Agenda

Insights that matter. Connections that last.

With an agenda built by supply chain professionals in the restaurant industry, we're dedicated to delivering content that's both practical and actionable, adding real value to your experience.

Get a head start on your conference planning for the Supply Chain Fall Conference with our agenda. 

Locations
General Session – Cypress 1
Reception & Dinner – Magnolia Lawn

Tuesday, October 8

 

3:00 p.m.

Registration Desk Opens 
Cypress Foyer
 

6:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
Magnolia Lawn
 

Wednesday, October 9

 

7:00 a.m.

Registration Open
Cypress Foyer
 

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast
Magnolia Lawn
 

9:00 a.m.

Conference Welcome & Kick Off
Dessi Zaneva, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing, Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc.  

9:15 a.m.

CEO Spotlight: Paul Macaluso, CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe

This session offers an intimate viewpoint of an industry veteran, who delivers humble authenticity and a great perspective from working with large, mid-size, and small brands. Join us for an engaging conversation with Paul Macaluso, CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe, as he shares his journey through the foodservice industry and his approach to reinventing the upscale breakfast experience. With a career spanning leadership roles at brands of all sizes, Paul will offer valuable insights into his leadership style, the importance of building a great work culture, and the critical role of supply chain and strategic partnerships.

Speaker: Paul Macaluso, CEO, Another Broken Egg Cafe
Moderator: Anissa Mandell-Chance, President, ARCOP, Inc.

10:15 a.m.

Networking Break
 

10:35 a.m.

Curated Discussion Tracks, Choose From 3 Topics
Magnolia 1-6

This session allows you to choose from specific areas of interest. Each track is led by industry experts and is crafted to provide relevant information you can apply to your business. This is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and connect with others who face similar specific challenges. Each session will include Q&A.

Track #1: Beyond Transactions: How to Stand Out as a Preferred Partner

Moderator: Randy Scruggs, Vice President of Supply Chain, Bloomin’ Brands
Panelists: Kevin Waters, Vice President, Foodservice Sales, Cargill
Brock Furlong, President and CEO, Stampede Culinary Partners

Track #2: Making the Move: People Management

Moderator: Chris McNutt, Senior Vice President Supply Chain, GoTo Foods

Track #3: Co-Op vs. Brand Supply Chains: Key Differences and Industry Insights

Moderator: Steven Rodgers, Vice President, Product Supply & Distribution. Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, a YUM! Brands Co-op
Panelists: Giancarlo Turano II, Turano Baking Company
Donna Eskew, COO, SMS Cooperative
Ron Cegnar, President, CEO Partners Inc.

11:20 a.m.

Break - Make your way to the next discussion session.
 

11:30 a.m.

Curated Discussion Tracks Part 2, Choose From 3 Topics
Magnolia 1-6

This session allows you to choose from specific areas of interest. Each track is led by industry experts and is crafted to provide relevant information you can apply to your business. This is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and connect with others who face similar specific challenges. Each session will include Q&A.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch
Magnolia 7-9
 

1:10 p.m.

Networking Roundtable Discussions

Learn from industry peers, share your own experiences, and grow your network while discussing topics most important to you. You’ll have the opportunity for robust discussion in a small group format, and participate in two roundtable discussions each lasting 25 minutes. Table guides will ensure lively and interactive conversations, making sure everyone has a chance to share and take away actionable solutions.

Moderators:

Dan Gould, Director of Procurement, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants
Michelle Elwonger, Vice President of Supply Chain, Metro Diner

2:05 p.m.

Emerging Issues and Their Potential Impact

This session will put a spotlight on current issues and potential disruptions happening right now that could affect your supply chain operations. From shifting commodity markets to the implications of regulatory changes, we’ll explore the critical developments that are shaping the near-term future. The discussion will focus on the latest challenges and what they might mean for your business, helping you mitigate their impact during volatile times.

Moderator: Carl Mount, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Jack in the Box

2:40 p.m.

Networking Break
 

3:00 p.m.

Supply Chain Leadership: Insights from a Major Industry Operator

Join us for a candid interview with Dr. Christopher Held, Chief Supply Officer at Inspire Brands, one of the world’s largest restaurant companies with over 32,000 global locations across six iconic brands, including Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and Sonic Drive-Ins. This session will explore the strategic leadership and innovative thought processes that drive success in a multi-brand environment. Gain insights into how Inspire Brands navigates the complexities of supply chain management to maintain its industry-leading position.

Speaker: Dr. Christopher Held, Chief Supply Officer, Inspire Brands
Moderator: Stephen Hawrylik, Vice President – Commodities Management, Inspire Brands

3:45 p.m.

How to Sharpen Your Decision-Making with Critical Thinking Skills

In supply chain, every decision can impact the bottom line. Dhamu Thamodaran brings his decades of agricultural and economics experience guiding food companies to share how developing critical thinking can be your competitive edge. This session will walk you through the essential steps of building and applying a critical thinking framework to your procurement process. Learn how to sift through information vs. noise and make informed decisions that drive success.

Speaker: Dr. Dhamu Thamodaran, Advisor, National Restaurant Association Supply Chain Expert Exchange

4:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks
Dessi Zaneva, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing, Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, Inc.