Thank you for registering for the 2010 Women's Foodservice Forum Annual Leadership Development Conference. We're glad that you will be joining us for an outstanding event at the MGM Grand, 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 go to Registration, located in the MGM Conference Center. Once you’ve received your packet of materials, join us in the First Time Attendee Welcome Center. This is the place to learn about the WFF programs and services, discover volunteering, how to make the most of conference and to meet others and start networking.

Visit our Member Information Desk anytime during conference to have your questions answered by WFF staff and volunteers. We want you to feel welcome and have a great experience.

I need a receipt for my registration:

On the left side navigation, select "Manage My Registration" and "Print my Receipt". You can also call our Registration Coordinator at 952-358-2100.

I need a receipt for my hotel:

Contact the hotel directly. On the left navigation, select "Hotels / Travel" for the phone number.

Weather / Attire

Temperatures in April average a high of 78 F and a low of 51 F. It’s always best to dress in layers as the evenings can be quite cool. As this is a desert area, precipitation is minimal. Thursday's celebration is casual attire.

How do I determine if my membership has expired?

WFF membership runs on a calendar year. All memberships expire on 12/31. In order to attend the Annual Leadership Development Conference at the member rate, you must have your 2010 dues paid. You can pay your 2010 membership dues at the same time that you register for conference.

How many people are expected to attend the event?

We expect approximately 1,500 attendees this year.

What should I pack?

Bring plenty of business cards. Attendees are encouraged to wear layered business casual attire to programming. The Welcome Reception and Closing Celebration are more casual. Due to the sheer size of the MGM Grand, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I bring a guest to any event?

Yes, you can purchase a guest ticket for Thursday evening's Closing Celebration.

Guest tickets are $130/person and can be purchased by calling 952-358-2100 or emailing events@womensfoodserviceforum.com. All other events are closed to all but registered attendees.

I just want to attend one of the General Sessions. Can I do that?

You can register online to attend one of the following for $400 for WFF Members / $480 for Non-Members:

• Tuesday's General Session plus Welcome Reception
• Wednesday's General Session plus Wednesday lunch
• Thursday's General Session plus Thursday lunch

I have special dietary and physical needs. How can I communicate this in advance?

Please email events@womensfoodserviceforum.com with any special dietary or physical needs.

Are discount tickets available to see Cirque du Soleil shows?

Click here for more information on exclusive offers for conference attendees.

What are the qualifications to win one of the six prestigious WFF Awards that will be presented at the event?

Click here for more information about all of the 2010 WFF Awards. Nominations are open until February 8, 2010 awards will be presented during Conference general sessions.

Registration

• Registration Hours
• Tuesday, April 6: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 7: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Friday: 7:00 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 12/10) to take advantage of the member rate. You can create or renew your membership on-line at www.womensfoodserviceforum.com and go to the "Membership Information" tab for complete information.

I'm having trouble with my registration. Who do I call for help?

Please contact our Registration Coordinator at 1-952-358-2100 for help with registration, the website or other questions you may have, or email events@womensfoodservcieforum.com.

I need to cancel. What's the cancellation policy?

Cancellations: Cancellations received on or before March 12, 2010 will be refunded minus a $175 processing fee. There are no refunds for cancellations received March 13 or later.

Transfers: Registrations are transferable up until the day of the event any transfer will incur a $175 processing fee. Call or email our Registration Coordinator 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.

My confirmation is wrong. Who do I call to get corrections?

Please contact our Registration Coordinator at 1-952-358-2100 for help with registration or any other questions you may have.

Can I register more than one person at a time?

After you have completed your registration, BEFORE you check out of the site, you will have the option to register another from your company. Before registering someone else, be sure you know which educational sessions he/she would like to attend.

Can I change my workshops on-site?

You can change your selections online at any time on or prior to March 12, 2010. 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.

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 $900 (or $1,080 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 Coordinator at 952-358-2100 to make the change. 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 will need to become one in order to qualify for the member rate.

Can I mail/fax the registration form with a credit card number?

No. Registrations with credit card payments must be completed on-line. Check payments must be used when faxing or mailing the registration form (found online at womensfoodserviceforum.com.) Please note that mailed/faxes registration forms are assessed a $45 data processing fee.

Transportation Logistics

Airport Transportation

McCarran International Airport is conveniently located a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip and the MGM Grand. Taxis and limos are plentiful. A taxi ride from the airport to the MGM Grand will cost approximately $12-18.

MGM Grand Hotel Parking

Valet and self-parking at the MGM Grand are complimentary. The valet is open from 5pm to 1am daily, located on the 2nd floor of the MGM parking garage.

Hotel

I want to reserve my hotel room right away. Can I call the hotel directly?

No, to get the special $119 rate, you'll need to complete your conference registration BEFORE reserving a hotel room. When you finish registering for the conference, click on the hotel link to be taken directly to the hotel registration site where you'll be able to reserve your room.

The WFF rate expires 3/12/2010 after this date you must contact the MGM Grand directly to make a reservation with the hotel.

Programming

How do I choose or change my educational programming?

Call 952-358-2100 to make any changes to your educational programming. All changes made after March 15th will incur a $175 fee.

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 2010 Conference?

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Executives and Executives

Workshops are coded to one of the seven competencies to help attendees select those most relevant to their situation. Taking the WFF Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA) or Executive Leadership Competency Assessment (ELCA)is also recommended for all attendees prior to registering for workshops to help members further determine their areas of need. Take your LCA or ELCA now.

How do I decide which workshops to take?

Start by attending the Professional Development Planning webinar the week of February 8. This webinar will help you to learn how to utilize your LCA/ELCA results to build your professional development plan for the coming year. After completing the PDP, you’ll be able to select courses to help you reach your development goals. Take your LCA or ELCA now. To ensure that all members who register for a specific session will have a seat, and to manage room capacity, all programming sessions will require your badge for entry. Please register early for the best selection of educational programming.

What is the LCA/ELCA? Do I need to take the LCA/ELCA before attending Conference?

The WFF Leadership Competency Assessment (LCA) and Executive Leadership Competency Assessment (ELCA) are tools developed by WFF to help members assess their strengths and weaknesses in the 11 Core Leadership Competencies. Available as an exclusive benefit to WFF members, it is highly recommended that you take the appropriate assessment once a year.

Attendees are encouraged to take the LCA/ELCA before they register for Conference since the results of this on-line assessment will help you select the most useful workshops. Your current position determines which assessment will be most helpful to you. The LCA is designed for those vice president. The ELCA is designed for those at vice president or above. The LCA or ELCA identifies yourt strengths and weaknesses in the WFF Core competencies and helps you build you personal development plan. Take your LCA or ELCA now.

What about the workshops on Friday?

The energizing final day of Conference is about your personal development. This year, we're offering sessions on career transitioning, stress reduction techniques and quick and easy nutrition. The latter two will be fun, hands-on coverage to get you up and moving while you learn.

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?

Workshop handouts that speakers provided are included at each of the workshop rooms and may be posted on-line depending on the speaker. Not every speaker elects to provide handouts.

Sponsorship

How do I get involved with sponsorship?

There are many opportunities to become involved and contribute resources to WFF. For complete sponsorship information and program details, click here to view sponsor levels and opportunities or contact our VP of Business Development Ann Nicholas at 1-952-358-2100 or by email to anickolas@womensfoodserviceforum.com.

Meals

I'm a volunteer; do I sit anywhere special for the meals?

There is no special seating for volunteers at most events. There is a Volunteer Awards Brunch scheduled on Friday, April 9th from 9:00 am to noon. This event will recognize the importance of volunteering, as well as celebrate the successes of members just like you. Plus, we’ll kick off the 2011 committee year so you’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with your future committee members.