With so many topics and so little time, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group (MEG) announces a new 24-hour format for its upcoming fall conference taking place at the Hyatt Grand in Downtown Denver October 23 and 24. Registration, which includes all meeting materials, meals and breaks, is now open. Those registering by July 31 save $100 on the registration fee.
MEG Fast-Forward: Big ideas for Marketing Executives Short on Time begins at12 noon on Wednesday, October 23 and concludes 24 hours later yet covers two full days of content. The TED Talks-style conference will feature industry influencers, tastemakers, and proven leaders who will share their knowledge and expertise with attendees.
“We are excited about the new format for MEG. To help meet attendee needs, it was important to create an event that delivers rich content and ample networking opportunities in a timeframe that works for today’s busy marketers,” says Julia Kanouse, vice president strategic marketing, National Restaurant Association.
Among the noted speakers at this year’s conference is Lane Cardwell, president of Cardwell Hospitality Advisory. Cardwell, who has worked with more than 40 brands during his 35 year career in the restaurant industry, most recently served as the president and CEO of Boston Market. Lane will give a case study look at the popular restaurant detailing its successes and failures while recounting how Boston Market bet the farm and won. After a quick rise to the top and even quicker fall from financial grace with a Chapter 11 filing and 700 units shuttered, Boston Market is once again expanding after three years of consecutive monthly sales increases.
Business strategist, best-selling author and consultant Kaihan Krippendorff will share some insight on his proven methodology that can help companies and individuals out think the competition. Krippendorff has been featured on Fox Business, MSNBC, and National Public Radio, just to name a few. His fourth and most comprehensive book, Outthink the Competition: How a New Generation of Strategists Sees Options Others Ignore, is a go-to guide for today’s leading executives.
Other topics to be discussed include social media and “The Dos and Don’ts for Restaurants on Tumblr,” as well as increasing sales through beverage marketing. Additional speakers and topics will be announced later this month.
MEG gets underway October 23 with lunch at 12 noon and concludes with lunch the following day. In between are relevant sessions, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities during cocktails and dinner.
Registration for MEG’s bi-annual conference is now open and is $295 per person for NRA member and $795 for non-members. On August 1 the price increases to $395 for NRA members and $895 for non-members. Those who wish to attend the Restaurant Innovation Summit following MEG can do so at no additional charge. Attendees will also receive a special nightly rate at the Hyatt Grand in Downtown Denver.
To register for MEG’s bi-annual conference taking place October 23 and 24 in Denver, visit www.restaurant.org/megevent. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Gregg LeBlanc at gregg@marketingkarma.biz.
Founded in 1980, MEG is one of 10 non-profit study groups established by the National Restaurant Association. This community of restaurant marketing professionals convenes twice annually to raise the level of industry excellence by connecting with one another to inspire, teach, and challenge each other professionally.
