These volunteers are working hard to spark YOUR conference experience. To get to know THEM a bit better, we asked them a few fun questions. Meet Your New Orleans Conference Team
Q: Second Line Style – If your personality had its own parade, what would be the theme and why?
Activities Co-Director Domenic B. Bartolini
Q: Lagniappe – In true New Orleans fashion, what’s a little “something extra” you give your trainees or team – your special touch that makes your training uniquely yours?
Field Training Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings - Inspire Brands A: My parade theme would be “Diversity” because we are stronger when we use diverse methods of training and when our audience is also diverse – it allows us as training leaders to stretch and learn new ways to get things accomplished. Activities Co-Director Winona Bullis Director of Field Training, GoTo Foods A: “Controlled Chaos with Heart!” I thrive in an environment where there is a lot going on, and you need to keep everyone calm and moving forward while still being the spark that keeps everyone excited. Volunteer Co-Director Sylvie Mitchell Senior Manager, Learning Solutions, SodexoMAGIC A: My parade would be “Purpose with a Groove.” It would have a strong beat, good energy, and just enough flair to keep things moving forward with intention. Think organized joy – where everyone knows the route, feels included, and still has fun along the way. I’d be out front setting the pace, making sure no one gets left behind, celebrating the small wins, and reminding everyone why we started marching in the first place. When people feel good, feel seen, and feel supported, the whole parade moves better.
Hospitality Co-Director Anna Mason
Vice President of People Experience, A.Ray Hospitality A: In my company, we use “All About Me” forms for team members and managers that give us insight into favorite snacks, ways to be celebrated, and things that the team member or manager likes to do. I use these when I am hosting a training, meeting, field visit, etc. to create a personalized celebration for the team members and managers that I work with. First Time Attendee Co-Director Paul Miramontes Manager, Learning and Development, Galardi Group - Wienerschnitzel A: I’m someone who truly values being personal. I make an effort to remember something meaningful about each trainee, whether it’s how many kids they have, a pet they adore, a hobby they enjoy, or a special skill they bring. It’s the small details that often make the biggest impact. Taking this approach helps trainees feel valued as individuals, not just another participant moving through the training program. It also reinforces the importance of delivering hospitality through thoughtful, personalized experiences at restaurant level.
Q: Laissez les bons temps rouler – When it’s time to “let the good times roll,” what’s your favorite way to unwind, recharge, or celebrate a win?
Registration Co-Director Lindy Bagby Director of Training & Development, Dish Society
Service Event Co-Director Angela Schuster Sr. Sales Manager, National Accounts, National Restaurant Association A: My favorite way to “let the good times roll” is to escape into nature. My perfect celebration would include either sinking my toes into a warm, sandy beach somewhere tropical, or a warm flannel shirt, some trusty hiking shoes, and a forest full of tall pines! None of this would be complete without a delicious meal shared with my family, and if we’re able to get it for takeout, even better! For me, the unwinding and recharging is best done outdoors!
A: I lean into the things that let me disconnect and actually play for a bit. My husband and I love video games, building Legos, and opening Lorcana or Pokémon packs; it’s our version of adult joy. There’s something about creating, collecting, or diving into a game together that resets my brain after a long day of training, operations, or tackling a big project. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it always helps me come back refreshed and ready to pour into my team again. Volunteer Co-Director Shannon Beyak Training and Operations Leader/Former Senior Manager, Training & Operations, Foodtastic A: Great food, great vibes, and great company! I usually celebrate a win by turning on some great tunes to match my energy – whether at home or in my car driving home – grabbing some great food (pizza is usually my go-to), and then relaxing at home with my dog, Mia, my husband, and a glass of wine. It's the perfect way for me to recharge and enjoy the moment. Hospitality Co-Director Alexa Arreola Regional Training and Openings Manager, Piada Italian Street Food
Registration Co-Director Cassie Miller Vice President of Training, Craveworthy Brands
A: Any time there's a reason to celebrate, my husband and I bar hop! We'll pick an area we haven't been to (or haven’t been to in a while) and enjoy a drink at each bar along the way. We celebrate each other, have fun conversation, and meet great people (all responsibly of course!).
A: My favorite way to unwind and recharge is staying at home, turning on my galaxy light, and binge watching some of my favorite shows! Like Gilmore Girls! This usually includes some snacks of course.
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