The Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management (SHFM) hosted its annual Critical Issues Conference on Wednesday, April 26, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The event featured educational seminars on professional development and industry issues, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the SHFM Directors’ Awards were announced at the Critical Issues Conference. More award winners will be announced at events throughout the year.
The 2023 Critical Issues Conference theme was Winning the Race for Talent – How to Find, Hire and Keep the Best. Industry experts addressed the issues of acquisition, onboarding and retention.
Presenters included:
- Richard Brown, Strategic Initiatives & Orientation, FLIK Hospitality Group
- Lynn M Cowart, Chief Operations Officer, Co-Founder, Talent Dimensions
- Staci Drilling, People and Culture Director, North America, ISS Guckenheimer
- Tony Johnson, Chief Experience Officer, 4xi Global Consulting and Solutions (Master of Ceremonies)
- George Rivera III, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Solutions, Society for Human Resource Management
- Raabia Shafi, Founder + CEO, Raabia Shafi Consulting
- Mahlet Tesfatsion, Director, HR Business Partner, Sodexo (Moderator)
- Jennifer Velazquez, Head of Talent Acquisition - Workplace Experience Group, Aramark
- Julie Ann Wilkinson, Senior Group Product Manager, Experience Services, JLL
The 2023 SHFM Directors’ Awards announced at the conference:
Community Service Award
Amy Franks
Given to the SHFM Member that has gone above and beyond to help support the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry, as well as their local community.
Spirit Award
Matt Rigney
Presented to an individual who consistently demonstrates the qualities of loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm for the Society.
Leadership Award (To be presented at SHFM National Conference)
Rob Gebhardt
Recognizes an individual whose work on behalf of SHFM and the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry has resulted in the demonstration of outstanding leadership qualities.
Additionally, the following award was presented at the SHFM Young Professionals Summit on Tuesday, April 25:
Rising Young Professional Awards
Ricky Postiglione
Kelly Meadows (To be presented at SHFM National Conference)
The Rising Young Professional Award recognizes an emerging individual(s) who has been a standout among our newest members, supporting the initiatives of the Society through their active engagement and participation in SHFM committees and activities. Through their actions and career trajectory, this recipient(s) is poised to be a future leader in the Workplace Hospitality and Amenities industry, as well as the Society.
The Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award and Jay B. Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the SHFM National Conference in September.
For the full agenda and other details about SHFM’s Critical Issues Conference visit: https://www.shfm-online.org/cic-2023/.
