Member Dashboard
Wednesday, March 4
Sessions turn from the global business landscape to industry-specific topics as we explore trends, operator challenges, the state of the supply chain and what the future holds.
Joe Carbonara, editorial director, Zoomba Group, publishers of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies and restaurant development + design sets the stage with an overview of industry trends.
Mike Kostyo, vice president, Menu Matters, starts the day with an intensive look at what consumers expect in his 2026 Foodservice Gut Check: What Consumers Want from Foodservice & the Impact on Equipment Manufacturers. Mike draws on Menu Matters’ 20+ years of experience in the restaurant, retail, food manufacturing and agriculture sectors. He specializes in providing thoughtful, actionable analyses of industry-specific shifts and broader social trends. A data-informed approach is complemented by a deeper understanding of consumer psychology, developing comprehensive strategies that align with clients’ business and brand goals.
Sharon Eliatamby, senior project manager, World Bank Group, is a seasoned professional with 25+ years in the hospitality industry. She holds degrees from Hotel Consult Cesar Ritz College (Switzerland) and Johnson & Wales University. Presently, she serves as the senior project manager at the World Bank Group (WBG) overseeing the food and catering services and the conference center at the World Bank office in Paris. Sharon has served as the president of the Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM) and remains actively involved as a committee member.
Adam Jarboe, senior principal team lead, supply chain sourcing – kitchen equipment/smallwares, Chick-fil-A, for almost 10 years, has had the pleasure of serving at Chick-fil-A. Currently, he is leading a team responsible for all kitchen equipment and smallwares procurement activities. Adam has worked in the foodservice industry most of his career, where he started with Yum! Brands serving on the sustainability team before transitioning to Taco Bell leading equipment innovation. In 2016, he joined the Chick-fil-A supply chain team.
Neal Lavender, executive director of Food and Nutrition Services at JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, and president of the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF), the nation’s leading voice for self-operated healthcare and senior dining programs. He is a nationally recognized leader with 30+ years of experience across the country, focused on driving innovation, service excellence, and building high-performing teams. Neal holds degrees from East Carolina University and Central Michigan University.
Ti Adelaide Martin, restaurateur, entrepreneur, author and our luncheon speaker, is one of the original champions for hospitality in business. A true ambassador of her beloved hometown of New Orleans, Ti wears many hats to amplify the city’s community and culture. She also serves as the co-founder and board chair of New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), a 93,000 sq. ft. facility and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates a diverse community of learners to sustain an ever-evolving local hospitality industry. Ti shares her views on business, entrepreneurship and her commitment to hospitality in New Orleans.
Steve Sliter, president, Commercial Parts & Service, Inc. (CPS), a premier provider of OEM parts, service, and commercial kitchen equipment installation, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Steve currently serves as CFESA president.
Charlie Souhrada, CFSP, Vice President, Regulatory & Technical Affairs, NAFEM, is no stranger to NAFEM issues, from managing NAFEM’s legislative voice or tackling the intricacies of the regulatory world and the implications for manufacturers. He serves on several advisory committees including ASTM Committee F26 on Foodservice Equipment, CSA Group’s Fuels and Appliances Strategic Steering Committee, the Food Service Technology Center Technical Advisory Committee and the NSF International Food Equipment Joint Committee.
Brad Wasserstrom, president, The Wasserstrom Company has worked for the company since 1993. He began his career at Wasserstrom’s Phoenix manufacturing operation working in their stainless-steel fabricating facility. After relocating to Ohio in 2001, Brad has been involved with all facets of Wasserstrom’s equipment and supply divisions. He is proud to have nine family members from generations three and four among the 1300+ associates in the organization.
John Morkes, PhD, principal & Founder of Neet UX & Strategy. John began his career as a journalist at the publication now called Foodservice Equipment & Supplies (FE&S) and went on to earn a PhD from Stanford University. He founded Neet UX & Strategy in 2017 and currently works as a business and technology consultant helping companies create products and services based on customer needs, transform their customers’ digital experiences, and find the business value in AI. John’s recent clients include large companies (Coca-Cola and Norwegian Cruise Line) and SMBs in a variety of industries.
Stephanie Perry, owner, Permul Ltd., a leading wholesale distributor and manufacturer’s agent of commercial foodservice equipment based in Mississauga, Ontario. Stephanie currently serves as MAFSI president.
Jason Prondzinski, executive vice president at Boelter, with 30 years of experience in the foodservice industry. Prior to joining Boelter, he held various sales and leadership roles at ITW Food Equipment Group and True Manufacturing. Jason is responsible for strategic planning and growth initiatives, focusing on driving differentiation to penetrate new markets and geographies. He is dedicated to building a strong internal servant leadership culture and fostering strategic partnerships with channel partners in the industry.
Steve Spittle, CFSP, is the chief commercial officer for Middleby Corporation. He has held several leadership positions within the company and has been directly involved in the overall strategy for the Middleby Commercial Foodservice Group, managing key customers relationships, daily operations and P&L of several of the company’s larger brands. Prior to joining Middleby, he was a manufacturer’s representative on behalf of what are many of the Middleby brands. He has served on numerous NAFEM committees, was a founding member of the Young Professionals Council, and has served on the NAFEM Board of Directors since 2015, moving through the leadership ranks as secretary/treasurer, president-elect, president and now immediate past president.
José Andrés, twice named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Chef Andrés is a renowned chef, Emmy Award-winning television personality, New York Times bestselling author, educator and internationally recognized humanitarian.
In 2010, he founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization that is first on the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises. He is also the founder of the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, which educates and inspires current and future foodservice leaders toward the goal of “changing the world through the power of food.” Chef Andrés and WCK served as inspiration for launching NAFEM’s Social Purpose Program in 2020 and NAFEM is proud to financially support WCK’s worldwide efforts.
Additionally, he is the owner of José Andrés Group, which operates 40 restaurants in the US and beyond, including minibar by José Andrés, recipient of two Michelin stars. His highly anticipated Spanish cookbook, Spain My Way, is available on May 19.