Learning Objectives

Each section of the course introduces you to another operator segment of the foodservice industry until you have a holistic understanding of how different business types purchase and menu foods and beverages.

• Foodservice Definitions and Structure: Learn the size of the industry and key terminology

• Foodservice Value Chain:  Understand how a case moves from the manufacturer warehouse to the end-user

• Restaurant Segments:  Learn about Quick Service, Fast Casual, Midscale, and Casual Dining segments

• On-Site Foodservice Segments:  Learn about the non-restaurant segments in foodservice, such as healthcare, primary and secondary schools, and colleges and universities

• IFMA Tools Demonstration: Learn about the different tools and resources available to IFMA member companies

• Foodservice Leadership Councils: Hear a recap of the key themes impacting operators from five foodservice segments, offering you an inside peek from their point of view.

Presenters / Speakers

Nicole Valenti

Director, Innovation and Insights
Datassential

Nicole joined Datassential in 2012 after 15 years as Director of Custom Research at The NPD Group. She holds a Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology and Statistics from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Charlie McConnell

Senior Director of Insights & Best Practices

Charlie’s foodservice career includes experience with both manufacturers and with US Foods. His career began with The NPD Group where he managed clients’ consumer research needs. He translated that experience into consumer and operator insights roles with Unilever Foodsolutions and Sara Lee Foodservice before joining US Foods. At US Foods, he managed their research needs and developed their one-to-one marketing promotion, My Kitchen.