The FoodTreX North America Summit connects destinations, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to focus on the business of culinary tourism development and promotion, specifically from a North American perspective. Only those that are registered for the FoodTreX North American Summit can attend the following educational sessions.

Schedule

Monday, Nov, 14:

2:30 – 3:15 p.m.

• Catering To Everyone’s Tastes
  Speaker: Chira Pagidi, Corporate Director of Food and Beverage, Atlantis Casino Resort & Spa
  
  The Atlantis Casino Resort & Spa in Reno is home to 10+ restaurants, out of which 4 are ranked in Reno’s Top 10 places to eat. Chira Pagidi will explain how they have maintained their high standards in quality, service, and safety during post-pandemic times, as well as the unique mix of clientele they have and how they cater to and retain each group.

3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

• The Business and Power of Rezonomics
  Speaker: Joel & Josh Zuniga, Owners, Star Village Coffee 

  Native owned and family operated, Star Village Coffee expertly blends tradition with innovation, incorporating and showcasing Native ingredients in their menu. All the while supporting and investing in tribal-owned businesses through a model they have dubbed “Rezonomics.”
  

Tuesday, Nov, 15:

8:45 – 9:30 a.m.

• Local Roots Food Tours
  Speaker: Dawnie Andrak, co-owner of Local Roots Food Tours
  
  Local Roots Food Tours uses great food as an opportunity to connect their tour guests with the diverse restaurants, chefs and shop owners, the great history of the city of Sacramento, and even the local farmers who provide the ingredients. They aim to strengthen the community, and help guest learn a little something new and, maybe, even find a new favorite restaurant or shop.We’ll hear from the co-owner as to how they have achieved success and look at some of the potholes they experienced over the years and how they overcame them.

9:45 – 10:30 a.m.

• When You Care, You Share
  Speaker: Jacquie Chandler, Chair & Executive Director, Sustainable Tahoe 

  Jacquie Chandler has been connecting with the earth ever since she was inspired by success stories of destinations who had adopted sustainable tourism principles. Now, she is helping others become stewards of the land. How do people get a sense of place? Jacquie will share how connecting with a place is the key to caring about it, and why guides are a crucial part of this process. Additionally, she will share the eight worlds that exist in every destination, how to design activities that do no harm, and making the most of native elements and the situations that sometimes arise.

10:45 – 11:30 a.m.

• Navigating the New Now
  Speaker: Erik Wolf, Founder & Executive Director, World Food Travel Association 

  The world has changed, and what was the norm just 2 short years ago has changed for what appears to be quite a long time to come. With all the doom and gloom, our love of good, authentic and creative food is stronger than ever. What can destinations and business owners do to meet wow food-loving travelers and capture repeat business, without breaking the bank in doing so? Culinary travel industry founder and World Food Travel Association Executive Director Erik Wolf will share the latest tips for how to evolve your culinary offering in a sustainable way for food-and drink-loving travelers.
  

 

NTA members can add on FoodTreX to their Travel Exchange registration for $99.

Please visit the World Food Travel Association web page for full summit details.

*Schedule is subject to change.