This fall, the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) will host a series of Leadership Development Workshops (LDWs) in Irvine, Denver, Orlando, Dallas, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Chicago, and Atlanta. These one-day events are designed to empower women who may not have the flexibility to attend a multi-day conference, yet are eager to advance their careers. Each workshop offers an immersive experience, filled with insightful sessions, interactive activities, and unparalleled networking opportunities. WFF is also offering virtual sessions on 10/8 and 11/14 for those that can't attend in person.
WFF started in 1989 as a conversation about whether sufficient opportunities existed for women in the foodservice industry, and it has become a powerful movement propelling women’s progress and paving the way to gender equity. Today, the organization works to accelerate the advancement of women leaders in the foodservice industry.
Leadership Development Workshops
The nationwide tour of one-day workshops brings together dynamic speakers and foodservice industry thought leaders for an unforgettable experience. Featuring interactive education, motivational insights, and meaningful connections, this immersive leadership event will give you the tools you need to immediately amplify your impact and enrich your life.
Registration includes:
- Networking experience for in-person and virtual attendees
- Automatic one-year WFF membership (a $249 value) with access to WFF Connect, a digital community exclusively available to WFF members, offering virtual content and events, leadership development, and networking resources
- Access to watch sessions on-demand for 90 days after the event, including select Leader Exchange panel sessions
- Flexibility to attend workshop live or watch on-demand
- Industry executives sharing their insights and experiences with attendees in a live Q&A Leader Exchange session
- Workshop workbook to interpret and apply learnings in your development
- Breakfast, lunch, beverages, and snacks for in-person attendees
Here's a look at the full schedule:

WFF Scholarship Program
A unique highlight of this year’s workshops is the introduction of WFF's scholarship program. These scholarships are designed to support women in the foodservice industry who might not otherwise have access to such impactful experiences. This initiative underscores WFF's commitment to inclusivity and professional growth, ensuring that more women can benefit from the leadership training and connections that the workshops provide. It's important to note that these scholarships are not available to current WFF members or partners, allowing the organization to reach new individuals who can truly benefit from its resources. Scholarship eligibility:
- Be at least eighteen years of age at the time of application
- Be a citizen, permanent resident of, or currently studying in the U.S.
- Applicants Must Belong To One Of The Below Groups To Be Eligible:
- Emerging Leaders
- Manager, Coordinator, Analyst, Specialist, Individual Contributor, Assistant Managers, Area Directors
- Employed with a small foodservice organization or franchisee
- Entrepreneur
- Owner, Founder, Co-Founder of Foodservice organization, franchise, independent restaurant
- Have a credible career in Foodservice
- Emerging Leaders
- Applicant must attend a city within commuting distance or attend a virtual event. Scholarship does not include travel, airfare, or hotel.
Those interested can apply now for a scholarship!
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Plan to Attend or Participate in Our Events:
- 2024 Bar & Restaurant Expo Texas, October 28-30, 2024 in San Antonio, TX. Register today!
- 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 24-26, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada
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