MUFSO 2019

Sessions (55)

Menu Insights & Innovation pre-MUFSO Add-on Workshop (Room Metropolitan State University)

13 Oct 19
11:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Speaker(s): Marie Molde, MBA, RD

October 13 & 14, 2019 Metropolitan State University It's all About the Menu Nation’s Restaurant News and Data... More...

Texas Pete® Kitchen Hero Cook Off

14 Oct 19
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Kitchen Heroes Cook for a Great Cause! Luis Haro, Director of Culinary, Logan’s Roadhouse James Rogers, Director of Culin... More...

Registration

14 Oct 19
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Welcome to MUFSO! Get your conference badge (attendees and exhibitors) in the Plaza Building on the concourse level. From the main hotel lobby, tak... More...

CBD Tour: From Plant to Table: Off-Site Tours (limited sign up)

14 Oct 19
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Speaker(s): Kelley Fechner

Presented with Datassential   Off-Site Tour: From Plant to Table This tour will provide first-hand information for rest... More...

Luncheon @ Supplier Showcase

14 Oct 19
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Dine-around on the latest culinary trends, as well as perennial favorites. Our Supplier Showcase offers you a taste of what your consumers want.  More...

Supplier Showcase

14 Oct 19
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Meet the partners you need to succeed in our ever-changing industry. Take-a-look at who will be in the Supplier Showcase here. Be sure to sign-up f... More...

Cool Things Tour @ Supplier Showcase - Hosted by Nation's Restaurant News Editors

14 Oct 19
12:50 PM - 3:00 PM

Speaker(s): Alan Liddle ; Becky Schilling ; Gloria Dawson ; Nancy Luna ; Ron Ruggless

Sign-up onsite, based on availability! Join the editors of Nation’s Restaurant News for a special guided tour of the MUFSO Supplier Sh... More...

Lightning Keynote: Increasing restaurant franchise sales through localized video advertising (Room Plaza A)

14 Oct 19
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

Speaker(s): Dilip DaSilva

The more relevant the ad, the better, right? While national TV advertising is a proven strategy for driving national awareness and restaurant  ... More...

Lightning Keynote: Protect Your Brand from Food Safety Issues (Room Plaza A)

14 Oct 19
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM

Speaker(s): David Bement ; Jessica Larson

Protect the integrity and equity of your restaurant’s brand by providing your team members with proactive food safety and sanitation measures... More...

Lightning Keynote: Spirit of Innovation – Partnering for Differentiation in Commercial Foodservice (Room Plaza A)

14 Oct 19
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM

Speaker(s): Ernest Embola

Gaining and maintaining your brand’s unique and differentiated positioning is a complex task. The right supplier relationship – one gro... More...

Lightning Keynote: Getting to Zero Waste: Can it be Done? (Room Plaza A)

14 Oct 19
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM

Speaker(s): Jeff Tolke

Let’s talk trash!  Recycling, Zero Waste, and Sustainability are hot topics for you because they influence your customers. This ses... More...

Lightning Keynote: Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge: Avoiding Joint Employer Status (Room Plaza A)

14 Oct 19
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Speaker(s): Alicia Sienne Voltmer

In this session, we will discuss recent legal developments related to the joint employer tests used by various federal agencies, including, without... More...

Lightning Keynote: Your Table Tents Suck: Modernizing In-venue Engagement (Room Plaza A)

14 Oct 19
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM

Speaker(s): Adam Hirsen

In a world that is rapidly embracing digital trends, in-venue engagement has stagnated. Many of the strategies employed today are the same ones tha... More...

Happy Hour Cocktail Reception @ Supplier Showcase

14 Oct 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

One of the top reasons to attend a conference is to strengthen and build your network. MUFSO brings together every part of the restaurant industry ... More...

Taste of Denver Welcome Reception (Plaza Ballroom)

14 Oct 19
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Get a taste of the vibrant culinary scene in Denver at the MUFSO opening party, Taste of Denver.  Enjoy sampling signature dishes from some of... More...

MUFSO Meet Ups (limited sign up)

14 Oct 19
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Sign-up onsite, based on availability! Meet Up with other attendees for a casual dinner at one of these participating restaurants and e... More...

Breakfast

15 Oct 19
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Come grab a hot breakfast or fruit and coffee - we offer a tasty spread designed to stimulate the senses and get you ready for a busy day. Bon Appe... More...

Registration

15 Oct 19
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Welcome! Get your conference badge (attendees and exhibitors) in the Plaza Building on the concourse level. From the main hotel lobby, take the ele... More...

Award-winning CEO Panel (Plaza Ballroom)

15 Oct 19
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Speaker(s): Alice Elliot ; Julie Masino ; Liz Smith ; Sam Fox ; Scott Svenson ; Tim McEnery

This year’s crop of Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain award and Norman Award winners reflect on their careers, the business strateg... More...

Texas Pete Kitchen Hero Cook-off Winner Presentation (Plaza Ballroom)

15 Oct 19
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

The 2019 Texas Pete Kitchen Hero Cook-off winner will be announced live during the General Session.  One lucky chef will have the opportunit... More...

Networking Break

15 Oct 19
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.  Sponsored by:      More...

Gary Vaynerchuk: Keynote: The Thank You Economy (Plaza Ballroom)

15 Oct 19
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Speaker(s): Gary Vaynerchuk

In his session, Gary Vaynerchuk teaches entrepreneurs how to take advantage of the current business environment, while also preparing them to succe... More...

Luncheon @ Supplier Showcase

15 Oct 19
11:15 AM - 1:30 PM

Lunch in the Supplier Showcase is another opportuntity to sample the flavors that can boost your business.  Be sure to look around for new sam... More...

Supplier Showcase

15 Oct 19
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Meet the partners you need to succeed in our ever-changing industry. Take-a-look at who will be in the Supplier Showcase here. Be sure to sign-up f... More...

Meet & Greet with Gary Vaynerchuk

15 Oct 19
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker(s): Gary Vaynerchuk

MUFSO attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Gary Vaynerchuk after the keynote. More...

Lightning Keynote: The Intersection of Culture & Food (Room Plaza A)

15 Oct 19
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM

Speaker(s): Ozzie Godinez

One-size-fits-all marketing is a recipe for brand oblivion. Food brands and restaurants need to shift their approach, to be relevant with a deeper ... More...

Lightning Keynote: Building Authentic Relationships with Modern Diners (Room Plaza A)

15 Oct 19
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM

Speaker(s): Kevin Boehm ; Winston Lord

The modern diner expects extraordinary hospitality every time they interact with your restaurant. Whether it’s those tableside exchanges or t... More...

Lightning Keynote: Future of Restaurant Technology: Frictionless Ordering (Room Plaza A)

15 Oct 19
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM

Speaker(s): Brian Whitney

This session will focus on the impact of self-service technology and: How increasing labor costs and consumer demand, especially from dig... More...

F&B Innovation: Building Relevant Menus for Tomorrow’s Consumer Demographics (Room Governor’s Square 10)

15 Oct 19
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: F&B Innovation

Speaker(s): Brian Ingram ; Dennis Pierce ; Nancy Kruse ; Owen Klein ; William Eudy

You may feel comfortable with Millennials, but the upcoming generation has its own unique preferences. Plus, as Millennials move into different lif... More...

Marketing: Social Media Matters: How to find, leverage and win with influencers (Room Governor’s Square 12)

15 Oct 19
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: Marketing

Speaker(s): Amanda Hite ; Brandon Hill ; Sheryl Coyne-Batson

Social media matters at every step of the customer journey. See how the best in the restaurant industry are driving sales through social influencer... More...

Operations & Tech: Getting to a Win-Win with Your POS: How to Surprise Operators & Guests Alike (Room Governor’s Square 11)

15 Oct 19
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: Operations & Tech

Speaker(s): Amir Hudda

Today’s fastest-growing restaurants are embracing the next generation of POS systems to drive revenue and unify operations – especially... More...

Restaurant Concept Tour

15 Oct 19
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Nation's Restaurant News will lead a tour of some of the hottest restaurant concepts and bars in the vibrant Downtown Denver dining scene. ... More...

Super Session: Hot Concepts Winners: The DNA of a successful emerging brand (Room Governor’s Square 16)

15 Oct 19
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: Super Sessions

Speaker(s): Michael Lastoria ; Michael Rosen ; Michelle Gauthier ; Scott Moore ; Tom Small

These emerging chains are growing fast with on-trend menus, new business models, social purpose missions and new segment approaches. Find out what&... More...

Workforce: Offering what employees really want (Room Governor’s Square 17)

15 Oct 19
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Tracks: Workforce

Speaker(s): David Boenninghausen ; John Maguire ; Kim Lopdrup ; Scott Taylor

Employee turnover is costly, yet the number one challenge for restaurants right now is finding and keeping the best workers. Find out how to develo... More...

Networking Break

15 Oct 19
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.  Sponsored by:        &nb... More...

F&B Innovation: How to craft menus for delivery and off-premise (Room Governor’s Square 10)

15 Oct 19
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Tracks: F&B Innovation

Speaker(s): James Park ; Mario Del Pero ; Mike Fogarty ; Tiffany McClain

As interest grows in delivery, catering and take-out, restaurants are adjusting their offerings to optimize for travel by consolidating menus, adju... More...

Marketing: Converting loyalty programs into revenue (Room Governor’s Square 12)

15 Oct 19
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Tracks: Marketing

Speaker(s): Brian Pearson ; Frances Allen ; Jodie Conrad ; Mai Shi

Long gone are the days of the punch card. A traffic-generating loyalty program can be a tough nut to crack. Restaurants are developing nuanced data... More...

Operations & Tech: Solving the Mobile Guest Experience (Room Governor’s Square 11)

15 Oct 19
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Tracks: Operations & Tech

Speaker(s): Dave Hoffman

Mobile, pay-at-the-table, and online ordering and delivery have been at the forefront of the foodservice industry for years now, but we have yet to... More...

Super Session: State of the Industry (Room Governor’s Square 16)

15 Oct 19
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Tracks: Super Sessions

Speaker(s): Kelli Valade

This no-nonsense session will evaluate the finances of the restaurant industry and high-and-low performing segments. Plus, hear where this trend is... More...

Workforce: Making the gig economy work for the restaurant workforce (Room Governor’s Square 17)

15 Oct 19
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Tracks: Workforce

Speaker(s): Scott Absher

Third party contractors, freelancers, tech partners and delivery drivers are the new norm for the modern restaurant. This session looks at how to f... More...

Networking Break

15 Oct 19
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM

Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.  Sponsored by:    More...

F&B Innovation: 5 Drink Trends to Watch (Room Governor’s Square 10)

15 Oct 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Tracks: F&B Innovation

Speaker(s): Adam Hodak ; Andrea Hoover ; Patrick Williams ; Scott Uehlein

This session will take a look at the cutting-edge drink trends illustrated by the Denver culinary scene, from new craft brews to cold brews to shan... More...

Marketing: Selling Surge Menu Pricing (Room Governor’s Square 12)

15 Oct 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Tracks: Marketing

Speaker(s): Christopher Sebes ; Fred LeFranc ; Hudson Riehle ; Mike Lukianoff

Uber raises prices when demand is high, why can’t restaurants? Thoughtfully implemented, surge menu pricing could allow restaurants to drive ... More...

Operations & Tech: Automation: How digital labor technologies can help guests and operators (Room Governor’s Square 11)

15 Oct 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Tracks: Operations & Tech

Speaker(s): Rob Carpenter

Automation has become the next technological frontier as the industry seeks solutions to turnover, speed of service and low guest counts. The lates... More...

Super Session: CBD Primer for Restaurants (Room Governor’s Square 16)

15 Oct 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Tracks: Super Sessions

Speaker(s): Brent Johnson ; Howard Gordon ; Kelley Fechner ; Kevin Brady

Everything you need to know about cannabis, CBD and marijuana trends, including the state-by-state regulations, the risk management concerns, and h... More...

Workforce: 5 ways to handle rising wages: How to stay competitive and maintain margins (Room Governor’s Square 17)

15 Oct 19
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Tracks: Workforce

Speaker(s): Joe Kefauver ; Michael Lastoria ; Stephanie O'Rourk

Low unemployment and minimum-wage legislation are driving worker compensation up. Some restaurants are rethinking the entire workforce model with s... More...

A Taste of What’s Hot: Featuring the 2019 NRN Hot Concept Honorees (Plaza Ballroom)

15 Oct 19
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

2019 Hot Concepts Award Winners Celebration  Tuesday, October 15, Plaza Ballroom, 6 pm All MUFSO attendees, ... More...

Industry Awards Gala: Featuring the 2019 NRN Golden Chain & Norman Award Winners (Plaza Ballroom)

15 Oct 19
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Conversation and inspiration are on the menu for this fun awards celebration dinner!  Enjoy time with your peers at this festive dinner and be... More...

Dessert Reception

15 Oct 19
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Join us in the MUFSO foyer for an after dinner drink and dessert immediately following the Industry Awards Gala dinner.  More...

Breakfast

16 Oct 19
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Come grab a hot breakfast or fruit and coffee - we offer a tasty spread designed to stimulate the senses and get you ready for a busy day. Bon Appe... More...

Registration

16 Oct 19
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcome! Get your conference badge (attendees and exhibitors) in the Plaza Building on the concourse level. From the main hotel lobby, take the ele... More...

MUFSO Highlights (Plaza Ballroom)

16 Oct 19
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Our last morning of MUFSO has arrived. Join us for a recap and some closing remarks as we welcome our Wednesday Keynotes and wrap-up another fantas... More...

How to Win the Consumer Journey: 3 New Ways to Get Customers Through Your Doors (Plaza Ballroom)

16 Oct 19
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM

Speaker(s): Cedric Dupont ; Igor Liskovets

Consumers are increasingly looking for restaurant options near them that are easy to access and offer new experiences. In today’s mobile-firs... More...

Networking Break

16 Oct 19
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM

Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.  More...

New Trends for the Next Gen Consumer (Plaza Ballroom)

16 Oct 19
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Speaker(s): Jack Li

In this session, Datassential stitches together a complex network of next generation trends into simple big picture insights around health, fla... More...