FCSI THE AMERICAS CONFERENCE 2026 WELCOME


WELCOME TO PHOENIX, AZ


A


s chair of this year’s conference planning committee, I am really looking forward to bringing the FCSI family together during these days at the FCSI Te Americas Conference. Tere is always this electric energy when our community reconnects,


from inspiring conversations to the laughter in between. Add the Phoenix sunshine and the incredible Wigwam Resort, combined with one of our strongest programs yet, and I’m really counting down the days. I hope this is an event the community will talk about for a long time. Spanning four days, this year’s program features an eclectic mix of learning


opportunities, thought-provoking keynotes, and a healthy dose of fun, and is set to deliver a top-tier conference that educates, entertains, and fosters relationship-building among our 350 attendees. Te idea behind the program was simple: enjoy yourself, and leave better for it. We want our delegates to feel as excited when they walk into a session as they do when they walk into the evening events. Tat meant we wanted speakers who would go beyond just passing on information, and make an impact; it might even be moving. Our guest speakers will challenge and inspire new ways of thinking: Ben Nemtin,


Te New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Te Buried Life movement, will speak on purpose and possibility; Dan Chuparkoff, known for his expertise in AI, will discuss the future of work; and Kevin Boehm, an award-winning restaurateur, will share his inspiring story and professional lessons. We also have the EPiC Summit, which I’m very passionate about – a day full of programs for the next generation of consultants coming through. We hope the program will be inspiring for everyone.


Have a great conference! CONTENTS


4 THE BIG PICTURE Spotlight on the event venue: The Wigwam Resort


6 SYMPOSIUM PREVIEW The lowdown on this year's program


15 PATRICIA COOK


On her presentation to the EPiC Summit


19 OPENING: DAN CHUPARKOFF The AI expert shares his insights


22 KEVIN BOEHM


Chicago restauratuer on his success and lessons


25 CLOSING: BEN NEMTIN A message on growth through purpose


30 LAST BITE Steve Carlson FCSI on his top conference moments


Contributors: Lauren Hurrell, Michael Jones, Tina Nielsen, Sam Noble


Published by 1473 Media 1473media.com


© 1473 Media 2026. All rights reserved.


Sojo Alex FCSI, conference planning committee chair, and managing director, Envision Strategies


The views expressed herein are not necessarily shared by FCSI. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication can be accepted by FCSI, the publishers or the author(s). While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, FCSI, the publishers and author(s) cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Details correct at time of going to press.


3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32