The Business of Food and Beverage Education Conference

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Continental Breakfast and Registration Check-In

9:00 AM: Welcome

9:30 AM: Keynote Warren Thompson, Founder, Thompson Hospitality Group

10:00 AM: Concurrent Panel Topics (45 mins)

Intergenerational Wealth - Financing and Corporate Structure

​Moderator: Thomas G. Bowlen, III, Leasing and Brokerage, Rappaport

• Vicki Davis, CEO, Davis & Davis Advisors
• Constance Craig-Mason, CEO, Concierge Financial Group
• Vida Ali, Boardmember, Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation

Importance of Government in Doing Business

Moderator: Marcus Goodwin, Director, Neighborhood Development Co.

• Shawn Townsend, Director, DC Nightlife and Culture
• Donna Girgsby, VP & Community Development Manager, TD Bank Foundation Resources

Legacy and Future of Blacks in the Food industry

Moderator: Andra Johnson, Co-Founder, DMV Black Restaurant Week

• Teo Hunnter and Beny Robinson, Co-Owners, Crowns and Hops
• Kevin Blodger, Union Craft Brewing Company
• Kofi Meroe, Sankofa Beer

​Power of Ownership and Collaboration

Moderator: Dr. Erinn Tucker, Co-Founder, DMV Black Restaurant Week

• Tony Simpson, Owner, Sobe Restaurant & Lounge
• Melvin Hines, Owner, DCity Smokehouse, Wicked Bloom, Revive Catering
• Nikki Thompson Howard and Jaqi Thompson Wright, The Furlough Cheesecake

​THE TALK - The Power of the Brand

Moderator: Furard Tate, Co-Founder, DMV Black Restaurant Week

• Michelle Billingy, SVP Marketing, Yelp DC
• Chinyere Hubbard, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Events DC
• Frank Lewis, Sr. Sales Manager, Pepsico

1:30 PM: Catered Lunch and Networking