The Business of Food

FARE Conference brings together operators from across foodservice to connect, share ideas, and gain the cross-segment advantage.

2017
Dallas, TX — June 26–28
500+
Foodservice operators and leaders
6
Related industry conferences by Winsight
CEU
Continuing education credits available

Event Info

Essential details for attending, including venue information, CEU credits, and organizer contacts. The 2016 conference was held at the Gaylord Texan.

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Speakers

Industry leaders and experts share insights on the business of food. Speaker inquiries are welcome.

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Awards

The Leaders in Foodservice Awards celebrate people and ideas that challenge the status quo and push industry boundaries.

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About Winsight

Winsight, LLC is a B-to-B media company specializing in convenience-retailing, restaurant, and noncommercial foodservice. Publications include Restaurant Business, CSP, and FoodService Director.

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Restaurant Business CSP FoodService Director Winsight

Why Should You Attend?

Connect with the right people in the right environment. FARE is designed for foodservice operators who want cross-segment insights and actionable ideas.

Attendees Speak Out

Past participants have highlighted the quality of networking and the practical takeaways from education forums and special events.

Audience Breakdown

Operators from across commercial and noncommercial foodservice, including restaurant leaders, suppliers, and industry professionals.

Supplier Partners

The 2017 conference featured supplier partners showcasing new products — the latest in food, beverages, equipment, services, and supplies.

Charitable Initiatives

Supporting community causes is part of the attendee experience at FARE Conference.

Related Winsight Conferences

EventDatesLocation
Global Restaurant Leadership ConferenceOctober 28 – November 1, 2017JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, UAE
Outlook LeadershipNovember 13 – 15, 2017Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, AZ
Convenience Retailing UniversityFebruary 21 – 23, 2018Renaissance Glendale, Glendale, AZ
MenuDirectionsMarch 4 – 6, 2018New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans, LA
Restaurant Leadership ConferenceApril 15 – 18, 2018JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix, AZ
FSTECSeptember 30 – October 2, 2018Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL

Foodservice operators from every corner of the industry gather at this annual event to exchange perspectives that transcend individual market segments. The cross-segment advantage is not just a tagline but a practical outcome of bringing together professionals from restaurants, convenience retail, university dining, and beyond. Attendees discover that challenges in one sector often mirror those in another, and solutions developed in one context can spark innovation elsewhere. The result is a richer understanding of the broader foodservice landscape and a network of peers who continue to share ideas long after the conference concludes.

The educational sessions at the conference are designed to deliver practical knowledge that attendees can apply immediately within their own operations. Led by industry leaders and subject-matter experts, these forums cover a wide range of topics relevant to the business of food. Whether exploring emerging consumer trends, operational efficiencies, menu development strategies, or leadership approaches, each session aims to equip participants with actionable insights. Continuing education credits are available, adding professional development value to the learning experience and recognizing the commitment attendees make to advancing their expertise.

Networking sits at the heart of the conference experience, with structured and informal opportunities woven throughout the schedule. Operators connect with peers who understand the day-to-day realities of running foodservice operations, exchanging candid perspectives that rarely surface in other settings. Senior vice presidents and unit managers alike find common ground in discussions about labor, supply chain, and guest experience. These conversations often lead to lasting professional relationships that extend well beyond the event itself, creating a community of practice that supports continuous improvement across the industry.

The supplier and vendor community plays an integral role in the conference ecosystem, offering operators a chance to explore products and services that can enhance their businesses. These interactions go beyond transactional sales conversations and instead focus on solving real operational challenges. Suppliers gain direct feedback from the people who use their products every day, while operators discover innovations that can streamline workflows, elevate menu offerings, or improve the customer experience. The exchange benefits both sides and strengthens the supply chain relationships that underpin successful foodservice operations.

Leadership development emerges as a recurring theme throughout the conference program, reflecting the industry's need for strong decision-makers at every level. Sessions and conversations address the skills required to lead teams effectively, navigate organizational change, and drive business results in a competitive environment. Managers and directors find resources and peer support for their own professional growth, while senior leaders share hard-won lessons from their careers. The focus on leadership underscores the understanding that people remain the most critical ingredient in any foodservice enterprise.

The venue and setting contribute significantly to the attendee experience, with each host city chosen to provide a comfortable and accessible backdrop for the event. Modern conference facilities offer the space and technology needed for general sessions, breakout forums, and casual gatherings alike. The careful selection of locations reflects an understanding that environment matters when people are asked to step away from their daily responsibilities and invest time in learning and connection. Comfortable surroundings help participants stay engaged and open to new ideas throughout the multi-day program.

Category-specific programming ensures that attendees can dive deeply into the topics most relevant to their particular segment of the industry. While the cross-segment perspective is a defining feature of the conference, dedicated tracks allow operators from restaurants, convenience stores, colleges, and other channels to explore issues unique to their world. This balance between broad industry insight and focused segment expertise means that every participant can curate an experience that matches their professional priorities and returns home with immediately useful knowledge.

The advisory council helps shape the conference agenda by bringing together experienced operators who understand what their peers need most. This group contributes perspectives on emerging trends, pressing challenges, and the kinds of conversations that will resonate with attendees. Their involvement helps ensure that the event stays grounded in the real-world concerns of foodservice professionals rather than drifting toward abstract theory. The council's guidance keeps the content practical, relevant, and aligned with the evolving demands of the industry.

Photo galleries and event recaps from past conferences offer a window into the energy and substance of the gathering. Images capture moments of engagement during keynote presentations, small-group discussions, and informal networking breaks, conveying the collaborative spirit that defines the event. These visual records also serve as a resource for prospective attendees who want to understand what to expect before committing to participate. The consistency of positive experiences reflected in these galleries speaks to the enduring value the conference delivers year after year.

The broader portfolio of industry events provides additional opportunities for foodservice professionals to learn and connect throughout the year. Each gathering has its own thematic focus and audience, yet all share a commitment to advancing the business of food through education and networking. Operators who attend multiple events often find that the relationships and insights gained at one conference carry forward to the next, building a cumulative knowledge base and an ever-expanding professional network that supports long-term career success.