To get the most out of your conference experience, we strongly encourage you to take the Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA) prior to selecting your educational sessions. The LCA will map your strengths and developmental needs against the 12 WFF Leadership Competencies so that you can make choices aligned with your strengths, or explore opportunities to grow in areas that need to be developed. In addition, your supervisor can complete the LCA as it relates to your performance and help guide your educational decisions based on what she/he feels are most critical in your current role.
As of March 23, 2012 all changes to educational programming can be made by contacting the registration manager at 1-800-351-0232 or emailing wff@metroconnections.com. Changes will incur a $175 fee.
Emerging Leader
Emerging Executive
Executive
To get the most out of your conference educational experience, we strongly recommend taking the Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA) prior to selecting your sessions. The LCA will map your strengths and developmental needs against the 12 WFF Leadership Competencies so that you can make choices that are aligned with your strengths or where you can see yourself stretch through learning new skills/information. You have the opportunity to have your supervisor complete the LCA on you as well so your supervisor might help guide your decisions based on what she/he feels in critical to your current role.
In order to select the educational sessions at Conference that will most benefit your career, here are some guidelines based on your position and career goals.
The Emerging Leader track is designed for those who are entry to mid-level supervisors, managers or administrators. You may not supervise a team but you are certainly at the heart of teams and may lead team initiatives in your department. You have a strong desire to learn and grow in your career and actively work to build your competence and your network. You attend the WFF Annual Leadership Conference to be inspired, to network and to learn some new skills that will help you reach the next step in your career.
The Emerging Executive track is designed for those who are directors, senior directors or those who have recently been promoted to vice president in their organization. You have been in the business world for a while and you feel you have hit your stride as an important contributor in your organization. You lead a team but also must be able to influence those outside of your team. You actively manage your career and seek to grow your knowledge and your network so that your career can continue to progress. You attend the Annual Leadership Development Conference to be challenged by new information and to network with other leaders so that you can enhance your knowledge base.
The Executive Track is designed for those who are a vice-president or above in their organization. You have responsibility for leading a team and for major initiatives in your organization. You must be able to understand complicated business and financial matters beyond the Profit & Loss statement. Your ability to influence across your organization is paramount. You attend the Annual Leadership Conference to learn new skills as well as to network and learn from others who are at or above your current job level because you know that continuous growth is critical for your career progression.
Note: When going through the registration process you will only see & be able to register for the Educational Track classes designed for you based on your current title. If you feel you have been put in under the inappropriate track please call or email Registration Headquarters at 1.800.351.0232, wff@metroconnections.com.
Please click on the tabs below to learn more about each track and the educational programming offered within each one.
(Professional and Manager Level)
Educational Overview
The Emerging Leader Track is designed for those who are entry to mid-level supervisors, managers or administrator. You may not supervise a team but you are certainly at the heart of teams and may lead team initiatives in your department. You have a strong desire to learn and grow in your career and actively work to build your competence and your network. You attend the WFF Annual Leadership Conference to be inspired, to network and to learn some new skills that will help you reach the next step in your career. Participants will have an opportunity to select sessions that focus on the key competencies of Awareness and Insight/Driving for Results/Building Trust/Initiative/Building Networks/ Influence and Diplomacy/Risk Taking/Strategic Thinking/Visioning. Content is designed and differentiated according to the needs and skills of the emerging leader.
Please click on a date header below to expand the section and review the information for each day.
Sponsored by:
The Texas Culinary Experiences: Take part in a one-of-a-kind experience, offered exclusively for WFF guests. You will hear inspiring stories, enjoy tasting demonstrations and learn why these restaurants are considered to be “Top Restaurants” in “The Big D.”
Fedora Northern Italian Restaurant, located in downtown Dallas' One Arts District, is the perfect location to experience a menu of classic interpretations of Italian traditional dishes inspired by passion and panache of all things Italian. Fedora is owned and operated by Britney O'Daniel, one of Dallas' youngest restaurant owners. You won't forget the personalized experience from the Executive Chef, who will treat you to a delectable dining experience based on years of classical training and a talent for fine cuisine. Come and hear Britney's story of how having a vision and setting your goals will equate to one successful business! Visit Fedora's website at www.fedoradallas.com.
Sambuca – Uptown Dallas, TX is located in the heart of Uptown, at the corner of McKinney Avenue and Pearl Street, across from the Ritz Carlton and the Crescent Court Hotels. The Sambuca Legacy began in Dallas May of 1991. Co-owners, as well as brother- sister partnership Kim and Holly Forsythe started the Sambuca concept with out of the box ideas. Sambuca is known both for its live music, coupled with a magnificent menu to include a variety - from spicy entrees to seafood and steaks to suit your savvy style of preference! Come see what it’s all about!
Sponsored by:
If you are attending the WFF leadership conference for the first time, this is a fabulous opportunity to meet other first timers, build your network, learn how to get the most out of your conference experience and understand the many benefits available to you as a WFF member. A recent survey of WFF members revealed that 93% aspire to advance in the foodservice industry and they are more likely than non-members to have a plan of action. Join us at this event to develop YOUR action plan.
Sponsored by:
What a way to start your day! A healthy leader is a happy leader! Yoga is a great way to refresh the mind and exercise the body and can be powerful and inspiring for both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or if you are at the advanced level, you will benefit from this one hour session, facilitated by a trained yoga expert. Wear comfortable clothing. Mats, water and towels will be provided.
Start the day on the move! Texas style. We have tools to elevate our career at conference, so lets elevate our hearts also! What a fun way to start your day! Zumba is an alternative to the fitness gym and aerobics. This Latin-inspired fitness session will allow you to experience a mixture of Latin dance in a fun and exciting way, whether you are a beginner on the move or advanced in your steps! This session will be facilitated by a certified Zumba Instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Water and towels will be provided.
All Canadian WFF Conference attendees are invited to join us for a morning of networking, and of course a delicious breakfast! Please join members of the Canadian Advisory Group, Canadian Company Ambassadors and Committee Members. You will also hear about the exciting WFF products and services offered in the Canadian markets.
 |
Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro®, gives you a clear and practical system for achieving Maximum Results in Minimum Time®. Laura shares how to achieve peak performance in the workplace. All of us must learn to be competent – and not just plain, old-fashioned competent, but SuperCompetent®. In this competitive economy, competence is expected; you've got to be SuperCompetentto get an edge. The SuperCompetent person is one that companies fight to get, fight to keep, nurture as team players, and see as future leaders in their business growth.
Whether you're an employee, an entrepreneur, a team leader, this presentation will give you proven methods to reach you and your team's maximum potential and achieve breakthrough results. You'll get to your productive best by mastering six keys to peak performance:
- Activity: the value and importance you place on your work
- Availability: your ability to master your schedule
- Attention: the capacity to focus intently and concentrate on tasks
- Accessibility: the ability to organize the inputs and outputs in your life
- Accountability: the extent to which you take personal responsibility for your actions and outcomes
- Attitude: your motivation, drive, and proactiveness
Productivity expert Laura Stack identifies the behaviors that build leadership skills, boost organizational efficiency, and blast high potential producers to the top of their fields. With Stack's Six Keys, you'll be able to consistently improve your performance, develop the confidence that will propel you forward, and achieve breakthrough results in your career. |
| Speaker: |
Laura Stack |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Initiative; Driving for Results |
|
 |
Life is short – live in the front-row! Marilyn Sherman inspires you to get out of the balcony of your life and go for that front-row seat! With so many things out of control these days, you'll be reminded that your attitude and perception are 100% within your control. With the right mindset, any seat can be a front-row seat! You'll get a shot of adrenaline! This dynamic presentation will inspire you to work smarter, make healthy decisions and go for living a better life.
In this session, you'll learn:
- Traits of people who are always in the VIP section – with the best seats, the best jobs, the best relationships – so that you too can sit up front by practicing these traits.
- Six steps to getting that front row seat in life!
- The one trait that shows you've gone too far!
You'll have all the tools necessary to make some immediate changes for positive results! |
|
| Speaker: |
Marilyn Sherman |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Risk Taking; Initiative |
|
 |
Is it possible to truly "have it all?" In this workshop we will talk through how to do this.
This session explores:
- What "having it all" really means.
- Key perspectives on whether “having it all” is possible or not (we believe it is!).
- Not having to "step back" during key parts of life.
You’ll receive actionable tools to put to immediate use, to help enable a balanced life with career and family. |
| Speaker: |
Julie Gilbert |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Awareness & Insight |
|
Sponsored by:
All volunteers are invited to join us for an afternoon of recognition. We will announce WFF's Volunteer of the Year Award and individual Committee Contributors of the Year.
 |
Christine Cashen brings peace to the world by addressing the age old questions, "Why so much whining?" and “Why can’t everybody just get along?!” With her humorous style, she will give you the tools to understand and cope with confrontations and life's irritations.
In a world where people are under a lot of pressure and resources are tight, conflict management is a highly necessary skill. In this interactive session, you’ll learn the secrets to approaching conflict creatively: developing the confidence to resolve difficult issues, keeping your cool, defusing situations and blowing off steam before you boil.
Join the revolution to stop global whining – because it's dangerously contagious! Life is too full of opportunity to waste energy on complaining. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Get what you want with what you’ve got! You have what it takes right now to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. |
| Speaker: |
Christine Cashen |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Building Trust |
|
 |
Life is rarely like a climb on a mountain, with a clearly defined path – especially for leaders and top performers, who are making their own way. Leaders today have to forge new paths through uncertain terrain. Life is more like the desert, in which there are no charted paths. The most important journeys cannot be mapped out because you have to cross uncharted territory. The challenge is to keep heading in the right direction under constantly changing conditions and ever increasing uncertainty.
Steve Donahue is a Sahara Desert adventurer, author, drummer, and storyteller. Steve suggests: “Follow a compass not a map.” Only your inner compass can guide you through the risks you must take as you cross shifting sands. Steve’s experience in crossing the desert is a wonderful metaphor for the conditions in which we all find ourselves: no landmarks in a sea of change, and feeling lost at times. We need to reframe our perceptions in order to take appropriate risks and have the vision that allows us to have fresh ideas.
Steve Donahue combines humor with heart-stopping tales from his desert odyssey. Steve inspires audiences to make every step of the journey count. This electrifying presentation will help you find direction and seize opportunities by following your compass across the shifting sands of work and life. |
| Speaker: |
Steve Donahue |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Risk Taking; Strategic Thinking/ Visioning |
|
|
Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro®, gives you a clear and practical system for achieving Maximum Results in Minimum Time®. Laura shares how to achieve peak performance in the workplace. All of us must learn to be competent – and not just plain, old-fashioned competent, but SuperCompetent®. In this competitive economy, competence is expected; you've got to be SuperCompetentto get an edge. The SuperCompetent person is one that companies fight to get, fight to keep, nurture as team players, and see as future leaders in their business growth.
Whether you're an employee, an entrepreneur, a team leader, this presentation will give you proven methods to reach your and your team's maximum potential and achieve breakthrough results. You'll get to your productive best by mastering six keys to peak performance:
- Activity: the value and importance you place on your work
- Availability: your ability to master your schedule
- Attention: the capacity to focus intently and concentrate on tasks
- Accessibility: the ability to organize the inputs and outputs in your life
- Accountability: the extent to which you take personal responsibility for your actions and outcomes
- Attitude: your motivation, drive, and proactiveness
Productivity expert Laura Stack identifies the behaviors that build leadership skills, boost organizational efficiency, and blast high potential producers to the top of their fields. With Stack's Six Keys, you'll be able to consistently improve your performance, develop the confidence that will propel you forward, and achieve breakthrough results in your career. |
| Speaker: |
Laura Stack |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Initiative; Driving for Results |
|
|
Christine Cashen brings peace to the world by addressing the age old questions, "Why so much whining?" and “Why can’t everybody just get along?!” With her humorous style, she will give you the tools to understand and cope with confrontations and life's irritations.
In a world where people are under a lot of pressure and resources are tight, conflict management is a highly necessary skill. In this interactive session, you’ll learn the secrets to approaching conflict creatively: developing the confidence to resolve difficult issues, keeping your cool, defusing situations and blowing off steam before you boil.
Join the revolution to stop global whining – because it's dangerously contagious! Life is too full of opportunity to waste energy on complaining. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Get what you want with what you’ve got! You have what it takes right now to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. |
| Speaker: |
Christine Cashen |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Building Trust |
|
|
Life is rarely like a climb on a mountain, with a clearly defined path – especially for leaders and top performers, who are making their own way. Leaders today have to forge new paths through uncertain terrain. Life is more like the desert, in which there are no charted paths. The most important journeys cannot be mapped out because you have to cross uncharted territory. The challenge is to keep heading in the right direction under constantly changing conditions and ever increasing uncertainty.
Steve Donahue is a Sahara Desert adventurer, author, drummer, and storyteller. Steve suggests: “Follow a compass not a map.” Only your inner compass can guide you through the risks you must take as you cross shifting sands. Steve’s experience in crossing the desert is a wonderful metaphor for the conditions in which we all find ourselves: no landmarks in a sea of change, and feeling lost at times. We need to reframe our perceptions in order to take appropriate risks and have the vision that allows us to have fresh ideas.
Steve Donahue combines humor with heart-stopping tales from his desert odyssey. Steve inspires audiences to make every step of the journey count. This electrifying presentation will help you find direction and seize opportunities by following your compass across the shifting sands of work and life. |
| Speaker: |
Steve Donahue |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Risk Taking; Strategic Thinking/ Visioning |
|
 |
Unlock the vaults of individual brilliance in yourself and in your people – potential, insight, genius, innovation, and ideas that can make your organization more efficient and profitable. Simon Bailey inspires and teaches you to unleash your brilliance at work.
You'll learn the four steps to transforming yourself and your work, to create lasting value:
- Unleash positive energy, engagement, and team synergy that create true value.
- Ignite individual inspiration and a sense of individual responsibility.
- Gain value by equipping yourself and others with the tools to take charge of their own development.
- The Brilliant Bottom Line
Simon Bailey notes that we all fail – the key is to learn and move forward. You are the CEO of Me, Incorporated. What are you doing to grow your portfolio? It is vital that we develop the right habits – don't just build your resume – act with intention, to build yourself and build people. Curiosity is a great tool to build competence throughout the organization, and to break through silos to grow. Times change – are you stuck in an old story? Simon will help you through understanding what you don't do well, what you do well, and what the organization asks you do to but you need to proceed with caution. Once you have a new story – what are you going to do to sustain it? Simon shares how to create a plan to collaborate with others across the organization. |
| Speaker: |
Simon Bailey |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Initiative |
|
Sponsored by:
What a way to start your day! A healthy leader is a happy leader! Yoga is a great way to refresh the mind and exercise the body and can be powerful and inspiring for both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or if you are at the advanced level, you will benefit from this one hour session, facilitated by a trained yoga expert. Wear comfortable clothing. Mats, water and towels will be provided.
Start the day on the move! Texas style. We have tools to elevate our career at conference, so lets elevate our hearts also! What a fun way to start your day! Zumba is an alternative to the fitness gym and aerobics. This Latin-inspired fitness session will allow you to experience a mixture of Latin dance in a fun and exciting way, whether you are a beginner on the move or advanced in your steps! This session will be facilitated by a certified Zumba Instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Water and towels will be provided.
All WFF Ambassadors are invited to join us for a morning of recognition.
As a sponsorship benefit, member companies can participate in the WFF Ambassador Program. Each company may select 1-2 WFF members within their company to serve as ambassadors -- by bringing all of the benefits of WFF membership to life for the WFF members within their company.
Current WFF Ambassadors are provided with tools, updates and training to maximize the membership investment each sponsor company makes.
 |
Everyone “knows” the qualities needed to be a great leader, yet there is no over-supply of them. Clearly, to be a great leader requires more that simply knowing what to do. It requires living those leadership qualities, day in and day out. It is not easy. If it were, everyone would do it.
In this powerful program, David Rabiner uncovers the important obstacles that keep people from becoming great leaders. Whether or not you manage people, the obstacles are the same, and the mechanisms for overcoming these obstacles are the same.
In this fun and fast-paced program, David lays out those obstacles, and then provides the three-step process for developing those crucial leadership qualities into personal virtues. What’s most important is that you will leave with the basis for a personal leadership development plan.
To achieve peak performance, your commitment to personal leadership is crucial. Your personal leadership produces performance that makes you and your business successful in any economy, and puts you in a position to be promoted. In this program, David also guides you through a hard look at trust – perhaps the single most important leadership quality. He breaks trust into understandable components that you can use to diagnose distrust and develop a plan for building trust. You’ll have the opportunity to get a clear picture of the things you do that obstruct your own trustworthiness. You will embark upon a process to increase the trust others have in you – a key component in developing personal leadership. |
| Speaker: |
David Rabiner |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Driving for Results; Building Trust |
|
 |
Leadership of self precedes leadership of others. As women, we have a vital role to play in our organizations if we understand what can move us forward and what gets in our way.
- Learn five qualities that women bring into the workplace so that you can highlight these strengths back on the job.
- In this interactive session, you'll practice owning what you know and what you have done.
- You will learn how to powerfully and positively shape the direction of your future.
- You will explode the myth of balance and replace it with a model that recognizes the challenges of life.
- You will develop a three-part questioning process for determining the value of everything from a meeting to an email.
- Discover a 4-step model for using your voice to be seen as powerful versus aggressive.
And from a place of self-leadership and legacy, supported by a community of like-minded women, walk away with skills, support, and insights for the next part of your journey |
| Speaker: |
Eileen McDargh |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Strategic Thinking/ Visioning |
|
 |
Your Networth™ with your network is your most important asset in our current economic situation. In this fun and interactive program,learn the secretsof Networthing™, the new way to network in the 21st century. Discoverhow to become a valuable hub in your network wheel which is the secret to promotions, job security and career success. Sarah Michel, a master networker, shares strategies for improving your access and influence with your network so you can do your job faster, better and easier.
In this session, you'll learn:
- The importance of NetWORTHing™ vs. transactional networking and how to communicate your value-add to grow your access and influence with your network.
- How to craft a captivating powerful introduction so you can communicate your value-add in the first 17 seconds of meeting someone.
- How to find a sponsor, not a mentor, to help you leverage your relationships to grow your career.
- The Networthing™ secrets of successful 21st century leaders and action steps for becoming one of them.
The importance of a personal network and how to develop one before you really need it. |
| Speaker: |
Sarah Michel |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Building Networks; Influence and Diplomacy |
|
 |
Molly Fletcher has coached the coaches who execute to win world championships and national championships. She has supported some of the best as they have executed on the field, on the course and on the court for almost two decades. In this session, Molly will help unlock the keys to leadership and execution for you too.
Molly reveals the secrets of the go-getters and game changers:
- The importance of having a clear vision.
- The importance of a humble and intentional energy.
- You can be kindly and candid as you drive results.
- How to build "favor columns" with your employees and customers.
- How to “barcode” yourself and execute with fearless urgency and integrity.
As you move over two inches to the head coach’s chair, Molly shares the game plan so you win. |
| Speaker: |
Molly Fletcher |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Driving for Results; Building Trust |
|
|
Everyone “knows” the qualities needed to be a great leader, yet there is no over-supply of them. Clearly, to be a great leader requires more that simply knowing what to do. It requires living those leadership qualities, day in and day out. It is not easy. If it were, everyone would do it.
In this powerful program, David Rabiner uncovers the important obstacles that keep people from becoming great leaders. Whether or not you manage people, the obstacles are the same, and the mechanisms for overcoming these obstacles are the same.
In this fun and fast-paced program, David lays out those obstacles, and then provides the three-step process for developing those crucial leadership qualities into personal virtues. What’s most important is that you will leave with the basis for a personal leadership development plan.
To achieve peak performance, your commitment to personal leadership is crucial. Your personal leadership produces performance that makes you and your business successful in any economy, and puts you in a position to be promoted. In this program, David also guides you through a hard look at trust – perhaps the single most important leadership quality. He breaks trust into understandable components that you can use to diagnose distrust and develop a plan for building trust. You’ll have the opportunity to get a clear picture of the things you do that obstruct your own trustworthiness. You will embark upon a process to increase the trust others have in you – a key component in developing personal leadership. |
| Speaker: |
David Rabiner |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Driving for Results; Building Trust |
|
|
Leadership of self precedes leadership of others. As women, we have a vital role to play in our organizations if we understand what can move us forward and what gets in our way.
- Learn five qualities that women bring into the workplace so that you can highlight these strengths back on the job.
- In this interactive session, you'll practice owning what you know and what you have done.
- You will learn how to powerfully and positively shape the direction of your future.
- You will explode the myth of balance and replace it with a model that recognizes the challenges of life.
- You will develop a three-part questioning process for determining the value of everything from a meeting to an email.
- Discover a 4-step model for using your voice to be seen as powerful versus aggressive.
And from a place of self-leadership and legacy, supported by a community of like-minded women, walk away with skills, support, and insights for the next part of your journey |
| Speaker: |
Eileen McDargh |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Strategic Thinking/ Visioning |
|
|
Life is short – live in the front-row! Marilyn Sherman inspires you to get out of the balcony of your life and go for that front-row seat! With so many things out of control these days, you'll be reminded that your attitude and perception are 100% within your control. With the right mindset, any seat can be a front-row seat! You'll get a shot of adrenaline! This dynamic presentation will inspire you to work smarter, make healthy decisions and go for living a better life.
In this session, you'll learn:
- Traits of people who are always in the VIP section – with the best seats, the best jobs, the best relationships – so that you too can sit up front by practicing these traits.
- Six steps to getting that front row seat in life!
- The one trait that shows you've gone too far!
You'll have all the tools necessary to make some immediate changes for positive results! |
|
| Speaker: |
Marilyn Sherman |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Risk Taking; Initiative |
|
 |
Warning: Attending this session will fundamentally change the way you approach, think and behave with Social Media in business and in your life.
This is not your average Social Media hype session where you hear the same mumbo jumbo and confusing tech terms from a so-called Social Media expert. In this easy-to-understand, high energy, inspiration-filled session, Amanda Hite reveals how Social Media lends us super powers we've never had before to grow ourselves and our personal brand, and achieve revolutionary results in life and work.
In this session you'll learn how to layer the super powers of Social Media on top of the already awesome things you're already doing to amplify your strengths, build your personal brand, network and bring meaningful change into your life.
The real power of Social Media isn't in the tools but in how we leverage the access we now have to people and networks that can ultimately change our businesses, lives and the world. Amanda speaks from her personal life changing experience of building an impactful online brand as well as her experience helping top brands and organizations leverage Social Media and lead movements that make both meaning and money. |
| Speaker: |
Amanda Hite |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Building Networks; Driving for Results |
|
|
Your Networth™ with your network is your most important asset in our current economic situation. In this fun and interactive program,learn the secretsof Networthing™, the new way to network in the 21st century. Discoverhow to become a valuable hub in your network wheel which is the secret to promotions, job security and career success. Sarah Michel, a master networker, shares strategies for improving your access and influence with your network so you can do your job faster, better and easier.
In this session, you'll learn:
- The importance of NetWORTHing™ vs. transactional networking and how to communicate your value-add to grow your access and influence with your network.
- How to craft a captivating powerful introduction so you can communicate your value-add in the first 17 seconds of meeting someone.
- How to find a sponsor, not a mentor, to help you leverage your relationships to grow your career.
- The Networthing™ secrets of successful 21st century leaders and action steps for becoming one of them.
The importance of a personal network and how to develop one before you really need it. |
| Speaker: |
Sarah Michel |
| Track: |
Emerging Leader |
| Competencies: |
Building Networks; Influence and Diplomacy |
|
The closing celebration will be held at the House of Blues in downtown Dallas. Come let the live band Emerald City entertain you, and enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres. Continuous transportation will be provided to and from the Sheraton, Dallas Marriot City Center, and the Fairmont.
Women’s Foodservice Forum is pleased to expand its Communities of Interest programming for the 2012 Annual Leadership Development Conference.
The Communities of Interest session 8-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, will feature all five groups from the acclaimed inaugural session last year and two new ones – International Mobility and Working Mothers.
The returning groups, in alphabetic order, are Caregivers, GLBTA, Military Families, Women of Color, and Young Professionals.
A Community of Interest (COI) is a group of people who share a common interest or passion. The COI addresses issues that are important to them. They can exchange information, obtain answers to personal questions and advice for resolving problems, and deepen their understanding of a subject and its unique issues. An added benefit is the opportunity to establish a new network of business professionals.
The 2012 Community of Interest session will launch with highly interactive break-out discussions featuring content experts for each Communities of Interest group. The program will end by uniting the communities for the closing keynote speaker and renowned Generation Y expert Jason Ryan Dorsey, author of “Y-Size Your Business”.
This session is designed for sharing experiences, concerns and challenges you and your work colleagues face in and outside of the work place while embracing diversity in your business and industry.
Keynote Speaker Sponsored by:
Jason Dorsey
Chief Strategy Officer, The Center for Generational Kinetics
Jason Ryan Dorsey is The Gen Y Guy®. You may have seen him on 60 Minutes, 20/20, The Today Show, The View, or in Fortune Magazine. His talent is teaching ready-to-use actions and creative strategies that quickly increase cross-generational performance. A bestselling author at age 18, Jason's newest book is Y-Size® Your Business. This acclaimed book features more than 50 ways to increase Gen Y performance from day one.
The Chief Strategy Officer for The Center for Generational Kinetics, Jason constantly studies the unique dynamics created within a multigenerational workforce. He shares his insights on his entertaining What the Gen?! blog. A proud member of Gen Y, Jason won the Austin Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at age 25—one of the youngest winners ever. And, yes, he text messages his mom every day.
Join one of the following Communities of Interest (COI) to connect with others during Conference to start the conversation and learning:
Young Professionals - Provides training opportunities, career planning and access to resources for young professionals in the foodservice industry. Learn how to build networks, share best practices and tap into a support system.
Care Givers - Helps spouses, partners, relatives, friends, neighbors and others learn more about the financial, physical and emotional impacts of care giving. This network of professionals will share their lesson learned, feelings, and experiences and resourced for caring for people of all ages.
Women of Color - Offers opportunity, development, information and education on how women of color have thrived, survived and re-created themselves within corporate settings.
GLBT - Provides an opportunity to increase your knowledge, offers support and resources to members connected to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies community. Content experts will provide facts & figures and through storytelling information will be shared about the GLBT experience and how to create a more inclusive work environment at your organization.
Working Mothers – Provides solutions, support, resources and tools for bridging and balancing work life and home life. Share concerns, challenges, barriers, struggles and best practices to learn and be successful in personal relationships and careers.
International Mobility – Provides a network for international business travelers, those that have taken international assignments or are considering an international assignment. Receive practical advice, timely information, relevant resources and insights from people with experience working outside the United States. Find out about career growth opportunities and through discussions, learn about the benefits and challenges of an international assignment, entry/exit career planning, and other resources.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw-UzCEZEFo
(Director and Senior Director Level)
Educational Overview
Conference provides Emerging Executives an opportunity to network with other industry professionals, share best practices, gain new skills and discover specific tools to help elevate their careers to the C-Suite. Participants will have an opportunity to select sessions that focus on the key competencies of Building High Performance Teams/Influence and Diplomacy/Communication and Listening/Building Trust/Driving for Results/Awareness and Insight/Strategic Thinking/Visioning.
Please click on a date header below to expand the section and review the information for each day.
Sponsored by:
The Texas Culinary Experiences: Take part in a one-of-a-kind experience, offered exclusively for WFF guests. You will hear inspiring stories, enjoy tasting demonstrations and learn why these restaurants are considered to be “Top Restaurants” in “The Big D.”
Fedora Northern Italian Restaurant, located in downtown Dallas' One Arts District, is the perfect location to experience a menu of classic interpretations of Italian traditional dishes inspired by passion and panache of all things Italian. Fedora is owned and operated by Britney O'Daniel, one of Dallas' youngest restaurant owners. You won't forget the personalized experience from the Executive Chef, who will treat you to a delectable dining experience based on years of classical training and a talent for fine cuisine. Come and hear Britney's story of how having a vision and setting your goals will equate to one successful business! Visit Fedora's website at www.fedoradallas.com.
Sambuca – Uptown Dallas, TX is located in the heart of Uptown, at the corner of McKinney Avenue and Pearl Street, across from the Ritz Carlton and the Crescent Court Hotels. The Sambuca Legacy began in Dallas May of 1991. Co-owners, as well as brother- sister partnership Kim and Holly Forsythe started the Sambuca concept with out of the box ideas. Sambuca is known both for its live music, coupled with a magnificent menu to include a variety - from spicy entrees to seafood and steaks to suit your savvy style of preference! Come see what it’s all about!
Sponsored by:
If you are attending the WFF leadership conference for the first time, this is a fabulous opportunity to meet other first timers, build your network, learn how to get the most out of your conference experience and understand the many benefits available to you as a WFF member. A recent survey of WFF members revealed that 93% aspire to advance in the foodservice industry and they are more likely than non-members to have a plan of action. Join us at this event to develop YOUR action plan.
Sponsored by:
What a way to start your day! A healthy leader is a happy leader! Yoga is a great way to refresh the mind and exercise the body and can be powerful and inspiring for both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or if you are at the advanced level, you will benefit from this one hour session, facilitated by a trained yoga expert. Wear comfortable clothing. Mats, water and towels will be provided.
Start the day on the move! Texas style. We have tools to elevate our career at conference, so lets elevate our hearts also! What a fun way to start your day! Zumba is an alternative to the fitness gym and aerobics. This Latin-inspired fitness session will allow you to experience a mixture of Latin dance in a fun and exciting way, whether you are a beginner on the move or advanced in your steps! This session will be facilitated by a certified Zumba Instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Water and towels will be provided.
All Canadian WFF Conference attendees are invited to join us for a morning of networking, and of course a delicious breakfast! Please join members of the Canadian Advisory Group, Canadian Company Ambassadors and Committee Members. You will also hear about the exciting WFF products and services offered in the Canadian markets.
 |
You've got what it takes: the knowledge, the expertise, the ability to handle more responsibility than you currently have. So, where is the promotion? Often, it is the way others perceive us more than our actual ability that holds us back. You can improve the way others perceive you!
You put time and care into your personal appearance; equally important is to think in advance of the effect you want to have on people. How you present yourself is how people take you, because people believe what they see! The way you think and the way you act may be holding you back.
Executive coach Debra Benton shares tips you can apply immediately to be perceived as confident, competent, credible, trustworthy, genuine – which of course you already are. Debra shares how to bring out those qualities so that they are more easily perceived by others.
Debra Benton shares concepts and behaviors you can easily implement. Bring out what is within you, make it visible to others. As a result you will be taken more seriously and perceived as ready for that next promotion. |
| Speaker: |
Debra Benton |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Building Trust |
Sponsored by:
|
 |
Use of position power alone is rarely enough to lead effectively. Peg Neuhauser shares influence and diplomacy tools for executives. Much of an executive's ability to be effective is based her or his communication skills – the ability to persuade and to lead the organization in the direction it needs to go.
The tools Peg shares include:
- Practical collaborative negotiation skills.
- Shaping the organization's cultural habits to sync with the business strategy.
- Dealing with difficult people and situations.
This is a highly interactive session, using foodservice industry examples. |
| Speaker: |
Peg Neuhauser |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Influence and Diplomacy; Communication and Listening |
Sponsored by:
|
Sponsored by:
All volunteers are invited to join us for an afternoon of recognition. We will announce WFF's Volunteer of the Year Award and individual Committee Contributors of the Year.
|
You've got what it takes: the knowledge, the expertise, the ability to handle more responsibility than you currently have. So, where is the promotion? Often, it is the way others perceive us more than our actual ability that holds us back. You can improve the way others perceive you!
You put time and care into your personal appearance; equally important is to think in advance of the effect you want to have on people. How you present yourself is how people take you, because people believe what they see! The way you think and the way you act may be holding you back.
Executive coach Debra Benton shares tips you can apply immediately to be perceived as confident, competent, credible, trustworthy, genuine – which of course you already are. Debra shares how to bring out those qualities so that they are more easily perceived by others.
Debra Benton shares concepts and behaviors you can easily implement. Bring out what is within you, make it visible to others. As a result you will be taken more seriously and perceived as ready for that next promotion. |
| Speaker: |
Debra Benton |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Building Trust |
Sponsored by:
|
 |
Change is inevitable! Handling it effectively is a different story. This program is designed specifically for leaders who are...
- Navigating the waters of change and want a better chart
- Observing the people they lead struggle with change, having difficulty juggling all the initiatives, projects and plans
- Seeing change on the horizon and want to be proactive in their efforts
While no experience in the world will provide you with every skill for every situation, it is important to lead from awareness. Here's a chance for you to learn the skills necessary to lead your staff through change. One of the primary challenges you face is how to get the people in your organization to understand the implications of resistance to change. Imagine your staff actually understanding and getting on board! The key to effective change management is leadership's willingness to be flexible in their strategy.
You will learn:
- How to help your staff deal with anxiety
- How to get buy-in from staff more effectively
- How to determine the type of people on your staff and their primary response to change
- How to identify the most important needs of each staff member
- How to manage your energy and time better
- Who to invest in and who to disengage from
- How to develop the skills required to move the change into the organization's culture
- What the primary motivator is for change to take place
|
| Speaker: |
Michael Staver |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Building Trust; Building High Performance Teams |
Sponsored by:
|
|
Use of position power alone is rarely enough to lead effectively. Peg Neuhauser shares influence and diplomacy tools for executives. Much of an executive's ability to be effective is based her or his communication skills – the ability to persuade and to lead the organization in the direction it needs to go.
The tools Peg shares include:
- Practical collaborative negotiation skills.
- Shaping the organization's cultural habits to sync with the business strategy.
- Dealing with difficult people and situations.
This is a highly interactive session, using foodservice industry examples. |
| Speaker: |
Peg Neuhauser |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Influence and Diplomacy; Communication and Listening |
Sponsored by:
|
|
Change is inevitable! Handling it effectively is a different story. This program is designed specifically for leaders who are...
- Navigating the waters of change and want a better chart
- Observing the people they lead struggle with change, having difficulty juggling all the initiatives, projects and plans
- Seeing change on the horizon and want to be proactive in their efforts
While no experience in the world will provide you with every skill for every situation, it is important to lead from awareness. Here's a chance for you to learn the skills necessary to lead your staff through change. One of the primary challenges you face is how to get the people in your organization to understand the implications of resistance to change. Imagine your staff actually understanding and getting on board! The key to effective change management is leadership's willingness to be flexible in their strategy.
You will learn:
- How to help your staff deal with anxiety
- How to get buy-in from staff more effectively
- How to determine the type of people on your staff and their primary response to change
- How to identify the most important needs of each staff member
- How to manage your energy and time better
- Who to invest in and who to disengage from
- How to develop the skills required to move the change into the organization's culture
- What the primary motivator is for change to take place
|
| Speaker: |
Michael Staver |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Building Trust; Building High Performance Teams |
Sponsored by:
|
Sponsored by:
What a way to start your day! A healthy leader is a happy leader! Yoga is a great way to refresh the mind and exercise the body and can be powerful and inspiring for both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or if you are at the advanced level, you will benefit from this one hour session, facilitated by a trained yoga expert. Wear comfortable clothing. Mats, water and towels will be provided.
Start the day on the move! Texas style. We have tools to elevate our career at conference, so lets elevate our hearts also! What a fun way to start your day! Zumba is an alternative to the fitness gym and aerobics. This Latin-inspired fitness session will allow you to experience a mixture of Latin dance in a fun and exciting way, whether you are a beginner on the move or advanced in your steps! This session will be facilitated by a certified Zumba Instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Water and towels will be provided.
All WFF Ambassadors are invited to join us for a morning of recognition.
As a sponsorship benefit, member companies can participate in the WFF Ambassador Program. Each company may select 1-2 WFF members within their company to serve as ambassadors -- by bringing all of the benefits of WFF membership to life for the WFF members within their company.
Current WFF Ambassadors are provided with tools, updates and training to maximize the membership investment each sponsor company makes.
 |
Why do certain people captivate us, while most are ignored? How do some leaders influence, while others make no difference at all?
Sally Hogshead reveals the truth behind the most fascinating personalities. The answers are both surprising and inspiring.
Drawing upon neurology, history, culture, and the brain chemistry of falling in love, Sally will teach why certain people – and certain brands – have a unique power to persuade.
Today, the average attention span is as short as 9 seconds. You might only have 9 seconds to introduce yourself and your brand. But the reality is, you can harness attention. You can command attention and shape opinions – both professionally and personally. Sally will teach you.
Fascination is the most intense emotional focus. When you fascinate your customer, they become completely focused on you and your product. Instead of being distracted or bored, they become raving, loyal fans. Yet in today's distracted and competitive environment, most of our messages are forgotten, or ignored.
This talk is based on Sally Hogshead's proprietary research and groundbreaking national study on the science of fascination, and data on 65,000 participants, which is the basis of her internationally-acclaimed book, FASCINATE.
You can fascinate – and command this powerful force of attraction. Sally will show you how to identify your natural strengths, and harness attention in a 9-second world. |
| Speaker: |
Sally Hogshead |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Communication and Listening; Influence and Diplomacy |
Sponsored by:
|
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Molly Fletcher has coached the coaches who execute to win world championships and national championships. She has supported some of the best as they have executed on the field, on the course and on the court for almost two decades. In this session, Molly will help unlock the keys to leadership and execution for you too.
Molly reveals the secrets of the go-getters and game changers:
- The importance of having a clear vision.
- The importance of a humble and intentional energy.
- You can be kindly and candid as you drive results.
- How to build "favor columns" with your employees and customers.
- How to “barcode” yourself and execute with fearless urgency and integrity.
As you move over two inches to the head coach’s chair, Molly shares the game plan so you win. |
| Speaker: |
Molly Fletcher |
| Track: |
Emerging
Executive |
| Competencies: |
Driving for Results; Building Trust |
Sponsored by:
|
 |
Giant timber bamboo will grow an amazing 90 feet in less than 60 days. However, it takes 4-5 years of watering and attention to get those results. Developed by author and thought-leader Greg Bell, Water The Bamboo® has become a dynamic metaphor for individual and team success. Water The Bamboo is about adopting the successful mindset of a bamboo farmer and the tenacious qualities of giant timber bamboo to work effectively with your team in achieving extraordinary results, regardless of the circumstances.
Many workplaces are so driven by relentless projects that it's easy to lose track of relationships – even though strong relationships are essential to a successful work environment and accomplishing team results. Everything you accomplish requires working with and through others. Whether it's leading your team in creating a consistent customer experience or collaborating on the strategic business plan and objectives for the coming year, the foundation for success starts with building relationships for results.
This riveting program explores the GregBell Curve®, a research-based four-stage model for creating effective relationships and a more effective business environment where teamwork thrives. The four stages help connect individuals and teams in order to heighten productivity and to maximize both professional – and personal – success. Watering relationships so they flourish and produce astonishing results is just as important as watering the project itself. Thought-provoking, energizing, humorous, and practical, this presentation leaves attendees energized and with new skills to lead results-oriented teams.
How You Will Benefit:
- Develop better relationships for better results
- Learn how to create a more engaged team no matter what is going on in the economy
- Learn a method to assess your team's engagement and tailor your approach to their unique needs
- Explore the four stages needed to reach empowering relationships with your team
- Learn and practice the skills and competencies for each of the four stages of relationships
- Create a culture that fosters trust and breaks down silos
- Identify strategic partners that can help you achieve success
- Discover a framework for collaboration
- Empower your staff to improve performance
|
| Speaker: |
Greg Bell |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Building High Performing Teams; Awareness and Insight |
Sponsored by:
|
|
|
Social Media lends us super powers we've never had before to organize and connect, igniting powerful, sustainable online word-of-mouth movements that translate to offline action that makes meaningful change.
In this session, Amanda Hite shares how to layer Social Media on top of your existing business strategies to leverage your organization's strengths and create movements that drive revolutionary results and make meaningful change.
Your Social Media strategy today needs to be approached in terms of igniting long term movements rather than short term campaigns. Campaigns have a beginning and an end. Movements grow and live on as long as passionate people are connected and involved. The great ones – the powerful ones, the ones that end up changing the world, lives and companies – go on and on and on.
In this session you'll learn:
- How Social Media can help you connect your business or organization to the communities you serve.
- How to use Social Media to organize and connect communities of employees and customers, transforming them to passionate advocates of your brand.
- How to layer the Power of Social Media on top of your existing business strategy to maximize results.
- How to leverage your organization's strength while managing the risk involved with Social Media.
- How to ignite and sustain on and offline movements that make meaning and money.
The real power of Social Media isn't in the tools but in how we leverage the access we now have to people and networks that can ultimately change our businesses, lives and the world. Amanda Hite speaks from her personal life changing experience of building an impactful online brand as well as her experience helping top brands and organizations leverage social media and lead movements that make both meaning and money. |
| Speaker: |
Amanda Hite |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Strategic Thinking/ Visioning; Driving for Results |
Sponsored by:
|
|
Giant timber bamboo will grow an amazing 90 feet in less than 60 days. However, it takes 4-5 years of watering and attention to get those results. Developed by author and thought-leader Greg Bell, Water The Bamboo® has become a dynamic metaphor for individual and team success. Water The Bamboo is about adopting the successful mindset of a bamboo farmer and the tenacious qualities of giant timber bamboo to work effectively with your team in achieving extraordinary results, regardless of the circumstances.
Many workplaces are so driven by relentless projects that it's easy to lose track of relationships – even though strong relationships are essential to a successful work environment and accomplishing team results. Everything you accomplish requires working with and through others. Whether it's leading your team in creating a consistent customer experience or collaborating on the strategic business plan and objectives for the coming year, the foundation for success starts with building relationships for results.
This riveting program explores the GregBell Curve®, a research-based four-stage model for creating effective relationships and a more effective business environment where teamwork thrives. The four stages help connect individuals and teams in order to heighten productivity and to maximize both professional – and personal – success. Watering relationships so they flourish and produce astonishing results is just as important as watering the project itself. Thought-provoking, energizing, humorous, and practical, this presentation leaves attendees energized and with new skills to lead results-oriented teams.
How You Will Benefit:
- Develop better relationships for better results
- Learn how to create a more engaged team no matter what is going on in the economy
- Learn a method to assess your team's engagement and tailor your approach to their unique needs
- Explore the four stages needed to reach empowering relationships with your team
- Learn and practice the skills and competencies for each of the four stages of relationships
- Create a culture that fosters trust and breaks down silos
- Identify strategic partners that can help you achieve success
- Discover a framework for collaboration
- Empower your staff to improve performance
|
| Speaker: |
Greg Bell |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Building High Performing Teams; Awareness and Insight |
Sponsored by:
|
|
Why do certain people captivate us, while most are ignored? How do some leaders influence, while others make no difference at all?
Sally Hogshead reveals the truth behind the most fascinating personalities. The answers are both surprising and inspiring.
Drawing upon neurology, history, culture, and the brain chemistry of falling in love, Sally will teach why certain people – and certain brands – have a unique power to persuade.
Today, the average attention span is as short as 9 seconds. You might only have 9 seconds to introduce yourself and your brand. But the reality is, you can harness attention. You can command attention and shape opinions – both professionally and personally. Sally will teach you.
Fascination is the most intense emotional focus. When you fascinate your customer, they become completely focused on you and your product. Instead of being distracted or bored, they become raving, loyal fans. Yet in today's distracted and competitive environment, most of our messages are forgotten, or ignored.
This talk is based on Sally Hogshead's proprietary research and groundbreaking national study on the science of fascination, and data on 65,000 participants, which is the basis of her internationally-acclaimed book, FASCINATE.
You can fascinate – and command this powerful force of attraction. Sally will show you how to identify your natural strengths, and harness attention in a 9-second world. |
| Speaker: |
Sally Hogshead |
| Track: |
Emerging Executive |
| Competencies: |
Communication and Listening; Influence and Diplomacy |
Sponsored by:
|
The closing celebration will be held at the House of Blues in downtown Dallas. Come let the live band Emerald City entertain you, and enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres. Continuous transportation will be provided to and from the Sheraton, Dallas Marriot City Center, and the Fairmont.
Women’s Foodservice Forum is pleased to expand its Communities of Interest programming for the 2012 Annual Leadership Development Conference.
The Communities of Interest session 8-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, will feature all five groups from the acclaimed inaugural session last year and two new ones – International Mobility and Working Mothers.
The returning groups, in alphabetic order, are Caregivers, GLBTA, Military Families, Women of Color, and Young Professionals.
A Community of Interest (COI) is a group of people who share a common interest or passion. The COI addresses issues that are important to them. They can exchange information, obtain answers to personal questions and advice for resolving problems, and deepen their understanding of a subject and its unique issues. An added benefit is the opportunity to establish a new network of business professionals.
The 2012 Community of Interest session will launch with highly interactive break-out discussions featuring content experts for each Communities of Interest group. The program will end by uniting the communities for the closing keynote speaker and renowned Generation Y expert Jason Ryan Dorsey, author of “Y-Size Your Business”.
This session is designed for sharing experiences, concerns and challenges you and your work colleagues face in and outside of the work place while embracing diversity in your business and industry.
Keynote Speaker
Sponsored by:
Jason Dorsey
Chief Strategy Officer, The Center for Generational Kinetics
Jason Ryan Dorsey is The Gen Y Guy®. You may have seen him on 60 Minutes, 20/20, The Today Show, The View, or in Fortune Magazine. His talent is teaching ready-to-use actions and creative strategies that quickly increase cross-generational performance. A bestselling author at age 18, Jason's newest book is Y-Size® Your Business. This acclaimed book features more than 50 ways to increase Gen Y performance from day one.
The Chief Strategy Officer for The Center for Generational Kinetics, Jason constantly studies the unique dynamics created within a multigenerational workforce. He shares his insights on his entertaining What the Gen?! blog. A proud member of Gen Y, Jason won the Austin Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at age 25—one of the youngest winners ever. And, yes, he text messages his mom every day.
Join one of the following Communities of Interest (COI) to connect with others during Conference to start the conversation and learning:
Young Professionals - Provides training opportunities, career planning and access to resources for young professionals in the foodservice industry. Learn how to build networks, share best practices and tap into a support system.
Care Givers - Helps spouses, partners, relatives, friends, neighbors and others learn more about the financial, physical and emotional impacts of care giving. This network of professionals will share their lesson learned, feelings, and experiences and resourced for caring for people of all ages.
Women of Color - Offers opportunity, development, information and education on how women of color have thrived, survived and re-created themselves within corporate settings.
GLBT - Provides an opportunity to increase your knowledge, offers support and resources to members connected to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies community. Content experts will provide facts & figures and through storytelling information will be shared about the GLBT experience and how to create a more inclusive work environment at your organization.
Working Mothers – Provides solutions, support, resources and tools for bridging and balancing work life and home life. Share concerns, challenges, barriers, struggles and best practices to learn and be successful in personal relationships and careers.
International Mobility – Provides a network for international business travelers, those that have taken international assignments or are considering an international assignment. Receive practical advice, timely information, relevant resources and insights from people with experience working outside the United States. Find out about career growth opportunities and through discussions, learn about the benefits and challenges of an international assignment, entry/exit career planning, and other resources.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw-UzCEZEFo
(Vice President and C-Level)
Educational Overview
The Executive Track is designed for those who are a vice-president or above in their organization. You have responsibility for leading a team and for major initiatives in your organization. You must be able to understand complicated business and financial matters beyond the Profit & Loss statement. Your ability to influence across your organization is paramount. You attend the Annual Leadership Conference to learn new skills as well as to network and learn from others who are at or above your current job level because you know that continuous growth is critical for your career progression. Participants will have an opportunity to select sessions that focus on the key competencies of Awareness and Insight, Initiative, Building High Performance Teams and Strategic Thinking/Visioning.
Please click on a date header below to expand the section and review the information for each day.
Sponsored by:
The Texas Culinary Experiences: Take part in a one-of-a-kind experience, offered exclusively for WFF guests. You will hear inspiring stories, enjoy tasting demonstrations and learn why these restaurants are considered to be “Top Restaurants” in “The Big D.”
Fedora Northern Italian Restaurant, located in downtown Dallas' One Arts District, is the perfect location to experience a menu of classic interpretations of Italian traditional dishes inspired by passion and panache of all things Italian. Fedora is owned and operated by Britney O'Daniel, one of Dallas' youngest restaurant owners. You won't forget the personalized experience from the Executive Chef, who will treat you to a delectable dining experience based on years of classical training and a talent for fine cuisine. Come and hear Britney's story of how having a vision and setting your goals will equate to one successful business! Visit Fedora's website at www.fedoradallas.com.
Sambuca – Uptown Dallas, TX is located in the heart of Uptown, at the corner of McKinney Avenue and Pearl Street, across from the Ritz Carlton and the Crescent Court Hotels. The Sambuca Legacy began in Dallas May of 1991. Co-owners, as well as brother- sister partnership Kim and Holly Forsythe started the Sambuca concept with out of the box ideas. Sambuca is known both for its live music, coupled with a magnificent menu to include a variety - from spicy entrees to seafood and steaks to suit your savvy style of preference! Come see what it’s all about!
Sponsored by:
If you are attending the WFF leadership conference for the first time, this is a fabulous opportunity to meet other first timers, build your network, learn how to get the most out of your conference experience and understand the many benefits available to you as a WFF member. A recent survey of WFF members revealed that 93% aspire to advance in the foodservice industry and they are more likely than non-members to have a plan of action. Join us at this event to develop YOUR action plan.
Sponsored by:
What a way to start your day! A healthy leader is a happy leader! Yoga is a great way to refresh the mind and exercise the body and can be powerful and inspiring for both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or if you are at the advanced level, you will benefit from this one hour session, facilitated by a trained yoga expert. Wear comfortable clothing. Mats, water and towels will be provided.
Start the day on the move! Texas style. We have tools to elevate our career at conference, so lets elevate our hearts also! What a fun way to start your day! Zumba is an alternative to the fitness gym and aerobics. This Latin-inspired fitness session will allow you to experience a mixture of Latin dance in a fun and exciting way, whether you are a beginner on the move or advanced in your steps! This session will be facilitated by a certified Zumba Instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Water and towels will be provided.
All Canadian WFF Conference attendees are invited to join us for a morning of networking, and of course a delicious breakfast! Please join members of the Canadian Advisory Group, Canadian Company Ambassadors and Committee Members. You will also hear about the exciting WFF products and services offered in the Canadian markets.
 |
Do you view market and customer leadership mainly in terms of satisfying consumer needs and advertising? These cornerstones of competitiveness are vital, yet overlook the influence leaders can now possess over consumers by managing invisible personal networks through social media. This session uses scientific research to develop your leadership talent through social media and networks – in a phrase learn how to: "Raise What You Know to the Power of Your social Media." Learn how social media works through social networks and how it can change how you think about market research, product development, and segmentation. |
| Speaker: |
Brian Uzzi |
| Track: |
Executive |
| Competencies: |
TBD |
|
 |
Prepare yourself to anticipate, recognize, and lead in times of crisis. Today, companies are increasingly at risk of aggressive legal action, negative media coverage, social pressure, and political and regulatory risks. In this program, the Kellogg Schools' world-class strategy and organizational management faculty challenges the prevailing view of crises as public relations or communications issues. Using a rich set of case studies and crisis simulation exercises, the program provides cutting-edge frameworks and tools to improve your strategic thinking, team management, leadership, and communications skill in high-stress situations. The program culminates in a half-day crisis management simulation that quips managers to prepare for and manage crises effectively, turning challenges into opportunities. |
| Speaker: |
Daniel Diermeier |
| Track: |
Executive |
| Competency: |
Strategic Thinking; Visioning Initiative |
|
Sponsored by:
THE IMPACT OF PRIVATE EQUITY ON THE FOODSERVICE SECTOR
Today there are over 62 distinct restaurant chains owned by private equity firms, equaling the number of publically traded firms.
We begin our forum with the 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast presented by Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President, Research and Information Services Division, National Restaurant Association. This forecast includes economic, workforce, consumer and menu trends, as well as information for restaurant operators to overcome the current economic challenges to position for future growth.
An interactive panel discussion of industry experts led by moderator Alice Elliot, CEO of the Elliot Group, will follow. Forum attendees will learn the difference in managing for a private equity vs. publically traded company, be conversant on how private equity partners impact operators, manufacturers and distributors and how private equity impacts talent selection now and in the future.
|
Prepare yourself to anticipate, recognize, and lead in times of crisis. Today, companies are increasingly at risk of aggressive legal action, negative media coverage, social pressure, and political and regulatory risks. In this program, the Kellogg Schools' world-class strategy and organizational management faculty challenges the prevailing view of crises as public relations or communications issues. Using a rich set of case studies and crisis simulation exercises, the program provides cutting-edge frameworks and tools to improve your strategic thinking, team management, leadership, and communications skill in high-stress situations. The program culminates in a half-day crisis management simulation that quips managers to prepare for and manage crises effectively, turning challenges into opportunities. |
| Speaker: |
Daniel Diermeier |
| Track: |
Executive |
| Competency: |
Strategic Thinking; Visioning Initiative |
|
Sponsored by:
What a way to start your day! A healthy leader is a happy leader! Yoga is a great way to refresh the mind and exercise the body and can be powerful and inspiring for both personal and professional endeavors. Whether you are a beginner or if you are at the advanced level, you will benefit from this one hour session, facilitated by a trained yoga expert. Wear comfortable clothing. Mats, water and towels will be provided.
Start the day on the move! Texas style. We have tools to elevate our career at conference, so lets elevate our hearts also! What a fun way to start your day! Zumba is an alternative to the fitness gym and aerobics. This Latin-inspired fitness session will allow you to experience a mixture of Latin dance in a fun and exciting way, whether you are a beginner on the move or advanced in your steps! This session will be facilitated by a certified Zumba Instructor. Wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear. Water and towels will be provided.
All WFF Ambassadors are invited to join us for a morning of recognition.
As a sponsorship benefit, member companies can participate in the WFF Ambassador Program. Each company may select 1-2 WFF members within their company to serve as ambassadors -- by bringing all of the benefits of WFF membership to life for the WFF members within their company.
Current WFF Ambassadors are provided with tools, updates and training to maximize the membership investment each sponsor company makes.
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Have you seen your great ideas or products initiatives go nowhere? The answer to this riddle can lie in an ideas' substance or packaging. But often what makes or breaks a hit idea is powerfully subtle. What is now understood is that ideas, messages, and products often spread like outbreaks of infectious diseases. The insight into leading this process lies in knowing how to capture the epidemic power of the critical mass and the passive massive. This session provides you with the tools to successfully lead and maximize the adoption of new ideas, products, or services through tipping points. |
| Speaker: |
Brian Uzzi |
| Track: |
Executive |
| Competencies: |
Awareness and Insight; Strategic Thinking/ Visioning |
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The colossal business failures of the past few years demonstrate that the conduct of a company’s senior leadership team is directly correlated with the organization’s long-term performance. For a company to create value for the organization, senior leaders must model the behaviors of a high-performing workgroup. Based on global research and intellectual property owned by the Center for High Performance, the course will focus on how to face harsh realities, leverage the talents of each individual, adapt quickly to change and find opportunities in challenging times.
Participants will learn to:
- Encourage an environment that drives high performance.
- Understand the killers of high performance and how to avoid them.
- Apply the principles of respectful communication.
- Make more proactive, fact-based decisions as a team. .
- Apply the lessons of high-performing senior teams in their own companies.
- Listen to the contrarian voice.
- Identify, replicate and nurture high-performance behaviors throughout the organization.
- Leverage talent
- Celebrate success
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| Speaker: |
Susan Lucia Annunzio |
| Track: |
Executive |
| Competency: |
Building High Performance Teams Awareness and Insight |
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The colossal business failures of the past few years demonstrate that the conduct of a company's senior leadership team is directly correlated with the organization's long-term performance. For a company to create value for the organization, senior leaders must model the behaviors of a high-performing workgroup. Based on global research and intellectual property owned by the Center for High Performance, the course will focus on how to face harsh realities, leverage the talents of each individual, adapt quickly to change and find opportunities in challenging times.
Participants will learn to:
- Encourage an environment that drives high performance.
- Understand the killers of high performance and how to avoid them.
- Apply the principles of respectful communication.
- Make more proactive, fact-based decisions as a team. .
- Apply the lessons of high-performing senior teams in their own companies.
- Listen to the contrarian voice.
- Identify, replicate and nurture high-performance behaviors throughout the organization.
- Leverage talent
- Celebrate success
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| Speaker: |
Susan Lucia Annunzio |
| Track: |
Executive |
| Competency: |
Building High Performance Teams Awareness and Insight |
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The closing celebration will be held at the House of Blues in downtown Dallas. Come let the live band Emerald City entertain you, and enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres. Continuous transportation will be provided to and from the Sheraton, Dallas Marriot City Center, and the Fairmont.
Women’s Foodservice Forum is pleased to expand its Communities of Interest programming for the 2012 Annual Leadership Development Conference.
The Communities of Interest session 8-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, will feature all five groups from the acclaimed inaugural session last year and two new ones – International Mobility and Working Mothers.
The returning groups, in alphabetic order, are Caregivers, GLBTA, Military Families, Women of Color, and Young Professionals.
A Community of Interest (COI) is a group of people who share a common interest or passion. The COI addresses issues that are important to them. They can exchange information, obtain answers to personal questions and advice for resolving problems, and deepen their understanding of a subject and its unique issues. An added benefit is the opportunity to establish a new network of business professionals.
The 2012 Community of Interest session will launch with highly interactive break-out discussions featuring content experts for each Communities of Interest group. The program will end by uniting the communities for the closing keynote speaker and renowned Generation Y expert Jason Ryan Dorsey, author of “Y-Size Your Business”.
This session is designed for sharing experiences, concerns and challenges you and your work colleagues face in and outside of the work place while embracing diversity in your business and industry.
Keynote Speaker Sponsored by:
Jason Dorsey
Chief Strategy Officer, The Center for Generational Kinetics
Jason Ryan Dorsey is The Gen Y Guy®. You may have seen him on 60 Minutes, 20/20, The Today Show, The View, or in Fortune Magazine. His talent is teaching ready-to-use actions and creative strategies that quickly increase cross-generational performance. A bestselling author at age 18, Jason's newest book is Y-Size® Your Business. This acclaimed book features more than 50 ways to increase Gen Y performance from day one.
The Chief Strategy Officer for The Center for Generational Kinetics, Jason constantly studies the unique dynamics created within a multigenerational workforce. He shares his insights on his entertaining What the Gen?! blog. A proud member of Gen Y, Jason won the Austin Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at age 25—one of the youngest winners ever. And, yes, he text messages his mom every day.
Join one of the following Communities of Interest (COI) to connect with others during Conference to start the conversation and learning:
Young Professionals - Provides training opportunities, career planning and access to resources for young professionals in the foodservice industry. Learn how to build networks, share best practices and tap into a support system.
Care Givers - Helps spouses, partners, relatives, friends, neighbors and others learn more about the financial, physical and emotional impacts of care giving. This network of professionals will share their lesson learned, feelings, and experiences and resourced for caring for people of all ages.
Women of Color - Offers opportunity, development, information and education on how women of color have thrived, survived and re-created themselves within corporate settings.
GLBT - Provides an opportunity to increase your knowledge, offers support and resources to members connected to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies community. Content experts will provide facts & figures and through storytelling information will be shared about the GLBT experience and how to create a more inclusive work environment at your organization.
Working Mothers – Provides solutions, support, resources and tools for bridging and balancing work life and home life. Share concerns, challenges, barriers, struggles and best practices to learn and be successful in personal relationships and careers.
International Mobility – Provides a network for international business travelers, those that have taken international assignments or are considering an international assignment. Receive practical advice, timely information, relevant resources and insights from people with experience working outside the United States. Find out about career growth opportunities and through discussions, learn about the benefits and challenges of an international assignment, entry/exit career planning, and other resources.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw-UzCEZEFo
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