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59 Consultants from all around the nation get the latest updates on trends and products at our training and education session O nce again, the Ali Group North America Training Facility played host to some of the foodservice industry's most influ- ential consultants. Consultants and non-commercial foodservice operators came together for an educational experience at the Ali Group's Winston-Salem, N.C., facility. The Ali Group companies hosting the event included ACP, Aladdin Temp-Rite, Belshaw Adamatic, Beverage-Air, Carpigiani, Champion/Bi-Line, Edlund, Eloma, Moffat, Rancilio/Egro, Scotsman and Victory. The two-day session featured a number of industry professionals discussing the current state of the foodservice industry and trends to watch for. It began with Joe Carbonara, Editorial Director of Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine, giving an industry overview. Rich Neumann, Director of Culinary Services and Assistant Professor at Ohio University, gave a presentation on college/university foodservice. That was followed by Dave Reeves, Director of Hospitality Services at Elmhurst (Ill.) Memorial Healthcare, discussing the unique needs of healthcare foodservice. The second day began with a discussion of correctional foodservice led by Philip Atkinson, Food Service and Laundry Programs Manager at Hennepin County Adult Detention Center in Minneapolis. And Fred Stowell, partner of Kitchens to Go in Naperville, Ill., provided insight into the potential benefits of temporary kitchens. In between the presentations, the consultants learned the latest about the participating Ali Group product lines. The brands presented interactive ses- sions and hands-on opportunities, which offered consultants the chance to under- stand the functions of the equipment. The meal breaks featured food prepared on Ali Group equipment as well. For a bit of relaxation, evening events were held at the historic Graylyn Conference Center in Winston-Salem. This venerable estate, now part of Wake Forest University, was completed in 1932 and has played host to a number of dignitaries, including former presi- dents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Feedback from the consultants was enthusiastic. "Thank you for being such a valuable collaborator within the industry and allowing all of us to gain knowledge and insights from each oth- er," said one attendee. "I truly enjoyed the attention you and the Ali Group spent providing a diverse group of at- tendees," said another. "It created and provided great interaction, exchanges and educational feedback." Filippo Berti, Chief Executive Officer of Ali Group North America, stated, "We are extremely pleased with the support we are receiving from the consultant community. Ali Group continues to strengthen its commitment to support- ing both Design and MAS consultants. The Ali University training program is just one great example of this commit- ment, and the proof is in the number of consultants updating their specifications to further support Ali Group brands." Consultants Converge on Ali Group Training Facility for Ali University The consultants enjoyed customized gelato treats from Carpigiani's Fantasticks 4U gelato bar concept. Left to right: Rich Neumann of Ohio University, John Giambarresi of RFC Healthcare & Hospitality, Scott Reitano of Reitano Design Group, and Jim Sukenik of the Bakergroup Left to right: Kip Serfozo of Camacho Associates, Inc., Ted Mayer of the TMC Group, LLC, Alan Craker of Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group, and Frank Chandler of Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Group Left to right: John Caldwell of the Inman Foodservices Group and Kris Morphis of Foodesign Associates, Inc. EVENTS