Welcome!
The Women's Foodservice Forum is proud to host one of the most popular and premier industry conferences. Attended by 3,000+ foodservice executives and emerging leaders, our conference features unique professional development and networking opportunities not available elsewhere in the industry. The 2008 Annual Leadership Development Conference will be held at the spectacular new Gaylord National® Resort and Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
More than a third of our attendees will be attending Conference for the first time. Take advantage of the wide variety of signature events that have made the WFF Conference a stand-out in the industry.
Conference Agenda-at-a-Glance
A Track for Everyone
At the 2008 Conference, there is a track designed specifically for you and your needs.
For Emerging Leaders, we feature a track filled with speakers on each of this year’s four core competencies to help those earlier in their career move along their path.
The Executive Track is open to VP level and above, providing a series of special events and sessions and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of senior management.
And, new this year, we’ve added the Emerging Executive track, aimed at Director or senior level attendees who want to take their conference learning to the next level. You’ll find motivating and relevant educational options and networking events, no matter what track you’re on.
Keynote Speakers
Accomplished keynote speakers will engage and inspire you at the 2008 WFF Leadership Development Conference.
Inspirational leadership messages from
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) Former U.S. Secretary of State will take center stage during the Tuesday Morning General Session. WFF attendees will hear The Leadership Principles of Colin Powell first-hand as he shares some of the most well-known and recited quotes on leadership and their relevance in the business world.
Dr. Bertice Berry returns to the WFF Annual Conference with her unique style of motivational messages. She is an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne. The gifted speaker will be the featured Keynote during the Monday Morning General Session.
"Sunday Morning with
Susan Taylor" will kick off this year's conference at the re-formatted Multicultural Event, to be held on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Ms. Taylor, the senior editorial executive at ESSENCE Magazine will discuss diversity and the challenges facing women of color in today's business world.
Skill-Building Workshops
At the heart of the WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference are the variety of skill-building workshops to choose from. With some pre-planning, you can choose just the right workshops and networking events to help you achieve your professional development goals.
The first step is to take your Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA). This online assessment helps you understand and develop the competencies which are most important for organizational and personal success.
Use the results to guide you to the programming, services, volunteer opportunities and workshops that can help you develop or refine needed skills.
Plan your workshops.
2008 WFF Awards Ceremony and Celebration
It’s one of the WFF Signature Events, with a whole new style. Join us as we honor and celebrate our 2008 Leadership, Entrepreneur of the Year and Trailblazer Award winners with a night of food, fun, music and dancing.
New Member/First Time Attendee Orientation
First time attending conference? Attend one of these popular orientation sessions designed to help you make the most out of your conference experience, plus get started on networking with peers in the industry. You'll receive helpful hints, insights and encouragement to help you navigate through the 2008 conference and beyond.
Women Making Their Mark Tour
Celebrate women-owned restaurants! This special event is an opportunity to get an intimate tour and meet four of Washington’s unique women restaurateurs. Each owner will engage attendees by sharing insights and offer a taste from her menu. Along the way, you will be treated to the sights of Washington’s major landmarks. (Attendance is limited. $60 per person.) To ensure your place, register before Friday, February 29. No refunds are available.)
Personal Development Planning
Leadership Competency Assessment tool and introduce the new WFF Personal Development Planning (PDP) Learning Journal. On Wednesday, we'll reconvene to help you build an actionable plan to produce a strong ROI.
WFF Golf Tournament
A Sunday round of golf with friends old and new is the perfect way to kick off the 2008 conference. This tournament also provides an additional opportunity to network with industry peers. Transportation will be provided to the Tantallon Country Club designed by Ted Robinson. Join us for a scramble, shotgun start with pre-arranged foursomes. Rental clubs are available for $50. To reserve clubs please call 888-202-4042. (Attendance is limited. $145 per person – includes a round of golf and cart. To ensure your place, register before Friday, February 29. No refunds are available.)
WFF Golf Clinic
You've always wanted to get into the "swing" of things but you're not quite ready to jump onto the golf course. Join other WFF members for this PGA sponsored two-hour program designed for the beginner golfer. The clinic will offer the procedures and etiquette for visiting a golf club or other golf facility to feel comfortable on what should be expected. The basic essentials of posture, grip and alignment will be taught. (Attendance is limited. $70 per person includes instruction and practice time. To ensure your place, register before Friday, February 29. No refunds are available.)
Energizing Exercise
Kick start your day with popular exercise sessions including Pilates, yoga or kickboxing/self-defense. Our Annual 1k Fun Run/Walk is a popular event to get ready for Wednesday's Elevate You! Day. Don’t forget to pack your exercise gear!
Network with the Leaders™
One of the long-standing conference favorites, this is your chance to learn from industry leaders and peers as you engage in dynamic conversations around two of this year's conference core competencies: Tough Mindedness and Visioning/Setting Direction. Choose this workshop for a great networking opportunity. Highly recommended for first-time Conference attendees and new members!
Expanded networking events with more choices to foster the connections that will make a difference in your career.
Entrepreneur Session: All-new programming geared to the entrepreneurs in the WFF membership ranks as well as those thinking about venturing out on their own, “Do You Have What it Takes?” is a session with accomplished speakers and a panel of successful entrepreneurs that will inspire and motivate.
WFF Legacies Unplugged: This is a networking session you do not want to miss! You’ll have an opportunity to build relationships with WFF members from your region while getting up-close and personal with top industry leaders.
Member Lounge Oasis: Visit the Member Lounge to chat with other members, take a break during the busy day and unwind, check your email, catch up on the news or freshen up for the next event. The lounge will be staffed with a full-time concierge to assist you with dining recommendations, Washington, D.C. tour packages, water taxi and ground transportation options and spa appointments.
ElevateYou! Day
The final day of sessions focuses on your personal development. Sharpen your negotiating skills, sit down with Marilyn Sherman to learn how to move your life to the front row, get your strategic financial planning skills in order or complete your personal development plan. This day is all about you.
