CHART's monthly flipCHART newsletter is a quick, light, and fun read that keeps you in the know about the latest member news. #CHARTtrainers
CONNECTING THE CHART MEMBER COMMUNITY
CRISP FALL NEWS OCTOBER 2025
VISIONARY TRAINERS TRANSFORMING HOSPITALITY
Registration is Now Open! 2026 Conferences in New Orleans and Boston
Myisha Smith is our New Orleans Conference Director! She certainly has the chops for it! After becoming a CHART member in 2022, Myisha wasted no time in getting involved on an impactful level. She jumped right into Conference Team Co-Director positions of Activities (Orlando and Redondo Beach) and Registration
(Chicago). In addition, she is always willing to step up and share her expertise as a speaker on a CHART webinar and as a facilitator of Live Ask My Peers at the Women in Restaurant Leadership Summit. Her conference team will enjoy her focused organizational skills and engaging, collaborative leadership style! Let’s goooo!!
Access the Budget Flyer in the digital version of this issue of the flipCHART to help you plan your attendance at the 2026 CHART Conferences. This flyer is also on the conference websites > Make Your Case.
Records Broken in Redondo Beach!
$14,864! That's how much was raised in the Silent Auction to support CHART's scholarship program for deserving hospitality college students. The largest amount ever achieved! Our volunteer Silent Auction Co-Directors Jay Hartwig of Fox Restaurant Concepts and Winona Bullis of GoTo Foods had a vision and a commitment to make this happen by securing many and varied donation items and holding the auction online, which made the bidding fun and competitive in real time. A heartfelt thank you, Jay and Winona, and thanks to all who donated and bid on items!
Who could resist buying a raffle ticket from these two? Chris Severance of Applebee’s and Alisha Gulden of the National Restaurant Association helped make it happen.
Jay Hartwig presents First Time Attendee Tyler Heid from Dine Brands Global with more than $1,100 in the 50/50 Raffle to support the CHART scholarship program. The raffle also raised a record-breaking $2,220 !
California + Minnesota Regional Training Forum (RTF) | 9.3.25 Coast-to-Coast Collaboration Ignites Service Passion
A combined RTF delivered a dynamic virtual event that brought “Service in Action” to life! Over 25 passionate training professionals came together to dive deep into the Why, What & How of service—sharing insights, swapping stories, and brainstorming fresh ideas in large group discussions, interactive breakouts, and a collaborative Google Doc. The event wrapped with an inspiring spotlight from Alycia Harshfield, President of the California Restaurant Foundation, who introduced powerful programs like ProStart and Restaurants Cares. A special note of thanks to our volunteer RTF Directors who collaborated to bring this impactful event to life: (Minneapolis) Nikki Fuchs de Calderon of New Perspective Senior Living and Donna Herbel of Blue Phoenix Learning, and (Southern California) Alie Gaffan of Pacifica Hotels and Michele Lange of IHOP.
PresidenTalks What’s In Your Conference Bag?
It’s conference season, people! The CHART 108 Conference may be over, but its impact is still going strong, amirite ? I’m headed to two additional conferences this month– how about you? In Redondo Beach, Past President Serah Morrissey asked if I had a band aid. Walking from one amazing breakout session to another had her working hard on a blister. I not only had one, it was the kind specifically for blisters. It helped make her conference experience a little better and made me feel like MacGyver without the paperclip and bubblegum!
So, while you may not document each outfit you plan to wear or keep a detailed “remember to pack” list like I do, a little planning ahead may just make your next conference experience that much better. Here are the top three things I don’t head to a conference without:
CHART President Kelly McCutcheon
1. ❤ Care Kit – Your needs may vary, but here are a few of my must-haves: Tiger Balm (seriously, you will be the conference HERO if you bring this), band aids (the good ones for blisters), hand sani (lots of hand shaking and hugs), lip balm (lots of talking), and facial masks (This is a game changer. All the late nights and early mornings might make me FEEL tired, but I’m not going to LOOK it!) 2. 🛍 Tote Bag – I am often an active conference contributor – moderating panels or leading breakout sessions. Somehow, I always find myself needing to cart things from here to there. I keep a tote handy for just such occasions. 3. 💌 Thank You Cards – Someone is going to make your conference experience memorable. Giving a personal note of gratitude before you depart is a great way to make a lasting impact.
Okay, now that your bag is packed, let’s talk about the MOST important thing you’re bringing to a conference: your mindset. As inspirational as they can be, the true purpose of a conference is to translate those ideas into tangible impact. You are halfway there if you set your intentions from the start. Ask yourself: • How can I contribute to and learn from this community? • What new connection, insight, or skill would make this a success for me? • What action am I ready to take post-conference? Setting clear intentions helps focus your energy and opens your mind to new possibilities. And that may just be the best thing you can put in your conference bag.
CHART at the QSR Evolution & FSR NextGen Conference
Rachel Richal (left) of Buffalo Wild Wings - Inspire Brands shares an eye-opener during the Engaging and Retaining Talent in a High-Turnover Industry panel: “If it’s hard to train, it’s hard to execute.”
The third year of this conference saw CHART members in the spotlight, tapped for their hospitality training expertise.
A panel of CHART experts present Onboarding to Everboarding: (left to right) Ashley Helkenn of Bonchon, Corban Nichols of Piada Italian Street Food, Lisa Holloway, Matthew Steele of Wienerschnitzel, and moderator Dr. Felicia White, Ed.D. of Falcon Holdings Management.
Tiffany Perez (left) of Salata shares what she’s learned around Becoming a Best QSR Brand to Work For: “Create a environment of culture, transparency, and trust.”
CHART President Kelly McCutcheon of Whataburger moderates the Women in Restaurant Leadership State of the Union panel.
A Legacy of Caring: Community Service in Redondo Beach
CHART held not one, but two service events in Redondo Beach to kick off our conference in August.
We partnered with the South Bay Parkland Conservancy to help maintain the Greenbelt for the native plants and butterflies. This is a fancy way of saying pulling weeds! Check out Elisa Cain with all those bags of weeds! At the same time, we partnered with T.A.P. Into the Possibilities to make 100+ gift baskets for children experiencing homelessness.
Thank you to Elisa Cain of the National Restaurant Association and CHART President-Elect Dr. Jen Belk White of General Hotels Corporation for coordinating these impactful events to give back to our host community.
Virtual Competency Workshop Online This Fall -Free for CHART Members
Trainer Track: Participant Management
October 14 & 21, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET Register: chart.org > Trainer Development and Events > Training Competencies FREE for CHART Members; enter the discount code MEMBER-COMP at checkout. $149 for non-members. Space is limited and sessions will not be recorded. Please only register if you are confident that you can attend both workshop sessions.
Master Facilitator Jody Huls, CHT Director of Field Training Buffalo Wild Wings
Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers P.O. Box 2835 Westfield, NJ 07091 chart.org (800) 463-5918
Please send content to flipCHART Managing Editor | Lisa Marovec, lisa@chart.org Deadline is 1st of the month for the next month’s issue | Back issues: chart.org It’s a Great Day for Bountiful Member News
Tess Barsody is now Instructional Designer at Dewey’s Pizza.
Tracy Atencio-West is now Regional People and Hospitality Partner at Bluegrass Hospitality Group.
Rona Lascano is now Director of Training at Fresh Baguette.
Jason Lyon, FMP is now COO of Wrap City Sandwich Company.
Grace Minshew is now Learning and Development Coordinator at Southside Market & Barbeque.
Danielle Dally, CHT is now Senior Director, North America Training at Papa John's.
Lexi Burns is now Chief People Officer of Twin Hospitality Group.
Kate Stiteler is now Director of Learning and Engagement at Sonesta International Hotels.
Derek Fournier is now Head of Talent
Jaycie Chance, CHT is now Instructional Design Specialist at LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency).
for Benchmark Senior Living.
Stephanie Bergeman is now Recruiting Manager at Benchmark Hospitality at DU.
Remembering Dave Young | 1937-2025 With love, we remember Dave Young, a past CHART President (1988), who recently passed away. Dave had a distinguished 42-year career with Friendly's, starting as a restaurant manager trainee, and rising through the ranks to become the Head of Training & Development. He freely shared his leadership skills on various CHART projects and on the Board and left a lasting impact as a Lifetime Member. Dave (and his mischievous grin) will be dearly missed by his CHART friends.
2026 CHART Conferences
What’s the Difference Between the Winter and Summer Conferences? Winter (February or March): HOSPITALITY TRAINING COMPETENCIES CONFERENCE Summer (July or August): HOSPITALITY TRAINING CONFERENCE
CHART 109 New Orleans | Feb 22-25, 2026
CHART 110 Boston | July 26-29, 2026
What’s different?
Hospitality Training Competencies Conference Discover the power of immersion in skill-based professional development built for hospitality trainers by hospitality trainers • COMPETENCIES: Targeted format featuring CHART’s Hospitality Training Competencies Certificate Program allows you to take a deep-dive into applicable training knowledge and skills • MASTER FACILITATORS: 24 top trainers will share their abundant expertise with you • CERTIFICATES/PINS: Tangible recognition of your achievement you can promote at work and online • HOT INDUSTRY TOPIC BREAKOUTS: Timely sessions give further learning options • TRAINING HIGH 5: Recipients share simple, yet highly effective training solutions • MASTERCLASSES: Post-conference sessions provide application and depth
Hospitality Training Conference Learn from industry leaders to collect current ideas and solutions that you can implement immediately at work • BREAKOUTS: A line-up of thought-leadership experts lend fresh perspectives that are designed to help you do your job better • CHART TALKS: Quick-hit big ideas will expand your mind • VIEW FROM ABOVE: Company executives give a high-level perspective of training’s role • PRE- AND POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS: Additional targeted learning opportunities to get even more from your conference experience • COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE: The best and brightest in hospitality are recognized at the celebration dinner • SILENT AUCTION: A fun way to be a part of supporting our college scholarship program and the future of hospitality
What’s the same?
• NETWORKING: Numerous opportunities are incorporated right into the agenda to build high-quality connections • KEYNOTES: Nationally recognized speakers bring the spark and energy to general session • BEST PRACTICE SHARING ROUNDTABLES: Rapid-fire sharing gives practical take-aways • RESOURCE GALLERY: Member-recommended vendors fast-track your introduction to trusted solutions • SERVICE EVENT: An impactful way to support the host community and work side-by-side with others • HOSPITALITY SUITES: Nightly informal gathering to strengthen the bonds that will last throughout your professional career
CHART’s Winter Hospitality Training Competencies Conference
Competency Tracks & Workshops
How the Competency Certificate Program Works
Visit chart.org > Upcoming Conferences
It’s important to invest training dollars wisely. That is why we work hard to make sure that CHART conferences are the BEST VALUE in the industry. Make room in your budget for one or both of these events, and you will see a tangible return on your investment. When you attend a CHART conference, YOU will gain career-defining skills training and industry network-building. When a hospitality trainer attends a CHART conference, YOUR COMPANY will gain stand-out training driving high-impact performance. Pivotal Events for You and Your Company Budget Now for 2026 CHART Conferences
As you budget for 2026, here are estimates to help you plan.
Sample Budget for a CHART Conference: Conference Fee
Register by early registration deadline $1,395
Bring a group of 5 or more, and save an additional $100 per person with CHART's special Group Rates. (Code GROUP ) BRING YOUR TEAM TO CHART AND SAVE!
Hotel for 3 Nights
$199 x 3 ($279 x 3 for summer)
$ 597 $ 400 $ 60 $varies
Approx.
Airfare
Ground Transportation To/From Airport, Approx.
1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Meals On Your Own
Meals and Refreshments Included: Sunday Opening Reception
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE
Light Appetizers + Drink Ticket
(Dinner on your own)
Kick off networking with small dinner groups
Monday
If you have 5 or more trainers on your team, consider a corporate membership! More information at chart.org > Membership & Community > Corporate Membership Packages
Continental Breakfast
Breakfast
Coffee Break
Refreshments
Lunch On-site Interactive Lunch Reception/Resource Gallery Hosted Beer, Wine, & Soda Dinner Networking Event Off-site Fun Dinner Event
Tuesday
Breakfast
Continental Breakfast
Coffee Break
Refreshments
(Lunch on your own) Afternoon Break Celebration Dinner
Catch up on work or connect with peers
Refreshments
On-site Recognition Dinner and Entertainment
Wednesday
Coffee Break
Refreshments
chart.org > Upcoming Conferences
Illuminate • Empower • Impact
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