Industry Events Calendar

February 8
Restaurant Lobby Day
Madison, WI
Contact: Pete Hanson
phanson@wirestaurant.org
or Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Description: Join restaurant operators from across the state as we promote small business and the jobs we create, talk face-to-face to lawmakers on our issues and create political momentum to influence legislation and affect change

February 9
2012 Public Affairs Day/Taste of GA Legislative Reception
Atlanta, GA
Contact: Katie Jones
katie@garestaurants.org
or Georgia Restaurant Association
Description: This annual event is an opportunity for GRA members to participate in state government through education and advocacy. Public Affairs Day helps members connect one-on-one with lawmakers to discuss business outlook, special challenges and the state of our industry. Public Affairs Day concludes with the Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception, a finale event showcasing member restaurants to elected officals and their guests.

February 10
Count Me In: Straight Talk on the Power of LGBT Employees
Miami, FL
Contact: (401) 461-6342 Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance
Description: It’s time to openly discuss the needs and values of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered employees in our industry. Recognizing the values and motivations of LGBT employees and creating an open and fair workplace environment can lead to great business benefits.

Designed primarily for “Straight” leaders, this session will:

• Demonstrate the need for creating a more respectful and inclusive workplace and what that looks like in real life


• Dispel stereotypes and promote understanding


• Discuss key opportunities and issues around creating open dialogue


• Inform, educate, and equip attendees with the knowledge and insights to effectively lead and support LGBT employees


• Unlock the secrets of reaching and engaging LGBT consumers

$310 non-members | $250 members

February 13
WV Tourism Day at the Capitol
Charleston, WV


February 15
Hospitality Leadership Day
Indianapolis, IN
Contact: Stephanie Higgins
shiggins@lmvconsulting.com
or Indiana Restaurant Association
Description: Every year we bring lunch to the legislators at the State House to give them a “Taste of Hoosier Hospitality.” During the luncheon reception attendees have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Hoosier legislators and educate them about industry issues.

February 21
2nd Annual Restaurant Resolutions Symposium
Wilmington, DE
Contact: Carrie Leishman
carrie@delawarerestaurant.org
or Delaware Restaurant Association
Description: This half-day symposium brings together industry experts, restaurateurs, Allied Members, and special guests to deliver important topics and imperative information in seminar format.

Exhibit space is also available to showcase products and services.

February 27
Stars of the Industry Gala
Little Rock, AR
Contact: Holly Heer
holly@arhospitality.org
or Arkansas Hospitality Association

February 28
7th Annual Big Four & Green Bay NRA-PAC Chapter Challenge
De Pere, WI
Contact: Pete Hanson
phanson@wirestaurant.org
or Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Description: All proceeds from this event will be donated to the National Restaurant Association's Political Action Committee. This is important because the NRA shares funds with Wisconsin candidates that support small businesses and our industry.

Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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March 12-14
Wisconsin Restaurant Expo
Milwaukee, WI
Contact: Dawn Renz Faris
dfaris@wirestaurant.org
or Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Description: The Wisconsin Restaurant Expo is the largest and most inclusive show in the state, bringing together ALL of foodservice and hospitality.

The Expo is where foodservice professionals turn for new trends and product releases, tips for increasing productivity and profits, and solutions to the challenges of today’s marketplace. It’s the ideal place to comparison shop and meet with suppliers who’ll answer your questions. It’s the place to inspire creativity and revitalize business, while strengthening relationships and business contacts. It’s where anyone in the industry can find great ideas to stay on the cutting edge and stay ahead of changing consumer demands.

It’s everything foodservice. It’s where you need to be.

March 24
Drink Red, Wear Red
Watch Hill, RI, RI
Contact: Heather Singleton
Heather@rihospitality.org
or RI Hospitality Association: 401-223-1120
Description: A Hospitality Industry Appreciation Party with the RI Hospitality Association. Dress is creative cocktail attire. Partial Proceeds to benefit RI Hospitality Education Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation.

March 25-28
2012 Restaurant Leadership Conference
Scottsdale, AZ


Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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April 3
Annual Awards Banquet
Portland, ME
Contact: Rebecca Dill

Description: Holiday Inn By the Bay

April 4
Maine Restaurant & Lodging Expo
Portland, ME
Contact: Rebecca Dill

Description: Cumberland County Civic Center

Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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May 9
WestEx Trade Show
Denver, CO
Contact: Whitney Bartels or Linda Card

Description: Held at Denver Merchandise Mart

May 14
Taste of Durango/Durango Chapter Event
Durango, CO
Contact: Mary Mino

Description: Held on Main Street

Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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June 8-September 9
Annual Denver Food and Wine Classic
Denver, CO
Contact: Siobhan Blankaert

Description: Held at Metropolitan State College Campus

June 15-17
Frisco BBQ Challenge/Summit County Chapter Event
Frisco, CO
Contact: Mary Mino

Description: Held on Main Street

June 24-25
Southwest Foodservice Expo
Dallas, TX

Description: Celebrating the TRA's 75th Anniversary

Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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Sorry, the events for this month have yet to be entered into the calendar. Please check back with us soon. Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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Sorry, the events for this month have yet to be entered into the calendar. Please check back with us soon. Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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September 18
Arkansas Chef's Culinary Classic
Little Rock, AR
Contact: Holly Heer
holly@arhospitality.org
Description: Come taste some of Arkansas's finest chefs' scrumptious entries as they compete in four categories: soup/salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Special beer and wine tasting and a silent auction to benefit education.

September 19-20
Arkansas Hospitality Association Convention & Trade Show
Little Rock, AR
Contact: Holly Heer
holly@arhospitality.org

Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

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Sorry, the events for this month have yet to be entered into the calendar. Please check back with us soon. Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

back to top

Sorry, the events for this month have yet to be entered into the calendar. Please check back with us soon. Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

back to top

Sorry, the events for this month have yet to be entered into the calendar. Please check back with us soon. Visit your state restaurant association for other events and ServSafe schedules.

back to top