Thank you for registering for the 2012 Women's Foodservice Forum Annual Leadership Development Conference. We're glad that you will be joining us for an outstanding event at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, where you'll enjoy four days of exceptional educational sessions and endless networking opportunities! In preparing for your experience, please review this quick summary of pertinent information you need to know before arrival.
General Information
I’m a First-Time Attendee. What do I need to know?
First, you’ll want to listen to the "Know Before You Go" webinar. Please click on this link to listen to the Know Before You Go Webinar. In addition, there will be a live Q&A session on Wednesday, April 11 at 1:00 pm CST.
I need a receipt for my registration:
To obtain a copy of your conference registration receipt, please email the Women’s Foodservice Forum Registration Headquarters wff@metroconnections.com or call 1-800-351-0232.
I need a receipt for my hotel:
Contact the Sheraton Dallas Hotel directly at 1.888.627.8191.
Weather / Attire:
Dress for conference is business. The Tuesday evening celebration is casual. Bring your favorite pair of jeans! Temperatures in April average a high of 90° F and a low of 75° F.
How do I determine if my membership has expired?
WFF membership dues expire on your anniversary date. In order to attend the Annual Leadership Development Conference at the member rate, your 2012 dues must be current through April 25th, 2012. You can pay your 2012 membership dues at the same time that you register for conference.
How many people are expected to attend the event?
We expect approximately 2,000 attendees this year.
What should I pack?
Bring plenty of business cards. Attendees are encouraged to wear layered business attire to programming. The Welcome Reception and Closing Celebration are more casual. Due to the sheer size of the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, comfortable shoes are recommended.
I just want to attend one day. Can I do that?
You can register for a one day registration:
One Day Registration – Member: $950
One Day Registration – Non-Member: $1175
I have special dietary and physical needs. How can I communicate this in advance?
Please email wff@metroconnections.com with any special dietary or physical needs.
Are discount tickets available for Dallas Attractions?
Click here for more information on exclusive offers for conference attendees.
Registration
- Registration Hours
- Sunday, April 22: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Monday, April 23: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, April 24: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday, April 25: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Do I have to be a member to attend?
We offer member and non-member registration rates. You must be a current member (with dues paid through 4/25/12) to take advantage of the member rate. There is an option to become a member during the Conference registration process, should you decide that is the best option for you.
I'm having trouble with my registration. Who do I call for help?
Please contact our Registration Headquarters at 1.800.0232 for help with registration, the website or other questions you may have, or email wff@metroconnections.com.
I need to cancel. What's the cancellation policy?
Cancellations received on or before March 23, 2012 will be refunded minus a $175 processing fee. There are no refunds for cancellations received on March 24th or later.
Transfers: Registrations are transferable up until the day of the event. Any transfer will incur a $175 processing fee. Email our Registration Headquarters with transfer information. Please note that while conference registrations are transferable, annual memberships are not. If the original attendee is a member, the replacement attendee must be a member, or become a member, to receive the discounted registration.
Please call 1.800.351.0232 or email at wff@metroconnections.com.
My confirmation is wrong. Who do I call to get corrections?
Please contact our Registration Headquarters at 1.800.351.0232 for help with registration or any other questions you may have.
Can I change my workshops on-site?
You can change your selections online at any time on or prior to March 23, 2012. Due to the increase in attendance over the last few weeks, we will not be able to accommodate changes to your Educational Sessions on site.
Please call 1.800.351.0232 or email at wff@metroconnections.com for additional information, or go to Manage My Registration.I'm only going to be there for one day, do I pay the full registration?
We offer a one-day member registration fee of $950 (or $1,175 for non-members) for any day of the conference. Each one-day registration covers all events and sessions from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Simply check that option when you register.
A colleague is now going to go in my place. Is that ok? How do I get that changed?
Registrations are transferable. Call our Registration Manager at 1.800.351.0232 to make the change. Click here for the Transfer form that will need to be completed and submitted to the Registration Headquarters. There is a $175 processing fee. Please note that while registrations are transferable, membership fees are not, so if your colleague is not a current WFF member, she or he will need to become one in order to qualify for the member rate. CLICK HERE for additional information.
Transportation Logistics
Airport Transportation
Sheraton Dallas Downtown Hotel is approximately 19 miles from DFW Airport and approximately 5.2 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport. Super Shuttle is the primary ground transportation concessionaire and is offering discounts. See the Hotel/Travel page for details.
Sheraton Dallas Downtown Hotel Parking
Self parking is $12.00 per night. Valet parking is also available for $29.00 per day. These parking rates are not inclusive of tax.
Hotel
I want to reserve my hotel room right away. Can I call the hotel directly?
You can call the hotel directly at 1-888-627-8191 or CLICK HERE to be taken directly to the hotel registration site where you'll be able to reserve your room.
Programming
How do I choose or change my educational programming?
You can change your selections online at any time on or prior to March 23, 2012. All changes made after March 23rd will incur a $175 fee. On site, you can check with the Registration area for availability, or you can wait until the start of a session - if space is available once the speaker has started, you will be able to join the session.
Which educational track is right for me?
Please refer to the Educational Track Guidelines for further information
What are the competencies in focus for the 2011 Conference?
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Building Trust – Builds strong relationships on a foundation of trust, loyalty and authenticity. |
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Driving for Results – Relentlessly pursues quantifiable and measureable results; identifies areas for improvement and executes changes as necessary. |
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Awareness and Insight – Assesses one’s own abilities, understands how actions impact perceptions and effectively maneuvers the culture, climate and politics of the organization at all levels. |
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Initiative – Proactively seeks new opportunities and challenges; takes ownership and accountability for enhancing results or minimizing problems. |
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Building Networks – Builds strong relationships with peers and partners, cultivating meaningful |
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Influence and Diplomacy – Utilizes a rational appeal and a convincing business case to influence others and gain organizational support; builds and leverages interdependent relationships with key stakeholders. |
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Risk Taking – Effectively analyzes risk factors and potential consequences, taking action to realize goals. |
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Strategic Thinking/Visioning – Establishes and implements strategic initiatives that facilitate the growth and success of the business. |
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Awareness and Insight – Assesses one’s own abilities, understands how actions impact perceptions and effectively maneuvers the culture, climate and politics of the organization at all levels. |
|
Driving for Results – Relentlessly pursues quantifiable and measureable results; identifies areas for improvement and executes changes as necessary. |
|
Influence and Diplomacy – Utilizes a rational appeal and a convincing business case to influence others and gain organizational support; builds and leverages interdependent relationships with key stakeholders. |
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Strategic Thinking/Visioning – Establishes and implements strategic initiatives that facilitate the growth and success of the business. |
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Building High-Performing Teams – Recruits and retains high-performing talent, sets high standards for performance and ultimately creates a collaborative culture. |
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Communicating and Listening – Encourages open and honest communication with the team, communicates messages clearly and concisely and listens attentively to others |
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Building Trust – Builds strong relationships on a foundation of trust, loyalty and authenticity. |
Workshops are coded to one of the competencies to help attendees select those most relevant to their situation. Taking the WFF Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA) is also recommended for all attendees prior to registering for workshops to help members further determine their areas of need. Take your LCA now.
What about the workshops on Wednesday?
The energizing final day of Conference is about your personal development. This year, we're continuing our Communities of Interest with a session led by Jason Dorsey, Chief Strategy Officer at The Center for Generational Kinetics.
What is being done this year to avoid overcrowded workshops for popular speakers?
To prevent overcrowding, and to ensure all pre-registered attendees have a chance to attend, you will need to have your badge scanned to enter. All classes you registered for will be listed on your personal agenda. You will need to present your badge to gain access to all workshops and events.
Will handouts be available or posted on the WFF website for all sessions?
In an effort to go green, workshop handouts that speakers provide will be available on-line, depending on the speaker. Not every speaker elects to provide handouts.
Sponsorship
How do I get involved with sponsorship opportunities?
There are many opportunities to become involved and contribute resources to WFF. For complete sponsorship information and program details, contact our VP of Business Development and Industry Relations, Gretchen Sussman at 972.770.9130 (office) or email at gsussman@womensfoodserviceforum.com.
Meals
I'm a volunteer; do I sit anywhere special for the meals?
There is no special seating for volunteers at the events. There is a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon scheduled on Tuesday, April 24th from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. This event will recognize the importance of volunteering, as well as celebrate the successes of members just like you.
Am I responsible for my own meals?
The following meals are included with your Conference Registration:
Sunday – Networking Reception
Monday – Breakfast and Lunch
Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch and Closing Reception
Wednesday - Breakfast
| The WFF 2012 Conference Site is sponsored by |  |