KNOWLEDGE CONNECTION

The inspiration for new foodservice technology was explored during the CIO Panel at the recent 13th Annual International Foodservice Technology Exposition, or FS/TEC, in Grapevine, Texas. Robert N. Grimes of Accuvia was the moderator. The panelists included Tamy Duplantis, Potbelly Corp., Chicago; David Kaufman, Aramark Corp., Philadelphia; Przemyslaw Poppe, AmRest Holding, Warsaw, Poland; and Gary Trobaugh, Papa Murphy’s International Inc., Vancouver, Wash.

Attending FS/TEC 2008 in Grapevine, Texas, were the producers of “What Do You Say?” - a new Nation’s Restaurant News video program in which we put one question to three people and share with you what they share with us. Caught up in the activities, they forgot the rules and asked two questions. Get a flavor for some of the sights and sounds of the latest International Foodservice Technology Exposition and hear what some leading industry technology professionals say when we ask them, “What Do You Say?” about timely topics. FS/TEC is produced and managed by Nation’s Restaurant News and Robert Grimes of Accuvia.

Can restaurateurs harness the pending technology ‘perfect storm? What do undersea oilrigs have to do with foodservice and why do robots increasingly make sense for dining operations? Technology researcher, forecaster and strategist Daniel Burrus, author of “Technotrends,” recently touched on these points in a “Five Fast Ones” conversation with NRN managing editor Alan Liddle. In answering five questions posed by Liddle, Burrus, of Milwaukee-based Burrus Research, previewed some aspects of his keynote speech at FS/TEC 2008, April 16-19 in Grapevine, Texas. Photo at lower right: Daniel Burrus.

Former Walt Disney World executive vice president of operations Lee Cockerell addresses vision statements and how his former employer brings an ambitious written goal to life. You don't have to be a world-renowned resort operator to benefit from this approach, he told attendees to the 47th Annual Multi Unit Foodservice Operators conference during a Coca-Cola Co.-sponsored keynote presentation.

Former Walt Disney World executive vice president of operations Lee Cockerell for 16 years dealt with thousands of employees and issues in one of the most famous hospitality venues on the planet. He delivered a Coco-Cola Co.-sponsored keynote speech at the 2006 Multi Unit Foodservice Operators conference produced by Nation’s Restaurant News. His presentation at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas was titled, “Inspiration: The Real Work of Leaders.” This audio report touches on some of his compelling points and let's him spell out a few in his own voice.

Executives from prominent foodservice companies, including Compass Group, McDonald's, Rare Hospitality International, Wendy's International and Yum! Brands, annually put their powers of prognostication to the test during the International Foodservice Technology Exposition, or FS/TEC. Hear members of the popular FS/TEC "CIO Panel" comment about the technology changes that may come about at their organization or throughout the industry in 2007.