2010 Conference Agenda
.

Keynote Address: State of the Plate
Presented by Nancy Kruse, President, The Kruse Company & Columnist, Nation's Restaurant News

She’s back with more insight than ever! One of America’s favorite menu trend trackers, Nancy Kruse jump-starts our program with a look at what’s happening on menus from coast to coast. Insightful, humorous and comprehensive, she’s on the cutting edge with menu trend data, breakout foods and flavors, innovative use of ingredients, ethnic approaches, health initiatives and day part strategies.
.

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Menu Hot Spots I - Turning Your Beverage Menu into Liquid Gold
Bret Thorn, Food Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

As NRN’s Food Editor, savvy restaurant aficionado Bret Thorn serves up the latest trends in alcohol and non-alcohol beverages and how they can be the biggest moneymakers on your menu!
.

4:15 pm - 5:15 pm

Table Talk Roundtable Discussions (Round 1)

Back by popular demand, Table Talk is one of the most effective ways to pick the brains of those who experience similar challenges. If you’ve got foodservice issues that keep you up at night, this is your chance to share them face-to-face with peers and other culinary experts.
.

Networking Reception - "Food for Thought"

Enjoy a variety of menu items from our Sponsors as your mingle with colleagues and reflect on information revealed and opportunities presented during the afternoon sessions.

8:30 am - 9:15 am

Menu Hot Spots II - Small Bites, Huge Flavors
Darren Tristano, Technomic Inc.

Decades of research and data gathering have made Technomic a trend-watching leader in foodservice. In this session, Darren Tristano shares big news in Small Plates, Mini’s and Flights, and how downsizing these items is helping operators super-size taste customer value and profits.
.

9:15 am - 10:00 am

Consumer Tastes
Melissa Wilson, Principal, Technomic Inc.

Melissa Wilson sets a superb table with this timely presentation on a topic of interest to every operator - what makes your customers crave your dishes? Learn what they really want and explore some new and profit-building menu ideas.
.

Into the Future - What's New, What's Next?
Pam Parseghian, Executive Food Editor, Nation's Restaurant News
&
Nancy Kruse, Menu Trends Expert & Contributing Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

With decades of menu expertise to their credit, these talented food connoisseurs examine key issues that will impact menu R&D going forward. Don’t miss this lively, thought-provoking presentation from two of the best when it comes to menu strategy in every segment.
.