SHFM 2021 National Conference to be Held at Omni Amelia Island, Florida

SHFM 2021 National Conference Catalyst
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Texas Pete
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • RATIONAL USA
  • Day & Nite
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • Atosa USA
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Imperial Dade
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • AyrKing Mixstir
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The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM) will host its National Conference December 6 – 8, 2021, at the Omni Amelia Island, Florida.

SHFM Critical Issues ConferenceWith a theme of Catalyst of Workplace Evolution, this year’s sessions showcase solutions and all-important one-on-one connections reflect the rapid transition taking place in today’s workplace hospitality industry. Attendees can look forward to educational sessions on professional development and industry issues, interactive events, networking opportunities and national speakers. After pivoting to a virtual National Conference in 2020, it is an opportunity for SHFM members to reunite and reconnect in person.

Some of the highlights of the 2021 SHFM National Conference include:

  • Educational Sessions – Throughout the three-day conference, SHFM will hold several educational sessions designed to highlight changes and opportunities in the corporate foodservice and hospitality industry:
  • Bringing Back Our Spark!: Tuesday, December 7
    • Clint Pulver, Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author & Workforce Expert
  • The Impact of Culture, Cultural Fluency and Mentorship on Today’s Workplace Teams: Tuesday, December 7
    • Joyel Crawford, Speaker, Author and Consultant
    • Gerald “Gerry” A. Fernandez, President and Founder, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)
    • Chip Wade, President & Chief Operating Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group
  • Busted! The Myths of Sustainability: Wednesday, December 8
    • Barbara Kane (Moderator), Consultant, Clark Food Service Equipment
    • Anna Bohbot, Global Food Program Manager, LinkedIn
    • Michael Dwork, CEO, VerTerra Dinnerware
    • Smitha Haneef, Managing Director, Harvard University Dining Services
    • Kate Kerbel, Workplace Consulting Manager, Strategic Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield
  • Navigating What’s Next: Insights for Shaping the Workplace of the Future: Wednesday, December 8
    • Seth Mattison, Co-Founder & CEO, Luminate Lab, Keynote Speaker
  • Hunger Awareness Activity – Each year, the SHFM National Conference features an event designed to raise funds in support of local hunger initiatives. This year’s activity, the SHFM Hunger Games, will benefit Gracie’s Kitchen, a Nassau County organization that serves meals to food insecure in their community.
  • Industry Networking Event – Homegrown Hospitality! – This year’s opening Industry Networking Event will be a reunion, homecoming and grand regathering of the hospitality family all rolled into one! With a focus on Southern comfort food, it will be a locally themed celebration of homegrown hospitality. From his chicken and champagne bar in downtown Jacksonville, our featured chef brings a world of experience to the culinary creations of the evening. Known for providing a warm, friendly environment and delicious food, Chef Kenny Gilbert brings the perfect touch to the evening. Once again chef teams from our host corporations will be displaying their culinary skills as they execute our INE chef’s menu selections.

Additionally, the SHFM 2021 Directors’ Awards recipients will be honored at the National Conference. Each award recognizes special honorees that have gone “above and beyond” to serve the association and better the industry. The recipients of the President’s Award and Bob Pacifico Above & Beyond Award will be announced at the conference.


The 2021 Directors’ Awards recipients are:

Community Service Award: Danielle Pedersen, Volanté Systems

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: Justin Drew, NEXDINE HOSPITALITY

Presented to an individual who consistently demonstrates the qualities of loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm for the Society.

  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • Imperial Dade
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • Texas Pete
  • Day & Nite
  • RATIONAL USA
  • RAK Porcelain
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Atosa USA
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • BelGioioso Burrata

Rising Young Professional Award: Amy Bendekovits-Franks, JLL

Recognizes an emerging individual who has been a stand out among our newest members, supporting the initiatives of the Society through his or her active engagement and participation in SHFM committees and activities. Through his or her actions and career trajectory, this recipient is poised to be a future leader in the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry, as well as the Society.

Leadership Award: Jeanine Cosgrove-Albert, At Your Service Staffing

Recognizing 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.

Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award: Rob Gordon, Deerfield Management

Given in memory of Richard Ysmael and reflects how he lived and delivered his philosophy of life in the best and most challenging moments of his career and personal life. Richard was a founding member of the Society, and his dedication, leadership and integrity throughout his career continue to inspire not only the Society’s membership but foodservice professionals in all facets of our industry. This Award recognizes an individual who has been diligent in service to corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality and who has consistently demonstrated the ideals of dedication, integrity, professionalism and leadership to the Society and to which Richard aspired.

Jay B. Silverstein Lifetime Achievement Award: Mike Johnston

Recognizing a lifetime of contributions and service to the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality industry.

SHFM Foundation Recognizes SHFM Members with Friend of the Foundation Award

This year the Foundation will be honoring two outstanding SHFM members with the Friend of the Foundation Award, SHFM Past President Rob Gordon, Deerfield Management and long-time Foundation Golf Chair Dan McCaffrey, Kitchens to Go.

The Friend of the Foundation Award honors an SHFM member who has made significant contributions to the success of the Foundation and the industry.

After a long period of personal and professional change and transformation, it’s time to come back together face-to-face at the 2021 SHFM National Conference!

For the full agenda and other details about SHFM’s National Conference visit the event page and register today.


The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management is the pre-eminent national association serving the needs and interests of executives in the corporate foodservice and workplace hospitality. Our principal role is to enhance the ability of our members to achieve career and business objectives in an ethical, responsible and professional climate. For more information, please visit their website.

  • RATIONAL USA
  • McKee Foodservice
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • Day & Nite
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Imperial Dade
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • Atosa USA
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • Texas Pete