie Stover, Chief People Officer, Henny Penny
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Presented by:
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery®
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
David Jobe, Co-Founder & CEO, Prosper Forum
James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer, YUM! Brands, Inc.
Hattie Hill, CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises and Prosper Company Board Member
Carol Dover, President & CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Perry Miele, Board Member / Advisor, Former President & CEO of Nestlé Professional Solutions
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Allison Walker Beacham, A 3-time Emmy Award Winning Television Host and Anchor
Michael Beacham, Chief Operating Officer, California Pizza Kitchen
Experience a story of resilience, courage, and love in the face of unthinkable challenge and adversity, as we explore the heartbreaking and compelling account of a family, much like all of us, experiencing a life-altering event as they fought and refused to give up for a year to save the life of their baby daughter who was given no chance of survival. Join us for this special session as Michael and Allison Beacham open up and share their story with the Prosper community. You will leave inspired and motivated, with a renewed sense of what truly matters and perhaps a few significant key take-aways to apply to life and business.
Presented by: California Pizza Kitchen
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by:
Sysco Corporation
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Presented by:
PepsiCo Foodservice
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Presented by:
First Watch Restaurants, Inc. and Hormel Foods
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
David Jobe, Co-Founder & CEO, Prosper Forum
James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer, YUM! Brands, Inc.
Hattie Hill, CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises and Prosper Company Board Member
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Moderated by:
Anne Fink, President, Global Foodservice, PepsiCo
Panelists:
John Chidsey, CEO, Subway
David Deno, CEO, Bloomin’ Brands
Aaron Powell, Global Chief Executive Officer, Pizza Hut
At Prosper, we’ll explore key themes of Transformation, Innovation, and “creating space for humanity.” These are more than just principles or aspirational buzzwords; they are essential strategies recognized by top brands and leaders for seizing upcoming opportunities to drive their business. Join us to hear from an esteemed panel of leaders from some of the world’s largest and most influential brands as they share their priorities for thriving in this evolving landscape.
Presented by: PepsiCo Foodservice
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and President & CEO, Marshalling Resources Consulting, Retired AT&T Executive and Author
Moderated by:
Hattie Hill, CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises and Prosper Company Board Member
A conversation with Cynt Marshall who will share her journey to overcome obstacles and become the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. An inspiring message, when you have been intentionally chosen to make a difference and drive business results. Cynt has spent her entire life beating personal and professional odds, yet helping others along the way.
Presented By: DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Presented by: ezCater, Inc.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Presented by: DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS
10:30 AM - 12:45 PM
10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Today’s consumers are looking for unexpected and delightful experiences with their food, whether on the shelf or in a restaurant. Food innovation can deliver the novelty and excitement that consumers seek by breaking through menu repetition, but what truly resonates with consumers is when that innovation is driven by collaboration. When done well, it can be the foundation and an accelerator that resonates with consumers to drive buzz, interest and ultimately foot traffic and purchase behavior. Unleashing the full potential of partnership and innovation, organizations must prioritize a deep understanding of operational capabilities for itself and its partners, a commitment to creativity, and keeping the consumer at the center of every decision along the way.
Jessica Waller, General Manager of Away From Home, Kellanova
Presented by: Kellanova
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Anne Filipic, CEO, Share Our Strength / No Kid Hungry
Elliott Gaskins, SVP and Acting Chief Revenue Officer, Share Our Strength / No Kid Hungry
Charles Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Presented by: SkyTab
2:00 PM - 3:40 PM
2:00 PM - 2:40 PM
Opening: Matthew Haller, President & CEO, IFA
Introduction: Ray Johnson, President & COO, Just Love, Coffee Cafés and Founder & Owner, ReCee’s Leadership Consulting Group
Moderated by: Kevin Johnson, CEO of Fixins Restaurant Group, Founder and General Partner, Black Capital
Michelle Rhee, Venture Partner, EO Ventures
How can we build the next generation of diverse industry leaders? This session delves into the founding of Fixins Soul Kitchen, one of the country’s top 100 restaurants, and how they have successfully utilized the apprenticeship model for their expansion. Promoting from within is ideal but it’s hard without the right infrastructure. Learn how apprenticeships are uniquely suited to our industry and can build future leaders through the belief in their potential rather than their credentials.
Presented By: International Franchise Association
2:40 PM - 3:40 PM
Intro: Hillary Wirtz, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Breakthru Beverage Group
Dr. James H. Pogue, CEO, JP Enterprises
Deep Connections between Leaders and Teams help teams and organizations win. The evidence for this is clear.
Your ability to connect as a Leader and Team member is your Connection Quotient (CQ).Building muscles around your CQ enhances your opportunity to deeply connect with your team…and win.
It’s time to get in the gym.
This session will dive neck deep into what it takes to connect as a Leader…for the benefit of the team, the person in the mirror…and the future of the industry.
Presented By: Breakthru Beverages
3:40 PM - 4:15 PM
Hosted by: Smalls Sliders
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Inclusion of all employees is a workplace imperative to promote productivity and engagement. There are many invisible differences we do not see, such as religion, LGBTQ, neurodivergent and many more. Today’s leaders seek to enhance our understanding and seek belonging for ALL communities.
Moderator: Luke Kircher, Co-Founder & President, Prosper Forum
Panelists:
Christie Cook, Vice President of Human Resources, Dine Brands Global
Alex Eagle, CEO, Freebirds World Burrito
Nicole Ward, Storyteller/Data Journalist Research & Innovation, Dallas Regional Chamber
Presented by: SkyTab
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Learn how The Cheesecake Factory’s Nourish program, powered by Copia, showcases the scalability of sustainability initiatives. This conversation will delve into the program’s success in seeing surplus as a valuable resource, supporting the community, and protecting the environment, while also ensuring legislative compliance.
Kimberly Smith, CEO, Copia
Megan Bloomer PhD, Vice President of Sustainability & CSR, The Cheesecake Factory
Presented By: Copia
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
A regenerative, healthy food system that helps replenish the soil, supports stability and livelihoods, and enhances the health of the environment is critical to sustaining the future of food production and a healthier planet. From adopting regenerative agriculture practices on the farm, to driving collective action along the value chain, this panel discussion will dive into what it takes to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable food system, how sourcing ingredients fits in, and the importance of creating shared value to drive meaningful progress.
Moderator: Liz Moskow – Futurist, Founder of Saase, and Principal, Bread & Circus Future Food Advisory
Panelists:
Louis Basile, Founder & President, Wildflower
Chastity McLeod, Vice President of Sustainability for Nestlé – Zone North America
Shara Orem, Sr. Director of Community Engagement, Datassential
Presented by: Nestlé Professional Solutions
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Presented by: Proactive AI Lab
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented by: Nestle Professional Solutions and Breakthru Beverages
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Presented By: DYMA Brands
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
We all know that people are any organization’s most crucial asset. Hear from leaders across the corners of foodservice – restaurant, hotel, and Convenience on: New approaches to the workforce during divergent and challenged economic and political environments; Building and maintaining a premier employer brand attract the best talent; Skill building and leadership development to build a culture of innovation and collaboration; Building a business of belonging.
Moderated by: Sarah Lockyer, Chief Brand Officer, The Elliot Group
Panelists:
Derek Gaskins, Chief Marketing Officer, Yesway
Telesa Via, Head of Sales, IHG Hotels
Charles Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Presented By: The Elliot Group
8:45 - 9:15 AM
Strong operational foundations all have one thing in common: a reliance on mutual trust. Regardless of the relationship – whether between store managers and employees or between restaurant operators and industry partners – professionals from a variety of fields remain laser focused on building, maintaining, and developing trust over time. This will be an engaging duscission highlighting the unique ways they have each developed meaningful connections – even in times of hardship.
Moderated by: Fred LeFranc, Chaos Strategist & CEO, Results Thru Strategy
Panelists:
Josh Halpern, CEO, Big Chicken
Jeffrey Kiesel, President & CEO, Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
Sanjay Kotte, Head of Strategic Partnerships at DoorDash
Presented by:
Restaurant Technologies, Inc. and DoorDash
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Three major tech shifts—Blockchain, XR (Extended Reality), and AI—are revolutionizing how brands connect with consumers. Embracing this trifecta will enable brands to thrive in the digital landscape.
Moderator: Paul Barron, CEO & Executive Producer, Savor.fm
Panelists:
Geoff Alexander, President & CEO, Wow Bao
Robin Schweitzer, Sr Director Sales Enablement & Strategy, Paytronix
André Vener, Founding Partner, Dog Haus
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Innovative Employee Engagement Techniques: Explore how Taco Bell and B142 are implementing cutting-edge strategies to boost morale and retain talent, including flexible scheduling, career development programs.
Profit-Driven Happiness Models: Examine the relationship between employee satisfaction and financial performance, showcasing data-driven outcomes from these industry leaders’ investment in their workforce.
Sustainability and Scalability: Learn about the sustainable practices these corporations are adopting to ensure long-term employee happiness and profitability, and how these can be scaled across different markets and business sizes.”
Mitesh Gala, Founder & CEO, Altametrics
Presented by: Altametrics
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Presented by: J&J Snack Foods Corp.
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Continued resilience from the consumer side in the face of rising economic pressures has buoyed the industry over the last year or so. Join AlixPartners as they explore how more than 15 years of restaurant consumer research and targeted operator and employee surveys around the Prosper Forum describe a different landscape in the industry today. The resilience of consumer spending for many demographics shows that the mindset has been more permanently changed with experiences and convenience winning over frequency. On the other hand, lower income consumers are far more concerned with their financial needs and choose to eat out either less frequently or to seek value options.
However, the restaurant industry’s record-breaking job trend has slowed here in mid-2024 leading many to wonder exactly what it may mean for them. Companies that engage their employees in a rich and more meaningful way are better prepared to grow their teams and businesses in spite of the mixed signals in the market.
Co-Presenters:
Chris Tomasso, President & CEO, First Watch Restaurants, Inc.
TJ Wommack, Partner, AlixPartners
Derrick Yarbrough, Director, AlixPartners
Presented By: AlixPartners
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
John Barone, President, MarketVision
John Barone, President of Market Vision, Inc., will delve into the Macro-Economic, Geo-Political, and Major Commodity Landscapes of the Future. This session will provide invaluable insights for all restaurant operators, offering a unique opportunity to understand the critical factors shaping our industry. Don’t miss out on this essential foresight!
Presented By: DYMA Brands
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Presented By: Mountaire Farms
1:30 PM - 3:15 PM
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
In this session, distinguished women leaders from the restaurant industry come together to share their insights and experiences on navigating challenges, fostering innovation, and driving success in a competitive market. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, these trailblazers will explore strategies for overcoming barriers, cultivating inclusive cultures, and harnessing diversity as a strategic advantage. Attendees will gain practical wisdom and actionable advice from these esteemed panelists, empowering them to elevate their own leadership and make a lasting impact within their organizations.
Moderator: Teri Trullinger, Group Vice President, Field Sales, Cargill Foodservice
Panelists:
Kirsten Michulka, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Purchasing Cooperative
Tracy Skeans, Chief Operating Officer & Chief People Officer, YUM! Brands, Inc.
Presented By: Cargill Foodservice
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Often there are unique considerations as we interact with various key stakeholders, with differing views, goals, and objectives, and how to monitor the impact and effectiveness of the results. This dynamic oceanside chat will explore how to effectively navigate expectations and considerations of stakeholders while enhancing the company’s financial performance.
Moderator: Michael Gottlieb, Managing Director, National Hospitality Advisory, CohnReznick LLP
Gregg Majewski, Founder and CEO, Craveworthy Brands
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Join us for a pivotal session exploring the dynamic landscape of the restaurant industry as we delve into critical insights from CEOs of state restaurant associations as they navigate through unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Gain strategic perspectives on how to not just survive but thrive in an era of shifting consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements. Discover actionable strategies to ensure your organization remains a driving force at the table, not merely an option on the menu.
Moderator:
Joe Monastero, OSI, Chief Revenue Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Panelists:
John D. Barker, President & CEO, Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
Stan Harris, President & CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association
Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Presented By: Golden Corral Corporation
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Presented by: Kellanova
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Delve into the nuanced challenges and personal journeys of leadership in today’s foodservice industry. From managing high-stakes decisions to fostering team morale, discover how these leaders navigate the delicate balance between personal well-being and professional responsibilities. Gain valuable insights into their strategies for maintaining authenticity, resilience, and inspiration within their peer groups. This session offers real-world perspectives and practical wisdom for leaders striving to lead with purpose and impact in challenging times.
Moderated by: Chip Wade, CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group
Panelists:
Heather Neary, President & CEO, Taco Johns International
Kevin Brown, CEO, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Johann Moonesinghe, CEO, InKind
Ricky Richardson, CEO, Eggs Up Grill
Presented By: Citi
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Ryan Leak, CEO, The Ryan Leak Group
When it comes to the energy we give to our careers, there are levels to it. Most people find themselves coasting and doing what they have to do to survive not realizing there’s a life they could live where they get to do everything and can actually thrive. Leveling Up is a keynote designed to help audiences have the life and career they’ve always wanted through the art of asking the right questions.These are questions stemming from Ryan Leak’s Wall Street Journal Best-Selling book Leveling Up: 12 Questions to Elevate Your Personal and Professional Development. Some of those key questions are:
The Self-Awareness Question: What’s it like to be on the other side of me?
The Vision Question: What’s my definition of success?
The Team Player Question: What credit can I give away?
The Focus Question: What has the most of my attention?
You may not be responsible for the level you are at today, but you are responsible for the level you go to tomorrow.
Presented By: Foode
5:30 PM- 6:30 PM
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Presented By: Foode
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Presented By: Ecolab, HennyPenny, and Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Presented By: California Restaurant Association and Zaller Law Group, PC
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Ever wondered what leadership qualities CEO’s look for, have learned, or value most? Join us for a dynamic conversation with Greg Creed, former CEO of Yum! Brands Inc. and current CEO of Creed Unco, as he reveals the 10 most critical leadership traits. In this exclusive session, Mr. Creed will share his personal experiences and discuss why these traits are essential for high-impact leadership. Engage in a deep dive into these insights and discover how they can elevate your own leadership approach and enhance your executive toolkit.
Moderated by: James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Officer, YUM Brands
Presenter: Greg Creed, Global Marketer, Author, and Retired CEO
Presented By: Workstream
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Active Intentional Leaders are grounded in Trust, centered on the Individual, and guided by their Core Values. In this session we will explore how leadership is a full-contact sport, always active and intentional. From the dish room to the boardroom, Paul has learned the value of understanding each person as a unique individual, which is crucial to developing leaders who will support teams to thrive in a complex world. We will learn how this approach was received and how it has prepared future leaders in the hospitality industry from Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech.
Paul Carolan, Principal, Paul Carolan Consulting & Adjunct ProfessorPamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
Mac Brand, Founding Partner, Bellwether Food Group Inc.
Panelists:
Elena Bradley, Student, Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
Aiden Buckner, Student, Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
Katie Hearns, Student, Pamplin College of Business, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Virginia Tech
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Prosper Forum 2025
Attend the forum
Four days of networking & education with a community fueling the future of foodservice & hospitality. Please let us know if you’d like to attend.
