The 2011 Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference is just three weeks away, and the lineup of keynote speakers will tackle restaurant operators’ toughest challenges – and opportunities – from innovating during uncertain times to tackling the ever-changing landscape of social media.
Over the last 51 years, MUFSO has built an unrivaled reputation of providing access to some of the most influential and innovative minds in and outside of foodservice, and this year is no exception. The theme of this year’s conference — held Sept. 25-27 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas — will tackle a question on many restaurant operators’ minds: “Where do we grow from here?” Speakers at MUFSO will offer insights into evolving, adapting and growing in the face of an unstable economy and a changing consumer.
Kicking things off on Monday, Sept. 26, Bill Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company magazine, will deliver “Practically Radical: Not-So-Crazy Ways to Transform Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry, and Challenge Yourself.” The presentation is based on Taylor’s book of the same name, and focuses on 25 organizations that are making deep-seated changes under trying circumstances.
David Pogue will follow on Monday, Sept. 26 with his address, “Web 2.0: Social Media and Other Tools to Help Business Reach Customers.” Pogue, a technology columnist for The New York Times and Emmy-winning correspondent for CBS News, will help educate MUFSO attendees on how to best use social media and other digital tools. He speaks on helping to change the way businesses communicate with their customers, avoiding pitfalls in the process.
Guy Kawasaki, former evangelist for Apple and a best-selling author, will close things out Tuesday, Sept. 27 with, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds & Heads.” Kawasaki will focus on the concept of “enchantment,” which enables one to maneuver through difficult decisions, break entrenched habits, defy the wisdom of crowds and get colleagues and business partners to work for long-term mutually beneficial goals.
The three keynote presentations are open to all attendees, and complement the additional educational sessions throughout MUFSO. Those breakouts include a look at NRN’s inaugural Consumer Picks, the restaurant industry’s largest consumer preference survey covering more than 100 chains; menu pricing; measuring social media return on investment; and customer loyalty programs.
For more information visit Mufso.com.