2026 Biennial conference

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Check out the links below for additional Conference details. Questions? Contact Penny Price – penny@fcsi.org 

FCSI The Americas Biennial Conference | April 23-26, 2026

Phoenix, AZ | The Wigwam Arizona Resort

VIEW SESSION SLIDE DECKS BELOW

Generating Sustainable Designs and Relationships, one thoughtful step at a time – Kristin Sedej, FCSI

Challenges of Ownership – Steve Carlson, FCSI, Chrsitine Guyott, FCSI, Eric Goodrich, FCSI, Katie Lint

Attributes of an Effective Consultant– Karen Malody, FFCSI

Refrigeration in 2026 and Beyond – Richard Young

WE HAD A BLAST IN PHOENIX!

The 2026 FCSI Conference brought more than 370 attendees together for three energizing days at the beautiful Wigwam Resort in Phoenix, delivering on its promise of sunshine, connection, and inspiration.  Set against a backdrop of warm desert landscapes, the event created the perfect environment for attendees to recharge, learn, and celebrate alongside colleagues and friends.   

The educational program featured a standout lineup of speakers. Opening keynote, Dan Chuparkoff offered practical insights into leveraging AI to transform the way teams work. Kevin Boehm shared his unique experiences and inspiring story and brought a powerful perspective on leadership in hospitality. Beyond the education sessions, networking remained at the heart of the experience. Whether reconnecting with longtime colleagues or forming new relationships, attendees found countless opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and strengthen their professional community.

Evenings were equally memorable, blending the relaxed resort setting with vibrant social experiences. The conference kicked off Thursday night with an opening party on the lawn, followed by dueling pianos that kept the energy high. Friday featured an amazing BBQ on the front lawn and the unique experience of a singer-songwriter showcase featuring three talented grammy award winning songwriters. On Saturday, the celebration wrapped up at Chicken N Pickle where attendees competed against each other in bags, bocce, and pickleball – alongside a DJ, great food, and drinks, giving attendees a fun and festive sendoff.

From poolside gatherings to sunset conversations, the 2026 conference delivered a balance of education, entertainment, and connection that attendees will be talking about all year.

Thank you to the Conference Planning Committee who curated the education and brought the event to life! And thank to all the generous sponsors – these events simply would not be possible without your support! Your commitment to FCSI and the your support of the consultant community are greatly appreciated!

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

College of Fellows

FCSI Worldwide proudly inducted five Professional Members into the College of Fellows during the Phoenix conference.

The College of Fellows (formally known as the Council of Fellows) was established in 1981 as a means of recognizing extraordinary contributions by Society members to the foodservice and hospitality industry, to the foodservice consulting profession, and to FCSI. The letters FFCSI signify attainment of the ultimate honor the Society bestows upon its members.

Congratulations to Foodservice Consultants Society International’s newest members of the College of Fellows:

Karen Malody, FFCSI

John Radchenko, FFCSI (PP)

Harry Schildkraut, FFCSI

Howard Stanford, FFCSI

William Taunton, FFCSI (PP)

2026 Service Award

The FCSI The Americas Service Award is given every two years to a member who has provided outstanding service to the Association through volunteerism, committee service, promotion of the Association’s ideals and initiatives, and support and mentorship of its members.

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2026 Service Award, Kristin Sedej, FCSI

New Professional Members

Five new Professional Members were in attendance and received their FCSI Professional Member pin.

Congratulations to Jessica Price, FCSI, Sojo Alex, FCSI, Tim McDougald, FCSI, Kelli Pack, FCSI, and Renee Palmer, FCSI

Product of the Year

All FCSI The Americas corporate member companies were eligible to submit products for consideration for the Innovation Showcase. All submissions were carefully reviewed by a panel of FCSI The Americas consultant members. Preliminary judging resulted in the selection of 12 finalists whose products were chosen for inclusion in the Innovation Showcase at conference in Phoenix. On the final day of the conference, consultant attendees cast their votes for the product they deemed to be most innovative. The product with the most votes was awarded the FCSI The Americas 2026 Product of the Year.

The 2026 Product of the Year was awarded to Streivor – Smart Trough Technology

See You in Boston! April 2028

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