CHART Hospitality Training Conference to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Focus on Addressing Key Workforce Issues Impacting Hospitality Industry

PRESS RELEASE - WESTFIELD, N.J.-- High quality employee training programs are critical for the operational success of restaurants and hotels and for employee retention. Members and guests of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART, chart.org) will gather July 24-27, 2010 to share and learn effective training and development practices that can quickly improve bottom line results and improve employee performance. CHART, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2010, will host their 80th semi-annual hospitality training conference at The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, LA.  The agenda, with speaker bios and topics, can be viewed at:  chart.org/conferences

This conference is the premier event where hotel trainers, restaurant trainers and hospitality human resource professionals gather to learn from inspiring keynote speakers, participate in interactive educational break-out sessions, network, and share best practices. The three day conference and one pre-conference day is specifically designed to include relevant and timely industry workforce learning topics, such as communications, work ethics, training solutions, employee performance, leadership success, strategic planning, overcoming economic downturns, and e-learning.

“The New Orleans conference offers attendees access to high-quality speakers and ideas that can be immediately implemented to gain the competitive edge,” commented Kate Shehan, CHART president.  She continues, “In difficult economic times, the role of training is even more critical. CHART offers our members outstanding opportunities to learn and grow and network together. This conference also allows us to celebrate our 40 years of advancing hospitality training professionals and their organizations.”

First time conference attendees will have the chance to be part of an orientation to get them connected and show how they can make the most of their experience at the conference.

Conference attendees will also give back to the community by partnering with Habitat for Humanity in an all-day service event on Saturday, July 24.

The pre-conference will feature several four-hour Certificate Workshops, based on CHART’s Blueprint for Trainer Development: A Customized Competency Model for the Hospitality Industry.

·        Communication and Influence

·        Coaching and Development

·        Program Design

·        Participant Management

During the Gala Awards Dinner on Monday, July 26, the CHART Commitment to People Award will be presented to a member company’s President/CEO who has demonstrated his/her pledge to putting people first. The Spirit of CHART Award will also be announced and presented to a deserving CHART member and scholarship award winners will be recognized. A silent auction will be held to raise funds to provide student scholarships.