6th grade camp was a long time ago for me, and I cannot stop talking about it. The memories that were created, the funny things people did and the things I learned really do last a lifetime. Summer Brand Camp will be no exception. This will be my first year attending, but I know a lot of awesome rock stars that have attended in the past. From speaking with them and listening to (and being jealous of) their stories, here are the top 5 reasons I’m looking forward to camp: Sleepovers The relationships you create with peers in the foodservice industry are priceless and go beyond business chatter and networking. These campers have become some of my closest friends and a part of my daily life. Becoming best friends with your brand’s competitor is normal here. Summer Brand Campers are some of the most intelligent, inspirational and friendliest people you will ever meet. “You connect with leaders and attendees in a transparent and non-judgmental way that isn’t offered at other events,” said Jenny DeVaughn last week in the post “The Best Conference You’ve Never Heard of”. Campfire Stories From keynotes and sessions to stories around the campfire, valuable lessons can be learned from industry leaders who share insight to their businesses, strategies and how they overcame personal hardships to reach their professional goals. After checking out the awesome agenda, I’m most looking forward to: The Community Managers: learn first hand from active community managers about different skills sets they use to navigate internally through departments and externally through different tribes. The Digital Shift: Breaking New Ground: Paul will reveal the brand new Restaurant Social Media Workforce Index—if it’s anything like the Restaurant Social Media Index, I will LOVE it. The Undercover Leadership Hour: An hour with brand leaders, and stars of the CBS hit business series “Undercover Boss,” Kat Cole and Paul D’Amico. Activities (Service Nation) Aside from the campfires and pillow fights, on Tuesday morning, we will be working together to give back with the Salvation Army. We will be painting a new gym and working on “snack shack” that needs some TLC. There are plenty of jobs indoors for those who don’t want the humidity to ruin their good hair day. Splatter paint fight, anyone? Scrapbook From memorable moments during camp, to hanging out after “lights out,” the memories created (and tweeted) will last a lifetime. I’m looking forward to the digital publishing of funny quotes, tweets and Instagram photos of camp. Speaking of photos and things I’m looking forward to. I have been so envious of my peers’ social media profile photos and how fantastic they are. This year, I’m going to get great photos of my own! Schedule your personal branding session/photo shoot with Margie Woods. Talent Show I have heard a lot about the talent show in the past and cannot wait to see what people come up with this year. Funds raised benefit ProStart, our industry’s own school to career path for our future workforce. I’m not sure how much talent is actually involved, but it will be entertaining. If you haven't signed up your talent yet, email Melissa melissa.papaleo@prbbi.com … [Read more...]
