ifec newsletter
February 2019
President’s Letter
We stand at the threshold of a new age of IFEC. Over my nearly two decades as a member of this fantastic organization, I’ve seen a significant level of change across the industry. But one constant has been the immeasurable value IFEC has brought to my career. Now IFEC’s current leadership has begun diligently mapping out a plan for strategic growth of the organization into the coming decade. As part of that important work, we have the privilege of strategizing how to bring even more to the IFEC table. It’s a true honor to serve IFEC—an organization that has been so instrumental in my professional growth. We’ll have more to share on this strategic vision in the coming weeks and months.
The NRA show will be here before you know it—mark your calendar to attend the annual Bubble Party on Monday, May 20 from 4:30 to 7:00. As you plan out your NRA impact, perhaps consider sponsoring a Bubble Party product presentation, passed food item or gift, or an event sponsorship (click here for details).
Also, make sure to block off your calendar for the 2019 Annual Conference taking place October 28 to 30 in beautiful Madison, WI at the at the Edgewater Hotel on the shores of Lake Mendota. The Program Committee is busy planning the proceedings for this signature annual IFEC event. We will have more details to share on the conference in the coming weeks.
Finally, IFEC offers Professional Development Awards every year to help further your career in a wide range of permitted ways. If you think that you can benefit from this assistance, review all details and download an application. The application deadline for the 2019 awards is April 15.
Remember to make every day delicious. As the great master pastry chef and chocolatier Jacques Torres famously said, “Life is short—eat dessert first.”
Douglas J. Peckenpaugh
President, IFEC
Group Editorial Director, BNP Media
2019 Bubble Party on May 20, 2019
Excitement is gathering for IFEC’s annual celebration in Chicago during the NRA Show. The Bubble Party is set for Monday, May 20, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM at the Hotel Palomar Chicago in the ballroom and terrace on the 7th floor, a perfect vantage point for tracking bubbles across the skyline. Thank you to our early party sponsors!
Diamond
Firehouse Subs
Gold
National Honey Board
Restaurant Technologies
Silver
California Avocado Commission
Flavor & The Menu
Gift
SupHerb Farms
Bubbly Sponsor
National Mango Board
F&B Sponsor
National Watermelon Promotion Board
Sign up today to be a sponsor of the most effervescent party at NRA. To sponsor go to the IFEC website, log into your Member Center and go to Events. Register by April 5th.
IFEC 2021 & 2022
Ever think you have just the right city for IFEC to visit? Would you be excited to show off your local area’s food scene? We are seeking locations with a vibrant food community, at least 3 major hotels, major airport and MAJOR talent on the ground (IFEC Members!) If you are interested in pitching your city, email jen@ifeconline.com for more details. Pitches will be due by April 30, on site presentation will not be required.
Regional Receptions
IFEC members network whenever they can – it does not stop at the annual conference or the Bubble Party at NRA. The IFEC regional receptions are a fabulous opportunity to connect with longtime member friends, get to know new members better and introduce prospective members to the IFEC scene. If you or anyone you feel may benefit from aan IFEC membership are in the three following areas, make sure these dates are on your radar:
Chicago: March 26, 2019 at Quartino’s, co-chaired by Mike Kostyo and Bill Schreiber, wines provided by Heritage Wine Cellars
Washington DC: June 11, 2019, location TBD, chaired by Avery Lewis
Hudson Valley: June 19, 2019, Poughkeepsie Waterfron Pavilion* during Menus of Change at CIA, IFEC staff (Chairperson welcome)
Have an idea for a new location? Let us know!
*unique sponsorships available
The 2019 IFEC Auction – New Format
For new members’ information, proceeds from IFEC’s annual auction provide scholarships for students pursuing training and education in foodservice communications as well as financial awards for IFEC members pursuing professional development activities. This year the auction committee has a few surprised up their sleeves, watch your inbox for news about an expanded Bubble Party auction with possible media opportunities.
Help Wanted
The 2019 committee is looking for a few more good members to join co-chairs Jamie Bowen (Idaho Potato Commission) & Liz Anderson Slobodian (Firehouse Subs) and committee member Heather Harter ( Mushroom Council) to share the glory. It’s a great way to network, get involved and support a worthy cause at the same time. Please contact ifec@ifeconline.com if you’d like to help.
Member News
Congratulations to Danny Klein, Digital Content Editor at Food News Media on the birth of his firstborn child, Audrey Danielle Klein. Audrey was born at 10:51 am on February 10 and weighed in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces. Danny reports from the field “Strange and interesting fact. She falls asleep ever time I put Ruben Studdard on, which is someone only I listen to. So apparently she’s inherited my musical taste.”
As excited to have a new member join the junior contingent (founding members were Mabel & Jude Oches) at Food News Media we are sorry to report that IFEC member Laura Kirk, associate editor of FSR will be leaving, moving west to the San Francisco area. If anyone has leads on food and beverage content creation/editorial job leads in the Bay area she would appreciate hearing about them.
2019 Jesse H. Neal Awards Finalists
Congratulations to the IFEC media members who made the list. For the complete list of the Neal Awards Finalists click here. IFEC media members on the list:
Best Single Article
Opioid Epidemic: Crisis in the C-Store , CSP
Best series
Disruption and Next-Generation Retail, CSP
Best subject related package
The Rice Issue, PLATE
Best Industry Coverage
Progressive Grocer/CSP
Best Single Issue Of A Tabloid/Newspaper/Magazine
Teen Vision —Sept. 24, 2018, Nation’s Restaurant News
Restaurant Business, February 2018
Best Art Direction for a Single Article
Convenience Store Products magazine/Winsight Grocery Business/Restaurant Business
Best Art Direction for a Cover
Convenience Store Products/ Nation’s Restaurant News /Restaurant Business/ Winsight Grocery Business
Best Overall Art Direction/Design
CSP Magazine/ Restaurant Business/ Winsight Grocery Business
Best website
RestaurantBusinessOnline.com/CSP
Best Editorial Use of Data
Restaurant Business – Top 500 Chains
Best Media Brand (Overall Editorial Excellence)
Nation’s Restaurant News/ Restaurant Business
From the IFEC Network
Former editor (FoodService Director) member Paul King has checked in with an update/request through the IFEC Network on LinkedIn.
“I’m looking for advice/recommendations/support. I would like to write a book about the history of the National School Lunch Program: How did it morph from a simple year-to-year program into the mammoth and controversial system we have in place today? How does it compare and contrast with other countries’ programs? What does the future hold? However, to do the project justice, I would need financial support or sponsorship; working on this in my spare time would take years, and neither I nor the NSLP is getting any younger.
I have some ideas, but I’d like to hear your suggestions. Any advice would be appreciated you can reach me at ppbkwriter55@gmail.com”
New members
We’re happy to welcome these newly-minted IFECers:
Hayley Elkin
United Soybean Board
424 2nd Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119
hayley.elkin@mslgroup.com
Cynthia Lew
Marketing Manager
University of Texas at Austin
200 W. Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78712
clew@austin.utexas.edu
Katie McCombie
Account Executive
Padilla
101 West Commerce Road
Richmond, VA 23224
katie.mccombie@padillaco.com
IFEC CALENDAR
March 15, 2019 Student Scholarships Applications due
March 26, 2019 Chicago Regional Reception
April 15, 2019 Professional Development Award Applications due
May 20, 2019 Board of Directors Meeting, Chicago
May 20, 2019 Bubble Party during the NRA Show,Chicago
June 11, 2019 Washington DC Regional Reception
June 19, 2019 Hudson Valley Regional Reception
October 28-30, 2019 Annual Conference in Madison, WI
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Remember to send you news for the next newsletter to Jen Mac Kay, jen@ifeconline.com. Keeping your name and your business activities on your colleagues’ radar is an easy way to network.