IACC’s Annual Conference Planning Committee announced that the 30th annual conference of the International Association of Conference Centers will include an innovative culinary-themed customer event geared toward meeting planners and designed to debunk common myths about conference centers and dining.

Committee Chair David Kohlasch, General Manager at Lansdowne Resort, announced that the event will include a “non-traditional trade show” of participating IACC properties, a topical speaker about food and the learning environment, roundtable discussions, annual Copper Skillet chef competition and lunch.

Highlighting the event will be guest speaker Andrea Sullivan, M.A. President of BrainStrength Systems, Inc. presenting Brain Food: How to Design Menus that Enhance the Meeting Experience”. According to Sullivan, “One of the biggest challenges we face in the meetings industry is how to support attendees in remaining alert, energized, and in a learning state throughout the day and the conference.” She feels strongly that food plays a huge role in this challenge. “What we eat greatly influences how we think and how we feel” she continues. “This presentation provides what conference facilities need to know to offer food choices targeted to specific meeting objectives and outcomes desired.”

Andrea holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Vermont College of Norwich University. Through her companies, LeaderStrength Systems, Inc. and BrainStrength Systems, she has introduced brain-compatible leadership development into many organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions and entrepreneurial companies.

Following her presentation, guests will participate in roundtable discussions where topics will include current topics such as:

  • Food Trends
  • Farm to Table
  • Sustainability
  • Nutritional news
  • Foods that enhance learning
  • Next ethnic wave
  • Adapting special diet needs
  • Allergies
  • Multicultural diets

After the roundtable discussion, guests will also enjoy the exciting eight annual Copper Skillet competition which shines a spotlight on IACC chefs from around the world as they demonstrate their artistry and skills in a rousing competition with celebrity judges to earn the coveted Copper Skillet Award.

The trade show will showcase participating IACC-member properties and is meant to expand awareness to meeting planners about the IACC concept of providing exceptional meeting experiences around the globe. Food and food related themes will be on the menu for all participants to sample.

The event will be held at the beginning of the IACC annual conference on Thursday March 24, 2011 at The National Conference Center, host property of the conference.

  • 9:30 Registration
  • 10:00 Speaker – Andrea Sullivan, BrainStrength Systems
  • 11:00 Roundtables
  • 12:00 Copper Skillet & lunch
  • 1:30 Exhibit/Trade Show/ Cornucopia of Culinary Concoctions
  • 2:30 Recap/Raffle
  • 3:00 Event concludes

Qualified meeting planners interested in attending and participating in this series of events should contact Michele Schurk at the International Association of Conference Centers at 314 993 8575. A nominal fee of $49 will include the presentation by Andrea Sullivan, lunch, the Copper Skillet competition, and trade show.

IACC was organized to provide and promote market awareness of conference centers as offering separate, distinct and special places and services; to collect and distribute information on the industry and its trends; to provide an exchange of experiences among its members; to address common problems, needs and opportunities; to provide programs and services that assist members in operating more effectively; and to respond to the needs and interests of conference center users as determined by the Board of Directors.

Founded in 1981, the International Association of Conference Centres is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting understanding and awareness of the conference center industry and to giving member properties the tools necessary to provide an exceptional meeting experience. Active members meet a set of stringent Universal Criteria and agree to a Code of Ethics. Currently, the association includes approximately 400 members from the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, France, England,The Netherlands, Germany and Japan. For more information, visit the website at . IACC = exceptional meeting experiences.

James Mahon
Global Director, Marketing & Public Relations
914 548 5835
IACC

Related