WOMEN’S FOODSERVICE FORUM (WFF) WRAPS UP
2007 ANNUAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Largest Turnout in Organization’s History
New Executive Level Programming is a Success
Coveted Awards for Significant Contributions in Foodservice Presented
ORLANDO, FL (April 24, 2007) – A record 3,000 foodservice professionals recently attended the Women’s Foodservice Forum’s (WFF) Annual Leadership Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. It was an energizing and inspiring three days of learning, thought sharing and professional growth at the organization’s 18th annual event.
The conference content centered on the WFF’s mission of Elevating Women Leaders and featured programming designed to help attendees master four of the WFF’s 10 core Leadership Competencies – Strategic Thinking, Building Networks, Developing Others and Risk Taking. WFF also recognized and celebrated four outstanding individuals for their contributions to foodservice with the presentation of the prestigious WFF Trailblazer Award, Emerging Leader Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and Outstanding Board Service Award.
“This is an amazing year for WFF,” said Mary Bentley. “We not only had a record turnout at conference, but we are proud to announce double digit growth in membership and growth in sponsorship companies as well. This is a clear signal that organizations within this industry are continuing to get the message that when we elevate women leaders, the entire industry benefits.
Each year WFF strives to find new ways to improve programming to meet the needs of its evolving membership. From the selection of keynotes and workshop leaders, to the launch of the new WFF Executive Track, WFF has worked hard to deliver relevant programming for both emerging leaders and executives alike. Following are some of the key highlights from the 2007 WFF Annual Leadership Development Conference.
Dynamic Keynotes: During the general sessions, Leadership and Business Motivational Speaker Patricia Russell-McCloud provided inspirational insight into maximizing potential and reaching ultimate goals. Former Hewlett-Packard (HP) Chair & CEO Carly Fiorina, one of the most dynamic and accomplished female leaders of our time, delivered an engaging speech on the three essential elements of her vision of leadership and shared some candid stories on the challenges she’s faced through her climb to the top.
Board Readiness Programming: As part of the new WFF Executive Track, Susan Stautberg, president of PartnerComCorp, gave an outstanding presentation to help prepare executives for a seat at the table. During the session, Getting on the Radar Screen for Board Service, Ms. Stautberg provided executive level members key insights on what to expect when pursuing an opportunity to be named to a board of directors. Attendees also learned how to position themselves effectively for board nomination committees.
WFF Executive Forum: Another WFF Executive Track program that was extremely well
attended was the WFF’s Executive Forum. For this session, Victoria Medvec, Ph.D. at the Kellogg
School of Management, gave a presentation on how executives can effectively negotiate without
damaging relationships. Dr. Medvec, a leading negotiation expert, provided key strategies for
mastering the art of negotiation at any level and explored ways in which executives can gain an
anchoring effect in negotiation. Additionally, keynote speaker and former HP CEO Carly
Fiorina joined Dr. Medvec to share her insight on successful negotiations, the pitfalls of
negotiation and how she has navigated through pivotal situations.
Multicultural Brunch: Attendance nearly doubled for the 3rd annual WFF Multicultural Brunch.
The featured presentation by Carol Evans, Founder, CEO & President of Working Mother Media
explored the issue of women of color in corporate America and the origins of such labels as “Women
of Color,” “Diverse” and “Multicultural”. Ms. Evans also shared best practices for companies that
are named to the annual Working Mother Best Companies for Women of Color.
Diversity Panel: Moderated by former WFF chair Diana Wynne, the Diversity panel discussion focused on creating authentic dialogue about the dynamics around elements of difference in the workplace, the challenges and unspoken truths with the goal of fostering positive change. Attendees learned insights on how to be successful in navigating differences in their organizations.
WFF Trailblazer Award / WFF Emerging Leader Award: Pat Anton, president of the Anton Family Foundation and co-founder and former President/CEO of Anton Airfood, Inc., received the 2007 WFF Trailblazer Award. Lynette McKee, vice president of franchising and new business development, Dunkin’ Brands Inc, received the highly esteemed WFF Emerging Leader Award.
WFF Volunteer of the Year Award: Kat Cole, vice president of training and development for Hooters of America, Inc. was presented the annual WFF’s Volunteer of the Year which, recognizes Award, a WFF volunteer who is highly active in the organization through committee work and general support of the organization. Ms. Cole has demonstrated consistent effort, above and beyond expectations, and has enthusiastically and visibly contributed to the goals and overall success of the Women’s Foodservice Forum.
Outstanding Board Service Award: The WFF Outstanding Board Service Award was
presented to Frank Steed, president & CEO of The Steed Consultancy. Established in 1998, the
Outstanding Board Service Award honors the outstanding efforts of a WFF board member who has made a
major impact on the organization by driving volunteer programs.
Reaching Your Dreams Scholarship Award - WFF presented the “Reaching Your Dreams” award to
four outstanding students pursuing a career in foodservice. This year, Amanda Smythe, Sarah Marie
Parker, Mitzi Hahn and Alyson Hayes received $2,000 scholarships for their education at the Rosen
College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. The Reaching Your Dreams
Award is in a partnership with Wendy’s International and the National Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation.
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With a membership of more than 3,000 professionals from all segments of the foodservice industry, Women’s Foodservice Forum has made important differences in the personal and professional lives of individual members and the foodservice industry at large. Through highly beneficial sessions at the Annual Leadership Development Conference, Regional Connects events, Executive Women’s Summit, signature mentoring programs and facilitated teleforums, WFF provides members with the tools they need to make a positive difference in their careers.
For more information about Women’s Foodservice Forum, please visit the website www.womensfoodserviceforum.com.