Healthy food experts attending the 2018 Sysco Healthcare and Hospitality Conference in Niagara-on-the-Lake May 8 and 9 got a chance to take a bite out of the unique corporate training opportunities offered through the CFWI’s Expert Edge program.
Over 130 representatives from across North America toured the facilities at NC’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, and participated in a special edition of the College’s famous Caps, Corks and Forks event, in which two teams, Team Wine and Team Beer, square off to see who can create the better pairing to several courses of gourmet Benchmark restaurant fare. Sysco healthcare staff, organizers of the conference, formed teams Wine and Beer, gaining some hands-on experience and education from the CFWI’s Kristina Inman, who coached the teams.
Guests also toured the Teaching Winery, Teaching Brewery, culinary facilities and the CFWI Innovation Centre. Ideation sessions were also hosted in the culinary theatre, with NC staff helping to coordinate events featuring chefs from McCain, Highliner, Nestea and others, who shared new and upcoming products.
“This was by far one of the best conference experiences we have ever done,” said Tina Haslip, RD, director of Healthcare Marketing and Menu Development for Sysco. “As members of the foodservice industry, we are a tough group to please but I can honestly say everyone who attended was thrilled and delighted.”
“Events like this allow the college to become a platform where our industry partners are able to showcase the future of food and beverage,” said Jeff Steen, manager of part-time studies and corporate training. “We’re very proud of what we do here at NC, and this conference was another chance to showcase our programs, facilities, and talent of our incredible students to their future industry.”
