The National Restaurant Association (NRA) announced that Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the association, and Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post Media Group will present the keynote address at the 2015 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) at the NRA Show Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. at McCormick Place’s Grand Ballroom.
The keynote will open with a state of the Industry address by NRA chairman, Jack Crawford. Then the conversation will expand to a State of the American Dream 2015 featuring an interview between Dawn Sweeney and Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief for the Huffington Post Media Group. The two will explore how today’s business leaders can develop and nurture successful brands in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. How do individuals achieve their own American Dream and then pay that Dream forward, meeting both personal aspirations and business goals? The discussion will explore this question and others.
“The restaurant industry has long been synonymous with the American Dream,” says John C. Metz, convention chair for NRA Show 2015 and executive chef/CEO of Marlow’s Tavern, Aqua Blue, and Sterling Spoon Culinary Management. “With that opportunity comes hard work, determination, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Ms. Huffington has an acute understanding of how individuals can be a catalyst for change in our country. Her insights on how to live a meaningful and inspired life while redefining success and creating a life of well-being promises to be fascinating.”
Dawn Sweeney will focus this spirited conversation on how foodservice industry professionals can stay empowered in an increasingly challenging environment. The conversation will explore insights on thought leadership, advances in social media, and how to balance family and career in order to live a more authentic life—all qualities that will contribute to building the engaged workforce needed to meet the industry’s future growth.
The NRA is also excited to announce that Huffington will be at the association’s booth directly after the keynote session to sign copies of her new book, Thrive.
NRA Show 2015 will be held May 16–19 and BAR at the NRA Show will be held May 17–18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
