The National Food Service Security Council (NFSSC) recently completed its 31st Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis, August 1-4.

The NFSSC annual meeting is the nation’s largest gathering of security, loss prevention, and risk management professionals in the casual-dining and quick-service restaurant chain industry. More than 225 individuals participated in the meeting and more than 55 vendor companies presented products, services, and technologies aimed at keeping restaurants more safe, secure, and efficient.

Industry leaders presented on a number of key topics including internet investigations, working with the media in crisis situations, protecting card data, outsourcing, and a mock trial presentation. The event was highlighted by keynotes from David Karam, president of Wendy’s International, and Mike Kupstas, chief franchise officer of Panera LLC.

“By all accounts, the 31st annual conference was a huge success,” says Jim Forlenza, NFSSC executive director. “We saw double-digit increases in the number of member participants this year. We attribute that to the quality education we were able to offer and the number of exciting speakers who presented those programs. Education is the key to our organization, and our members responded to the offerings.”

“It’s important that we provide an opportunity for all our members to have a chance to see, learn, and network with our industry leaders and peers from the vastly different chains and operations our industry represents,” says Chris Manning of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group and new NFSSC president.

Through the efforts of the NFSSC member and vendor participants at the meeting, a check in the amount of $3,000 was donated to the St. Louis Area Food Bank. NFSSC officials also announced dates for its 32nd Annual Meeting, August 7-10, 2011, at the Hyatt Grand Champions in Indian Wells, California.