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Marketing & Operations Conference Agenda
marketing & operations conference agenda
9:00am
Conference Registration
 
10:00am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
 
10:15am
Work like you own it: habits of service superstars

Dr. Bryan K. Williams is a keynote speaker, consultant, and author, who is a noted authority on service excellence and leadership effectiveness. His passion is to serve others so they may better serve the world. Over the past several years, Bryan has provided training and consulting expertise to hundreds of organizations in over 20 industries ranging from Healthcare to Luxury Hotels. His work with clients has taken him throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Caribbean.

Bryan’s session will review the work habits and approach to service that world-class employees have. Special emphasis will be placed on six habits of service superstars. All attendees will leave this session with practical and applicable tools/concepts to use immediately.

BW Enterprises
11:00am
Networking Break with Refreshment in Vendor Marketplace
 
11:15am
Educational Sessions - Series #1
  • Restaurant Workforce Challenges: How Legal Immigration Can Help
    Chris Richardson & Jon Baselice, BDV Solutions - Salon A 
  • Make Food & Wine Festivals Work for YOU
    Jackie Soladay, Paris Mountain Marketing
      Casey Reid, Eleven Events - Salon G & H
    • How Sustainability Maps the Road to Loyalty & Marketing Success
      Amy Wald, Green Luxe Inc. - Salon C
    • Beyond the Tip Jar: Navigating Wage Laws in Hospitality
      Chase Samples, Jackson Lewis - Salon F
    12:00pm
    Industry Update & Overview of SCRLA's Strategic Plan
     
    12:00pm
    Welcome & Lunch
     
    1:00pm
    excellence isn't easy: the truth behind transformational success

    Bill Schaefer is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience, rising from dishwasher to Director of Operations. A Master Implementer of Achieving World Class Results and a Certified McClaskey Excellence Institute Instructor, he has helped transform businesses of all sizes—from mom-and-pop operations to global service companies. Currently leading operations at the Rick Erwin Dining Group, he’s known for driving exceptional results, including sales growth up to 250% and drastically reduced turnover. A sought-after motivational speaker and executive coach, he specializes in aligning financial and human capital to fuel sustainable growth and operational excellence.

    Join Billy as he shares the real-world highs and lows that come with the pursuit of excellence—and how they impact operations, staff, and leadership both professionally and personally. In this session, you'll gain practical tips, proven methodologies, and actionable strategies to elevate your organization—rooted firmly in your mission and values. Whether you're just beginning or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with tools to lead with purpose and drive lasting impact.

    Rick Erwin Dining Group
    1:45pm
    Educational Sessions - Series #2
    • From Chaos to Consistency: How to Build High-Performance Teams that Run Without You
      Jason Brooks, HospiVation LLC - Salon G & H
    • Creative F&B: Crafting Menus that Tell a Story
      Heather Greene, Whole Hospitality Group - Salon A
    • Elevating the Guest Experience Through Recreation: Strategies for Modern Hotel Leaders
      Barbara Kirby, Grand Palms Resort - Salon B
    • Become Invincible to Lawsuits: Tax & Lawsuit Protection Strategies Fortifying Your Business
      Larry Oxenham, American Society for Asset Protection - Salon C
    • "Unreasonable Hospitality"
      Jeff Gentile & Tim Sebold, SoolisAI - Salon F
    2:45pm
    Networking Break with Refreshments in Vendor Marketplace
     
    3:00pm
    Educational Sessions - Series #3
    • Learning from Someone Else's Mistakes: Lessons from Employment Lawsuits
      Andria Ryan, Fisher Phillips - Salon A
    • American Upholstery Innovations: Furnishing the Future for Hospitality Spaces
      Cameron McLemore, Lowcountry Legends - Salon G & H
    • Department of Agriculture
      Sandra Craig & Derek Underwood - Salon B
    • Transforming Your Workforce with AHLEI (American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute)
      Renee Hoggay, National Restaurant Association - Salon C
    • Smart Hospitality: When (and when NOT) to use AI to Elevate a Guest Experience - A strategic look at Voice-Driven AI for Operational Resilience & Service Excellence
      Margaret Seely, LOULOU AI - Salon F
    4:00pm
    Networking Break with Refreshments in Vendor Marketplace
     
    4:15pm
    food for thought

    JA Moore is a South Carolina State Representative representing District 15, a Democratic legislator, and a former chef and business owner. He is known for his work on issues like education reform, predatory lending, clean drinking water, and veteran's rights. Moore also serves as the 1st Vice Chair of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and is a member of the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee. 

    Jeff Bradley has been a Hilton Head Island resident since 1979 and has built a successful career as a financial advisor with a broad range of community service in several areas related to supporting educational and vocational opportunities for young people and creating local initiatives to improve the overall quality of life on Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island. Bradley’s business acumen and commitment to community service laid a strong foundation for becoming one of the most accomplished members of the current South Carolina House of Representatives.

    From the set of South Carolina ETV join Republican Chairman Jeff Bradley and Democrat JA Moore — as they bond over food, politics, and everything South Carolina. They will share stories of them as they traveled the state, met local farmers and food makers, cooked great meals, and shared lively conversations and debates. This session is a fun, lighthearted “buddy show” that proves good food and good talks can bring anyone together. Come get a taste of South Carolina — and maybe a new way to think about politics!"

    South Carolina House of Representatives
    5:30pm
    chef & bartender showcase presented by breakthru beverage

    Close out the first day of the conference and immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors at this unforgettable culinary and mixology extravaganza! Experience all the flavors by mingling with Hilton Head Island's most talented bartenders and chefs, the masterminds behind delectable creations designed to tantalize your taste buds. These expertly crafted cocktails, meticulously paired with each dish by our passionate bartenders, elevate the experience to a whole new level. Let the soulful tunes of live music set the mood for a magical evening celebrating the artistry and passion that defines Hilton Head Island's culinary scene. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge your senses and create lasting memories at the 3rd Annual Chef and Bartender Showcase.

                                          
    10:00am
    scrla board of directors' meeting

    This meeting is for SCRLA board members only. Continental breakfast will be served prior to the meeting at 9:00am.

    SCRLA Strategic Partners