Foodservice Associations Plan NAFEM Show Events

With the biennial NAFEM Show less than a month away, many of the foodservice equipment industry associations are planning some pre-show events for their members. Here’s a quick rundown of some of what’s planned:

CFESA 2009 Spring Conference
Dates: Feb. 2 – 4
Location: The Peabody – Orlando 
Description: Educational seminars, vendor fair and various networking opportunities.
Worth Noting: The Feb. 4 session “The Impact of Warranty Claims Rejections” features three service companies and a trio of manufacturers tackling this all-important issue.

FCSI at the 2009 NAFEM Show: Re-Invent, Re-Think, Re-Tool
Dates: Feb. 4 – 5
Location: Rosen College of Hospitality Management (Feb. 4) and Orange County Convention Center (Feb. 5)
Description: Daylong seminar at the Rosen College of Hospitality and half-day program featuring a speaker and networking opportunities prior to The NAFEM Show’s opening. 
Worth Noting: A trio of speakers from the Rosen College of Hospitality will present a series of seminars on Feb. 4 designed to challenge foodservice consultants to develop truly innovative ideas that will place them on the leading edge of the industry.

FEDA Sales Training and Luncheon
Date: Feb. 6
Location: Orange County Convention Center
Description: A 90-minute lunch-and-learn seminar presented by FEDA.
Worth Noting: This appears to be the only official FEDA event taking place during the show.

FIA Reception
Date: Feb. 5
Location: The Peabody -Orlando
Description: This 90-minute reception will feature updates on the FIA, including information on upcoming events.
Worth Noting: This event takes place once the show floor closes.

NAFEM 2009 Annual Business Meeting
Date: Feb. 4
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Room S230A
Description: This is the association’s annual business meeting.
Worth Noting: This is open only to current NAFEM members and associate members.

NAFEM 2009 Global Networking Event
Date: Feb. 4
Location: World Showplace at Epcot®
Description: A chance to meet and mingle with fellow attendees outside of the hustle and bustle of the show floor.
Worth Noting: The $10 ticket for this event includes light hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine and will treat participants to the premier nighttime spectacular at Epcot®, the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth light show.

Of course, the foodservice equipment dealer buying groups all have meetings planned, too. If you are a member of one of these organizations but not certain when the meetings take place, I encourage you to contact your buying group.

If I have missed any association-related events, please let me know. I will be happy to post them in this space.

Finally, here’s an overview of the official NAFEM Show events.