MUFSO Agenda
Conference Session Tracks
F&B Innovation Workforce Marketing Operations & Tech Super Sessions
Super Session Tracks Sponsored by:
Workforce Track Sponsored by:
Sunday, October 13
Sunday, October 13
11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- Room:
Metropolitan State University
- Sunday, October 13, 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
October 13 & 14, 2019
Metropolitan State University
It's all About the Menu
Nation’s Restaurant News and Datassential have teamed up to present Menu Insights & Innovation at the Metropolitan State University October 13-14, 2019. Co-located with MUFSO, this program delivers strategic insights that are actionable for future direction in menu development. This...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Monday, October 14, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Kitchen Heroes Cook for a Great Cause!
Luis Haro, Director of Culinary, Logan’s Roadhouse
James Rogers, Director of Culinary, Tony Roma’s
Ramon Solorzano, Director of Culinary R&D, Garden Fresh Restaurants
Mike Turner, Senior VP of Culinary, Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar
Who will receive this year's honors?
Four industry chefs will showcase their culinary expertise during this...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Monday, October 14, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Welcome to MUFSO! Get your conference badge (attendees and exhibitors) in the Plaza Building on the concourse level. From the main hotel lobby, take the elevator down one level and registration will be on your left.
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Monday, October 14, 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Presented with Datassential
Off-Site Tour: From Plant to Table
This tour will provide first-hand information for restaurant operators on how CBD and Cannabis are produced for foodservice consumption as well as in-depth insight from restaurant operators who are already serving up CBD infused food and beverages to their customers.
Pre-registration is required and...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Monday, October 14, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Dine-around on the latest culinary trends, as well as perennial favorites. Our Supplier Showcase offers you a taste of what your consumers want.
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Monday, October 14, 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Meet the partners you need to succeed in our ever-changing industry. Take-a-look at who will be in the Supplier Showcase here. Be sure to sign-up for the Cool Things Tour to get a personal tour by Nation's Restaurant News' editors. We will show you the coolest things you have to see on...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
12:50 PM - 3:00 PM
- Monday, October 14, 12:50 PM - 3:00 PM
Sign-up onsite, based on availability!
Join the editors of Nation’s Restaurant News for a special guided tour of the MUFSO Supplier Showcase exhibit floor on Monday, October 14th from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Not only will you get a personally curated tour of the floor by one of the award-winning editors of...
Speakers
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Monday, October 14, 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
The more relevant the ad, the better, right? While national TV advertising is a proven strategy for driving national awareness and restaurant visits, local stores and local consumers don’t always see the messaging as relevant to them. That’s where scalable localized video comes in. Localized video allows restaurant brands to customize their...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Monday, October 14, 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM
Protect the integrity and equity of your restaurant’s brand by providing your team members with proactive food safety and sanitation measures that can be seamlessly integrated into your day to day operations. We will walk through how to readily be prepared for unannounced Department of Health inspections and how to...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Monday, October 14, 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
Gaining and maintaining your brand’s unique and differentiated positioning is a complex task. The right supplier relationship – one grounded in innovation and marketplace differentiating products and service – is essential to ongoing success. In this presentation, Ernest Embola, VP Global Quality & Innovation will share his thoughts and select...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Monday, October 14, 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Let’s talk trash! Recycling, Zero Waste, and Sustainability are hot topics for you because they influence your customers. This session identifies the forces impacting these trends and what the future holds for owner/operators. You’ll learn realistic strategies for cost savings as you move your brand into the eco-age of waste reduction...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Monday, October 14, 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
In this session, we will discuss recent legal developments related to the joint employer tests used by various federal agencies, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board. We will also discuss practical business takeaways for decreasing the risk...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Monday, October 14, 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
In a world that is rapidly embracing digital trends, in-venue engagement has stagnated. Many of the strategies employed today are the same ones that were used decades ago, making them irrelevant to and easily ignored by the modern consumer. Customers expect more: personalized experiences, interactive content, and the ability to...
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Monday, October 14, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
One of the top reasons to attend a conference is to strengthen and build your network. MUFSO brings together every part of the restaurant industry from large international chains to boutique multi-concepts and everything in-between. You never know who you will talk to that sparks a new opportunity or idea....
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Monday, October 14, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Get a taste of the vibrant culinary scene in Denver at the MUFSO opening party, Taste of Denver. Enjoy sampling signature dishes from some of Denver’s hottest restaurants while sipping cocktails and networking with your industry colleagues. Learn more here.
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Monday, October 14
Monday, October 14
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Monday, October 14, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Sign-up onsite, based on availability!
Meet Up with other attendees for a casual dinner at one of these participating restaurants and enjoy a pre-set menu including: appetizer, entrée, dessert and wine. Seating is limited to restaurant operators only, and 10 seats per restaurant venue. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
- Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Come grab a hot breakfast or fruit and coffee - we offer a tasty spread designed to stimulate the senses and get you ready for a busy day. Bon Appetit!
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Welcome! Get your conference badge (attendees and exhibitors) in the Plaza Building on the concourse level. From the main hotel lobby, take the elevator down one level and registration will be on your left.
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Tuesday, October 15, 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
This year’s crop of Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain award and Norman Award winners reflect on their careers, the business strategies and how they’ve developed their team cultures.
Speakers
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Tuesday, October 15, 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
The 2019 Texas Pete Kitchen Hero Cook-off winner will be announced live during the General Session. One lucky chef will have the opportunity to present a $10,000 check to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry. Read more about the competition here.
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, October 15, 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.
Sponsored by:
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
In his session, Gary Vaynerchuk teaches entrepreneurs how to take advantage of the current business environment, while also preparing them to succeed as it changes and evolves into what he’s termed “The Thank You Economy.” With the rise of the Internet and the power of the common consumer, businesses must...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
11:15 AM - 1:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM
Lunch in the Supplier Showcase is another opportuntity to sample the flavors that can boost your business. Be sure to look around for new samples - most of our suppliers have new products out on day 2.
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 11:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Meet the partners you need to succeed in our ever-changing industry. Take-a-look at who will be in the Supplier Showcase here. Be sure to sign-up for the Cool Things Tour to get a personal tour by Nation's Restaurant News' editors. We will show you the coolest things you have to...
...read more
Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
MUFSO attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Gary Vaynerchuk after the keynote.
Speaker
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Tuesday, October 15, 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
One-size-fits-all marketing is a recipe for brand oblivion. Food brands and restaurants need to shift their approach, to be relevant with a deeper understanding of consumers values and beliefs. The American food palette and population are becoming more diverse. At PACO Collective we take a cross-cultural approach to understand the...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Tuesday, October 15, 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM
The modern diner expects extraordinary hospitality every time they interact with your restaurant. Whether it’s those tableside exchanges or the marketing emails that follow, a strategy for authentically and individually connecting with guests is imperative. Because ultimately, personalizing the guest experience organically increases diner loyalty.
Join as we discuss extraordinary, authentic...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
- Room:
Plaza A
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
This session will focus on the impact of self-service technology and:
How increasing labor costs and consumer demand, especially from digitally-native generations, will continue to fuel restaurant investment in self-service, mobile tech, cashier-less payments, and more.
Uncover new ways to future-proof your restaurant chain with next-generation technology.
Deliver customer results from self-service...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- Room:
Governor’s Square 10
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- Tracks:
You may feel comfortable with Millennials, but the upcoming generation has its own unique preferences. Plus, as Millennials move into different life stages — some building families — their food needs are changing with them. This session will look at what sustainability, authenticity and craveability mean to tomorrow’s customers, as...
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 12
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- Tracks:
Social media matters at every step of the customer journey. See how the best in the restaurant industry are driving sales through social influencers, using data and insights from social listening tools, and finding the right marketing partners to take their brand experience to the next level.
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 11
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- Tracks:
Today’s fastest-growing restaurants are embracing the next generation of POS systems to drive revenue and unify operations – especially at a time when all restaurant brands are challenged by the ever-expanding order universe and customer expectations. This session will highlight the future of unified food experiences and how to move...
Speaker
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 16
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- Tracks:
These emerging chains are growing fast with on-trend menus, new business models, social purpose missions and new segment approaches. Find out what’s behind the next big restaurant chain.
2019 Hot Concept Winners:
&pizza
The Crack Shack
Garden Bar
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Mulberry & Vine
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 17
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- Tracks:
Employee turnover is costly, yet the number one challenge for restaurants right now is finding and keeping the best workers. Find out how to develop employee satisfaction with the right compensation, the right leadership approach and a culture that helps employees grow their careers with your brand for the long...
Speakers
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Nation's Restaurant News will lead a tour of some of the hottest restaurant concepts and bars in the vibrant Downtown Denver dining scene. Meet and learn from the creative minds behind these concepts while you sip and taste your way through this informative and fun Restaurant Concept Tour.
Co-presented by Eat...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.
Sponsored by:
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
- Room:
Governor’s Square 10
- Tuesday, October 15, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
- Tracks:
As interest grows in delivery, catering and take-out, restaurants are adjusting their offerings to optimize for travel by consolidating menus, adjusting pricing, partnering for custom packaging and adjusting cooking techniques to allow the dishes to hold up for the longer ride. This session also looks at best practices for an...
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 12
- Tuesday, October 15, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
- Tracks:
Long gone are the days of the punch card. A traffic-generating loyalty program can be a tough nut to crack. Restaurants are developing nuanced databases that are integrated into marketing, the menu development and the supply chain. Find out how the latest tech tools can link customers across platforms to...
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 11
- Tuesday, October 15, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
- Tracks:
Mobile, pay-at-the-table, and online ordering and delivery have been at the forefront of the foodservice industry for years now, but we have yet to see a solution emerge that truly delivers on the promise of these technologies. This session will discuss current trends and the pain points that arise, such...
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 16
- Tuesday, October 15, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
- Tracks:
This no-nonsense session will evaluate the finances of the restaurant industry and high-and-low performing segments. Plus, hear where this trend is going in the coming year.
Speaker
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 17
- Tuesday, October 15, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
- Tracks:
Third party contractors, freelancers, tech partners and delivery drivers are the new norm for the modern restaurant. This session looks at how to find these workers and how to engage these workers. From compensation programs to regulations, this A to Z session helps restaurants thrive in the gig economy.
Speaker
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.
Sponsored by:
...read more
Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Room:
Governor’s Square 10
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tracks:
This session will take a look at the cutting-edge drink trends illustrated by the Denver culinary scene, from new craft brews to cold brews to shandies to CBD infusions to boozeless cocktails.
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 12
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tracks:
Uber raises prices when demand is high, why can’t restaurants? Thoughtfully implemented, surge menu pricing could allow restaurants to drive traffic during slow times and make more during busy times. How sustainable is it? How are customers reacting? How do you market it?
This session will look at the new...
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 11
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tracks:
Automation has become the next technological frontier as the industry seeks solutions to turnover, speed of service and low guest counts. The latest tech revolution is not about robots replacing hard skill tasks like flipping burgers. Instead, the industry is turning to automation to replace conversational order-taking -- soft skills...
Speaker
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 16
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tracks:
Everything you need to know about cannabis, CBD and marijuana trends, including the state-by-state regulations, the risk management concerns, and how to do CBD-infused menus right. Make sure you get in front of this rapidly evolving trend.
Speakers
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- Room:
Governor’s Square 17
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Tracks:
Low unemployment and minimum-wage legislation are driving worker compensation up. Some restaurants are rethinking the entire workforce model with surcharges, higher menu prices, workforce software, operational efficiencies and ingredient changes. Find out how to keep your menu quality high despite skyrocketing labor costs.
Speakers
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Tuesday, October 15, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
2019 Hot Concepts Award Winners Celebration
Tuesday, October 15, Plaza Ballroom, 6 pm
All MUFSO attendees, speakers, award winners, sponsors and exhibitors are welcome to join this event.
Get a taste of what’s hot at the Nation’s Restaurant News Industry Awards Celebration on Tuesday, October 15th beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the Hot...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Conversation and inspiration are on the menu for this fun awards celebration dinner! Enjoy time with your peers at this festive dinner and be inspired by the Golden Chain & Norman Award winners as they are honored during a fast-paced awards program.
Read about the Golden Chain and Norman Award winners...
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Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, October 15
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 15, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Join us in the MUFSO foyer for an after dinner drink and dessert immediately following the Industry Awards Gala dinner.
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Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 16
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
- Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Come grab a hot breakfast or fruit and coffee - we offer a tasty spread designed to stimulate the senses and get you ready for a busy day. Bon Appetit!
...read more
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 16
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Wednesday, October 16, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome! Get your conference badge (attendees and exhibitors) in the Plaza Building on the concourse level. From the main hotel lobby, take the elevator down one level and registration will be on your left.
...read more
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 16
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Wednesday, October 16, 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Our last morning of MUFSO has arrived. Join us for a recap and some closing remarks as we welcome our Wednesday Keynotes and wrap-up another fantastic MUFSO!
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Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 16
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Wednesday, October 16, 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Consumers are increasingly looking for restaurant options near them that are easy to access and offer new experiences. In today’s mobile-first world, we all instinctively turn to our smartphones to discover and explore where we want to eat.
On Google, did you know that "restaurants near me" has been the most...
Speakers
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Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 16
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
- Wednesday, October 16, 9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Grab a coffee, beverage or snack to recharge and connect with your fellow MUFSO attendees.
...read more
Wednesday, October 16
Wednesday, October 16
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
- Room:
Plaza Ballroom
- Wednesday, October 16, 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM
In this session, Datassential stitches together a complex network of next generation trends into simple big picture insights around health, flavor, and consumer values – and what it all means for your brand. You’ll discover the invisible road that consumers are already on, and how to align your business with...
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