EVENT REVIEW
Hospitality in Technicolor: a review of the FCSI The Americas 2026 Conference
A report from the biennial event at the Wigwam Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, where superlative education was married with vibrant networking
FCSI Te Americas 2026 Conference keynote speaker Kevin Boehm, restaurateur and co-founder and co-owner of Boka Restaurant Group. It was an apposite analogy for the conference itself, which brought a vivid focus to the many rich hues and varieties of foodservice consulting in the Americas Division. Education was at the heart of this fabulously organized and executed event, with a special one-day conference dedicated to FCSI’s Emerging Professionals in Consulting (EPiC) members taking place on Tursday 23 April, prior to
S
ervice is black and white, but hospitality is in color,” said
the main event itself. Patricia Cook of Patricia Cook & Associates opened that event with an interactive session for the approximately 30 EPiC members in attendance that addressed how to develop ‘A growth mindset’. “Growth and comfort
never coexist,” says Cook, “but one way to push through imposter syndrome is with a growth mindset.” Cook advocated that young
professionals keep track of their wins; perform random acts of kindness by “lighting someone’s candles”; bring their authentic self; get the easy things right, such as arriving early to meetings and using people’s names frequently; being mindful
of body language; and bringing a positive energy. “Listen to stay present, not just to respond,” she advised. Tis was followed by a
session exploring the FCSI Te Americas and FCSI Worldwide portfolio – ‘How to get involved (and why)’ – by conference organizer Forte’s Wade Koehler, executive director of FCSI Te Americas, and 1473 Media’s Michael Jones, representing FCSI Worldwide, who both presented on the opportunities available to young FCSI members in print, in digital, and at events. “Your voice matters,” said
Koehler. “You get out what you put in, so if you feel passionate about improving foodservice,
get involved.” Te network opportunities “are incredible, but so is the learning,” added Jones. Next, Erik Haviland of
FUZE presented alongside Joshua Miller of Remarkable Academic Foods and Spencer Ressa FCSI of JME Design on tackling the importance of making authentic connections, conveying a personal identity, and why being truthful and honest will take young people further in business. “Your personal and
professional brands do not need to be in conflict with each other,” said Haviland. “Anything you can do
that puts you in a position of thought leadership, do it,” said Miller. “Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” added Ressa. “Don’t be afraid to ask that question.” At the end of this insightful
and interactive presentation, FUZE also shared a uniquely bespoke ‘Brand Ignition’ profile for each attendee at the session, revealing the individual profile of their personality, including a growth map, content starters, and team guidance – all tied to the specific answers each participant gave.
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THE AMERICAS
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