Worldwide Food Expo Full of Information

Leading experts on management, food research and business trends will share their perspectives on critical topics at Worldwide Food Expo '05 (October 26-29, McCormick Place, Chicago) in a new series of "Super Sessions." Addressing issues such as leadership, business ethics, demographics, consumer trends, branding and activism, the Super Sessions are designed to help Expo attendees sharpen their competitive edge and stay on top of developments affecting their businesses.The Super Sessions are part of Worldwide Food Expo’s comprehensive educational program, which includes more than 45 workshops on topics such as food safety, marketing, plant operations and engineering, retail operations and regulatory issues. Worldwide Food Expo is sponsored by the American Meat Institute (AMI), the International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). The event attracts 30,000 industry leaders from 100 countries to see the largest North American display of food and beverage industry suppliers in one location. More than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing innovations in processing, packaging, ingredients and services will cover 1.2 million square feet of floor space. The six Super Sessions are:Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.Leadership in Turbulent Times: Unlocking PotentialAuthor and expert Robert Cooper explores how exceptional leaders and teams can liberate untapped potential and excel under pressure. Cooper is the author of the Wall Street Journal business bestseller, The Other 90%: How to Unlock Your Vast Untapped Potential for Leadership and Life. He is recognized for pioneering work with the concept of emotional intelligence and the neuroscience of trust, ingenuity and leadership — and how these factors help star performers reach beyond good to achieve greatness in the workplace. Micro Trends Matter: Understanding Retail Food and Consumer TrendsIn an ever-changing environment, what will be the next major trends in the way consumers live, shop and eat? Tom Rubel, president and chief executive officer of Retail Forward Inc., helps identify these emerging opportunities and challenges for retailers and food manufacturers and encourages businesses to focus on customer expectations in developing integrated strategies to achieve long-range goals. Rubel specializes in helping clients transform themselves in anticipation of market change.Thursday, October 27, 2005, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.Connecting Brands to Evolving Consumers Learn how to keep a brand relationship alive and fresh while still leveraging brand equity. Kevin Lane Keller, one of the nation’s leading branding experts, is a professor at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, and has worked with top brands like Intel, Nike, Starbucks, Pillsbury and Kraft. Keller shares case studies from his popular book, Best Practice Cases in Branding, and reveals how effective branding can be an invaluable tool.The Antidote for Anti-Corporate ActivismGain a better understanding of anti-corporate activism trends and strategies from award-winning communications expert Jim Lukaszewski, chairman of The Lukaszewski Group, Inc., as he shares insight gained from coaching organizations on tough, touchy corporate communication issues. Learn how to improve your company’s response when faced with activist counteraction, community relations, grassroots campaigns and reputation threats.Friday, October 28, 2005, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.Forecasting the Impact of Macro Trends and Demographics Author, forecaster and design strategist Andrew Zolli helps multinational corporations, governments and other organizations see, understand and respond to complex and emerging change by connecting trends in demographics, technology, geopolitics and business. In addition to heading his firm, Z + Partners, Zolli is the futurist-in-residence at Popular Science and American Demographics magazines, and the author of the Catalog of Tomorrow, which explores 100 trends and technologies for the next 25 years.Business Ethics in a Changing WorldHow can responsible businesses be ethically proactive to avoid public problems that harm their reputation and undermine customer confidence? Business ethics expert Marianne Jennings, professor of Legal and Ethical Studies at Arizona State University, provides clear tips on how corporations can establish values up front and create an ethical climate within an organization. She also shares case studies of companies affected by financial improprieties. In addition to teaching, Jennings serves as an ethics consultant for law firms, businesses and professional groups. For more information on the Worldwide Food Expo ‘05 educational program, or to register, visit the show’s Web site at www.worldwidefood.com.