F&B LA 2018

Sessions (170)

*Coffee Business Start-Up Seminar (Room 406A)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Speaker(s): Bruce Milletto ; Joshua Smith ; Matt Milletto

The Coffee Business Start-Up Seminar is designed to ensure the new coffee shop owners “expertise” from the moment they open their doors... More...

*Hands-On Barista Training (Room 402A)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker(s): Linda Stockton ; Samantha Rounds

Whether you’re new to coffee and interested in learning the art and science of creating world-class espresso drinks, or an experienced barist... More...

*NEW* Effective Ways to Sell into the Single Serve Pod Market (Room 403A)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Robert Hensley ; Tim Widmer

Join us as we instruct how to effectively market single serve pods into various channels built around fresh fill. Today we will cover each of the 4... More...

*NEW* Legal Issues & How Coffee Shop Owners Can Navigate Them (Room 408A)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Aastha Madaan

This lecture will serve as Law 101 for coffee shop owners. Coffee Shop owners face unique legal issues in California and nationwide from the very b... More...

*NEW* The New Golden Age of Coffee: The Nitro Coffee Revolution (Room 408B)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): John Goerke

Learn why nitro coffee is a healthy and sophisticated evolution of the worlds favorite beverage, coffee. Master Brewologist, John Goerke is transfo... More...

*Understanding Espresso Machines (Room 406B)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Brian Conroy

Understanding Espresso Machines focuses on basic maintenance and repair of traditional espresso machines that every owner and employee should know.... More...

Freshman Class Orientation: First Time Attendee Program (Room 403B)

19 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Holly Barrett

Coffee Fest's Freshman Class Orientation has been designed specifically for the first-time Coffee Fest attendee. You will learn how to maximize... More...

*Drink Innovations Lab (Room 404A)

19 Aug 18
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): None None ; None None ; None None ; None None

Your menu’s beverage strategy says a lot about your brand & business. That’s why Drink Innovations Lab, presented by Torani, should... More...

*Introduction to Cupping (Room 407)

19 Aug 18
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Bjorn Dhaese

Learn industry standard protocol to cupping, best coffee tasting practices, and how to set up your own cupping program for your coffee business. More...

5 Rules for a Successful Café (Room 408B)

19 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Chris Deferio

Get the weekend started off right! In this morning session you will discover the top 5 rules for a successful cafe taken from in depth interviews o... More...

Espresso or Coffee: More Different Than You Think (Room 403B)

19 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Melind John

Compared to ordinary coffee, real espresso is a very different and intrinsically a superior beverage. Unfortunately, 90 to 95 percent of what is ma... More...

Green Coffee Production, Overview of Farming, Processing & Purchasing for Roasters (Room 408A)

19 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): None None

How does your coffee actually go from seed to cup? This lecture-based course provides an in-depth overview of the many steps of the supply chain, a... More...

The Art of Customer Service: Stop Dismissing This Point of Difference (Room 403A)

19 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Levi Andersen

"Why should I care about customer service?” Is a question that every barista needs to have an answer for. Customer Service is the wrappi... More...

*Cold Brew 101 (Room 405)

19 Aug 18
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Christian Krause ; Gary Meyer ; Jim Lewis ; Sammy Meyer

Coffee Fest is pleased to present “Cold Brew 101.” Your one stop shop for all of the information you want and need to jump into the exc... More...

*Introduction to Free Pour Latte Art Workshop (Room 402B)

19 Aug 18
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Speaker(s): Michael Ryan ; Terika Raak

If you've ever wanted to take your barista craft to the next level, this class will take you there. Coffee is a pleasure for all senses, taste,... More...

*Roasting Seminar (Live Roaster) (Room Booth #1961)

19 Aug 18
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Dan Jolliff ; Robert Hensley

Don't miss the Coffee Fest roasting seminar presented by US Roaster Corp. Topics covered in this session include: -General green coffee informa... More...

How to Become a RockStar Restaurant (Room 304 AB)

19 Aug 18
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Speaker(s): Darren S. Denington

We all understand that operating a restaurant in today’s business climate is extremely challenging.  Numerous critical projects are regu... More...

*NEW* Hot Trends in Hospitality Craft Coffee (Room 403B)

19 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Jeff Woods ; Lon Laflamme

Seasoned and engaging seminar leaders Lon LaFlamme & Jeff Woods will provide the latest hospitality industry challenges and the opportunity and... More...

*NEW* The Future of Coffee: Building Long-Distance Relationships in Emerging Origins (Room 408B)

19 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Chelsey Walker-Watson ; Katherine Hartline

World Coffee Research predicts that within the next 30 years, the demand for coffee will double while viable land in current coffee growing countri... More...

Brand & Business Tune Up: Building a Mission that Resonates (Room 403A)

19 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Joshua Boyt

Whether you are just starting a business or have been open for years, this seminar is for you! We will go over a step by step process to refining y... More...

Roadmap to Drive-Thru Success (Room 408A)

19 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Mike Miller

Drive-thru coffee stands provide a quick and efficient way for consumers to grab a quality cup of coffee on the way to work or while they are out r... More...

*NEW* 10 Steps to Elevate the Craft of Cold Brew in Your Shop (Room 408B)

19 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 11:55 AM

Speaker(s): Matt Bushman

Let's talk about the future of cold brew! For decades, cold brew remained unchanged. The same old ingredients, brewed with the same old process... More...

Level Up Your Leadership (Room 408A)

19 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 11:55 AM

Speaker(s): Bryan Reynolds

We’ll show you 3 ways that you can level up your leadership in order to lead with confidence, communicate clearly, and show your team what it... More...

Marketing: The Fun, The Awkward, & the "I Can't Believe I Just Did That!" (Room 403A)

19 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 11:55 AM

Speaker(s): Jeremy Lyman

Too often, new business owners have an “If you build it, they will come” mentality. While this worked for Kevin Costner in a movie, it&... More...

Opening a New Café? (Room 403B)

19 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Speaker(s): Tom Palm

This power point presentation will explore the most critical issues (and mistakes) owners face during the design and build-out process when opening... More...

Love and Life in a Glass: Chef Mareya's 8 Superfoods Shake That'll Rock Your World (Room Center Stage)

19 Aug 18
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Tracks: Culinary Demonstration

Get introduced to our 2018 Center Stage emcee who will kick off the culinary demonstrations with her Super Shake that is sure to leave you feeling ... More...

*Food Integration Lab (Room 404B)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Speaker(s): Erica Teodoro ; Kate Teodoro

The Food Integration Lab, sponsored by Fresh Cup Magazine, Design & Layout Services & Nuova Simonelli is a three hour workshop designed to ... More...

Chef Talk: The Latin Influence (Room Education Theater)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Hot Topics

Speaker(s): Armando Tam ; Cesar Villarreal ; Roberto Lemus

Hispanic cuisine is no longer exotic or foreign within the United States and hasn’t been for quite some time. It is an American cuisine! This... More...

Hire Better with Data: How to Recruit Based on Metrics in Today's Competitive Market (Room Education Hub)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Speaker(s): Reed Shaffner

Restaurant industry employers face unique challenges in today's environment. Recruiting is often done by operators and managers rather than ded... More...

Spanish Tuna Crudo Demonstation with Maître Cuisinier de France Chef Bernard Guillas (Room Center Stage)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Tracks: Culinary Demonstration

Sustainable, Healthy and Flavorful: Executive Chef Bernard Guillas' demomstration recipe is nutritionally packed featuring sustainable seafood,... More...

Survival Guide 2018: What Restaurant Owners and Managers Need to Know (Room Education Station)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Operational Excellence

Speaker(s): Kevin Wise, MBA, BSM, PDIT, CDR

The Survival Guide 2018 is an interactive and practical presentation designed for restaurant owners and managers. Kevin Wise, Founder and Partner o... More...

The Emerging Health and Tech Trends: Are You Ready? (Room Education Zone)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Speaker(s): Anita Jones-Mueller

Healthy Dining founder and CEO Anita Jones-Muller will lead a discussion about how restaurants in California — and beyond -- are capitalizing... More...

The Revolution Will Be Eaten (Room Education Lab)

19 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Speaker(s): Alain Cohen

The personal revolution:  Conscious Eating: Kosher, Vegetarian and Vegan.  Why this trend is important and why anyone would be “cra... More...

*NEW* Campfire: Social Media (Room Aisle #2100)

19 Aug 18
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Speaker(s): Jennifer Morimoto

Building a brand image and cultivating a community on social media can be challenging. What social media platforms should I use? How many times a d... More...

Stump the Roaster: A Focused Conversation About Roasting Coffee (Room Aisle #1600)

19 Aug 18
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Speaker(s): None None

Stump the Roaster is a focused Q&A-style conversation about coffee roasting, moderated by Meister of Cafe Imports and featuring a diverse panel... More...

*Hands-On Barista Training (Room 402A)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker(s): Linda Stockton ; Samantha Rounds

Whether you’re new to coffee and interested in learning the art and science of creating world-class espresso drinks, or an experienced barist... More...

Benefiting from the RIsing Demographic of Plant-Based Diners (Room Education Zone)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Speaker(s): David Benzaquen

With over 40% of Americans looking to eat more plant-based foods, restaurants can no longer afford to relegate these diners to the infamous “... More...

Don't Get Stuck in the Party Room (Room Education Station)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Tracks: Hot Topics

Speaker(s): Sandy Korem

For restaurant owners looking for new revenue streams, catering is a no-brainer. Many restaurant owners have already caught onto this and are even ... More...

Foodservice Council for Women & Beacon Award Presentation (Room Center Stage)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Speaker(s): Dominique Crenn ; Erin Wade ; Kathleen Wood ; Mary Sue Milliken ; Niki Nakayama ; Nina Curtis ; Tati Polo

The Food & Beverage Portfolio and Kathleen Wood are pleased to present and host the Foodservice Council for Women annual panel discussion and n... More...

Modern Day Food Safety (Room Education Lab)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Speaker(s): Betsy Craig

Leading national food safety expert dishes on how to keep diners safe. Learn the top 5 "gotchas" in any food safety plan, and make sure ... More...

The Culinary Cocktail: Closer Collaboration between Kitchen and Bar (Room Education Theater)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Tracks: Bar & Beverage

Speaker(s): Adam Fleischman ; BC Hoffman ; Brynn Smith ; Joshua Goldman ; Philip Dobard ; Robert Danhi

There was a time—one that persists in some dark corners of the culinary universe—when kitchen and bar developed their menus in isolatio... More...

The Theory of Profitability: Understanding the Theoretical Food Cost (Room Education Hub)

19 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Tracks: Operational Excellence

Speaker(s): Kevin Paider

This presentation focuses on how theoretical food cost is calculated, understanding the key ingredients in this recipe for success, and using this ... More...

*NEW* Campfire Café: Matcha 101 (Room Aisle #2100)

19 Aug 18
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Speaker(s): Brody Cord ; Steve O’Dell

Have you been wondering what all that green you’ve been seeing is? It is matcha green tea, and we’re putting on this campfire session t... More...

Changing the Perception of Gluten-Free with Revolutionary Technology (Room Education Zone)

19 Aug 18
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Speaker(s): Steven Rice

Offering gluten-free options on your menu is a key driver of revenue in a restaurant. Many restaurants are incorporating gluten-free on their menus... More...

PR Bootcamp for Restaurants: In Memory of Fifi Chao (Room Education Theater)

19 Aug 18
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: Marketing & Social Media

Speaker(s): Andrew Harris ; Anne Marie Panoringan ; Farley Elliott ; Gretchen Kurz ; Patric Kuh

How does an enterprising restaurant attract the attention of credible food and beverage journalists along with legitimate food critics? Is a public... More...

Product Development: Channeling Your Inner Health Conscious Millennial (Room Education Lab)

19 Aug 18
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Speaker(s): Randa Shammet

Millennials crave special foods that make them feel good--inside and out. We like to think of it as taking us back to our roots, reinventing tradit... More...

Restaurant Accounting: Best Practices and Questions to Ask (Room Education Hub)

19 Aug 18
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: Operational Excellence

Speaker(s): Michael P. Viola

Whether or not you have outsourced bookkeeping, Michael Viola, CPA, MBA, will discuss the best practices and key observations from his many years a... More...

The Restaurant Culture Cure (Room Education Station)

19 Aug 18
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Speaker(s): Donald Burns

What separates the great restaurants from the average? Culture. A strong culture creates a beacon that attracts guests and top talent to work for y... More...

Campfire Café: Specialty Coffee Trends in 2018 (Room Aisle #2100)

19 Aug 18
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Speaker(s): Anna Gutierrez

Do you know how to be on the cutting edge of what’s new in specialty coffee for 2018? Come learn how to be a step ahead of your competition w... More...

Plant Based Cuisine Slated as "Mega Trend" for 2018. What Does this Mean for Your Business? (Room Center Stage)

19 Aug 18
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Tracks: Culinary Demonstration

Mega trends are global, sustained and macro economic forces of development that impacts business, economy, society, cultures and personal lives the... More...

*NEW* *Advanced Free Pour Latte Art Workshop (Room 402B)

19 Aug 18
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker(s): Michael Ryan ; Terika Raak

Are you an expert at hearts and rosettas and want to take your latte art skills to the next level? This is the class for you. In this 2-hour, 5-per... More...

How to Easily Set Par Levels and Protect Your Cash Flow (Room Education Station)

19 Aug 18
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tracks: Operational Excellence

Speaker(s): David Scott Peters

Do you find it difficult letting someone else on your team place your food, liquor, beer and wine orders? Have you tried it in the past, only to se... More...

It's All About That Spice! (Room Education Zone)

19 Aug 18
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker(s): Bernard Guillas ; Gerry Furth-Sides ; Linda Civitello, Ph.D. ; Robert Danhi

World traveler Expert Chefs and Writers talk about the history of spice and Ethnic spice as the new darling of mainstream restaurant menus.  ... More...

Pivot Power: 5 Critical Pivots for Accelerating Your Business (Room Education Hub)

19 Aug 18
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tracks: Hot Topics

Speaker(s): Kathleen Wood

Einstein once said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”  If you a... More...

Vegan vs. Vegetarian and Carnivores...Understanding the Differences and Catering to All (Room Education Lab)

19 Aug 18
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker(s): Denise Portillo

Ever wondered what it would be like to actually enjoy your food without the faces, judgements or confusion about our dietary lifestyle? In a w... More...

Campfire Café: The Changing Face of Retail (Room Aisle #2100)

19 Aug 18
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Speaker(s): Chris Deferio

What is happening now in retail and why does it matter to you? Trends come and trends go but through them all emerge lasting movements that change ... More...

Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender (Room Center Stage)

19 Aug 18
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Tracks: Bar & Beverage

Join us on Center Stage as the best bartenders in the region battle during the 2018 Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender. Each bartender will de... More...

The Culinary + Cocktail Clash (Room Main Stage)

19 Aug 18
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Proceeds to benefit the California Restaurant Association Foundation The Culinary + Cocktail Clash is a lively cooking and craft cocktail compet... More...

Power UP Yoga (Room Center Stage)

20 Aug 18
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Speaker(s): Mareya Ibrahim

NEW to our show this year! Start your day off right with this exclusive and complimentary yoga class led by "Fit Foodie" and AFAA certfif... More...

*Hands-On Barista Training (Room 402A)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker(s): Linda Stockton ; Samantha Rounds

Whether you’re new to coffee and interested in learning the art and science of creating world-class espresso drinks, or an experienced barist... More...

*NEW* Curating Your Social Media to Attract Customers & Build a Following (Room 408B)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Dave Imber

Running your social media account can be a daunting task. In this lecture, Dave Imber of @thecoffeestandard & @madebyvci, will help you focus o... More...

*The CoffeePreneur One-Day Intensive (Room 406A)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Speaker(s): Bryan Reynolds ; Joe Lloyd

How successful entrepreneurs in the coffee industry are winning every day by using sustainable success strategies. At the Coffee-Preneur, we know t... More...

*Understanding Espresso Machines (Room 406B)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Brian Conroy

Understanding Espresso Machines focuses on basic maintenance and repair of traditional espresso machines that every owner and employee should know.... More...

Carving Out a Career (Room 403A)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Michael Ryan

The lack of a "ladder" to climb in the coffee industry is both a blessing and a blight. Many people who want to stay in the industry but ... More...

Essential Elements of Effective Management (Room 403B)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Chris Deferio

A shops success hinges on the quality and effectiveness of it's leaders. The quality of your management is one of the most significant reasons ... More...

Taking Your Café's Philanthropy to the Next Level: Boosting Profits While Giving Back (Room 408A)

20 Aug 18
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

Speaker(s): Nathan Westwick

Together, we will explore the importance of philanthropy in business in today’s consumer environment, as well as take a look at the ways diff... More...

*Drink Innovations Lab (Room 404A)

20 Aug 18
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): None None ; None None ; None None ; None None

Your menu’s beverage strategy says a lot about your brand & business. That’s why Drink Innovations Lab, presented by Torani, should... More...

*Introduction to Cupping (Room 407)

20 Aug 18
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Bjorn Dhaese

What is cupping and how do I do it? During our time with you, we’ll cover all the basics and answer all the questions on why we cup and how t... More...

*NEW* How to Make A Buying Decision on Espresso Machines (Room 408A)

20 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): David Crescenzo ; John Keeter

Join us as John Keeter and David Crescenzo of Astoria cover the key components to purchasing an espresso machine. Topics included: • Summary o... More...

Brand & Business Tune Up: Building a Mission That Resonates (Room 403B)

20 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Joshua Boyt

Whether you are just starting a business or have been open for years, this seminar is for you! We will go over a step by step process to refining y... More...

Espresso or Coffee: More Different Than You Think (Room 403A)

20 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Melind John

Compared to ordinary coffee, real espresso is a very different and intrinsically a superior beverage. Unfortunately, 90 to 95 percent of what is ma... More...

Retaining Baristas & Cultivating Company Culture (Room 408B)

20 Aug 18
8:55 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker(s): Joshua Smith

So many of us as managers or owners have accepted high turnover of baristas as part of our industry. With increased employee satisfaction and engag... More...

*Cold Brew 101 (Room 405)

20 Aug 18
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Christian Krause ; Gary Meyer ; Jim Lewis ; Sammy Meyer

Coffee Fest is pleased to present “Cold Brew 101.” Your one stop shop for all of the information you want and need to jump into the exc... More...

*Introduction to Free Pour Latte Art Workshop (Room 402B)

20 Aug 18
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Speaker(s): Michael Ryan ; Terika Raak

If you've ever wanted to take your barista craft to the next level, this class will take you there. Coffee is a pleasure for all senses, taste,... More...

*Roasting Seminar (Live Roaster) (Room Booth #1961)

20 Aug 18
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Dan Jolliff ; Robert Hensley

Don't miss the Coffee Fest roasting seminar presented by US Roaster Corp. Topics covered in this session include: -General green coffee informa... More...

Increase Retention through Ongoing Professional Development (Room 403A)

20 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Sam Spillman

Is your training program a flash in the pan, one-time event? This seminar will take a comprehensive look at coffee business Training programs, and ... More...

Increase Your Sales & Boost Your Profits with POS (Room 408B)

20 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Mike Spence

Are you ready to increase revenue and cut costs? Learn how implementing a point-of-sale (POS) system can help you gain more control of your busines... More...

Key Components of Direct Trading: Sourcing, Integrity & Sustainability (Room 403B)

20 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Joseph Stazzone

Join Joseph Stazzone, CEO of Café Kreyol, for this informative discussion. In this one hour lecture, you will cover the following topics: How do yo... More...

Raise the Bar: How to Set Yourself Apart From the Competition (Room 408A)

20 Aug 18
10:05 AM - 10:55 AM

Speaker(s): Dave Strathern

Join us for this 50-minute seminar presented by Monin. The recipe for success is the perfect blend of products, service and offerings. We’ll ... More...

*Tasting Concepts: Understanding Flavor in Coffee (Room 407)

20 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Speaker(s): None None

In this hands-on class, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the differences between taste and flavor, learn how to identify and describe... More...

Ask The Experts: Retailer Edition (Room 403A)

20 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Speaker(s): TBD TBD

Moderated by Fresh Cup Magazine. Gather round to network, interact and chat with fellow retailers on topics of mutual concern. Want to hear what yo... More...

Build Your Business with Signature Drinks (Room 408B)

20 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 11:55 AM

Speaker(s): Anna Gutierrez

Want to start making more profit by simply promoting drinks using ingredients you already have in your café? Build Your Business with Signature Dri... More...

Opening a New Café? (Room 403B)

20 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Speaker(s): Tom Palm

This power point presentation will explore the most critical issues (and mistakes) owners face during the design and build-out process when opening... More...

Pitch the Press (Room Education Station)

20 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

"Pitch the Press" is a unique opportunity for exhibitors to pitch their products to a group of editors and reporters looking for the most... More...

Tea 101 (Room 408A)

20 Aug 18
11:00 AM - 11:55 AM

Speaker(s): Manish Shah

What is tea, exactly, and where does it come from? What are the differences between black, green, oolong, white, and herbal varieties? How does one... More...

Keynote Panel: Industry Superstars Navigating Healthy Change (Room Center Stage)

20 Aug 18
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Speaker(s): Anita Jones-Mueller ; David E. Goldstein ; Erik Oberholtz ; Jonathan Rollo ; Nicole Bushnell

Hear from superstars in the industry on how they are navigating "healthy change" to meet rapidly evolving consumer preferences. These&nbs... More...

The Business of the Restaurant Business (Room Education Hub)

20 Aug 18
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Operational Excellence

Speaker(s): Darren S. Denington

Darren S. Denington, CFBE has spent the last 35 years in the Hospitality industry helping restaurants owners and managers understand their business... More...

*Food Integration Lab (Room 404B)

20 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Speaker(s): Erica Teodoro ; Kate Teodoro

The Food Integration Lab, sponsored by Fresh Cup Magazine, Design & Layout Services & Nuova Simonelli is a three hour workshop designed to ... More...

3 Ways to Use Social Media to Attract Customers to Your Restaurant (Room Education Station)

20 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Marketing & Social Media

Speaker(s): Emma Vaughn

It’s important for your restaurant to keep up with the latest social media marketing trends by using content marketing to attract new custome... More...

Food Allergies and the Impact on Restaurants (Room Education Zone)

20 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Speaker(s): Jenny Dowd ; Sahru Keiser

Food allergy is a growing public health concern affecting fifteen million Americans, including one in every 13 children.  Eating away from hom... More...

Legal Center LIVE at the Western Food Expo presented by the California Restaurant Association (Room Education Theater)

20 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Tracks: Hot Topics

Speaker(s): Alden J. Parker ; Anthony Zaller ; Bruno W. Katz ; Jackie Gutierrez ; Lukas Clary

Law-related difficulties are all too common for business owners. Restaurants are particularly subject to a wide swath of regulations at the local, ... More...

Powering Up with Plant-Based Options (Room Education Lab)

20 Aug 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Speaker(s): Lauren Pitts, MA, RD/LD

Plant-based eating is on the rise and picking up momentum among public figures, athletes, health professionals, and even within the foodservice ind... More...

*NEW* Campfire Café: Pricing Strategies (Room Aisle #2100)

20 Aug 18
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Speaker(s): Jim Starcev ; Mark Calhoun

Join us today for this 30 minute speed session on pricing strategies. We will cover how to find the optimal prices, the impacts of increasing/decre... More...

*Hands-On Barista Training (Room 402A)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Speaker(s): Linda Stockton ; Samantha Rounds

Whether you’re new to coffee and interested in learning the art and science of creating world-class espresso drinks, or an experienced barist... More...

Chef Talk: The Healthy Focus (Room Education Zone)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Speaker(s): Bret Thompson ; Jenny Ross ; Jocelyn Ramirez ; Salar Sheik

Encouraging healthy eating and focus in restaurant establishments can have its challenges but it is an area that needs to be embraced if you want t... More...

Healthy's Not a Dirty Word (Room Education Lab)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Speaker(s): Betsy Craig

Nutrition experts take a deep dive into what's being served on the plate, using the same magnifying glass your customers are using. Get the top... More...

How to Build a Winning Team by Igniting Enthusiasm In Your People (Room Education Station)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Speaker(s): Howard Solomon

In this session, six key factors will be introduced on how to motivate and excite your team so that they work for the name on the front of the jers... More...

Leasing Restaurant Space? Negotiate to Win (Room Education Hub)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Tracks: Operational Excellence

Speaker(s): Dale Willerton

Rent Reductions, better New Lease deals, more Free Rent and Tenant Allowances.  How to lease with no deposit and no personal guaranty.  H... More...

Leverage POS Technology to Solve Business Challenges (Room Education Theater)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Tracks: Hot Topics

Speaker(s): Aaron Okura ; Albert Okura ; Brandon Harada ; Jillian Cam ; Johnny Wang ; Ross Peterson ; Scott Bachman

Owning a restaurant can be challenging - from tracking inventory to supervising employees to taking orders and everything in between. You’re ... More...

Torch Award Presentation & Wine Tasting with Caroline Styne (Room Center Stage)

20 Aug 18
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Speaker(s): Caroline Styne

Please join us in welcoming Caroline Styne, Sommelier and Restaurateur of The Lucques Group, as she 2018 Torch Award recipient!  Featuring ... More...