Check Out What Went Down At This Year’s HEE West
November 04th, 2022 | Content Provided By Jen Robinson, CEO of The Pineapple Group/Hospitality Executive Exchange
Hospitality Executive Exchange (HEE) is one of the most talked about hospitality programs in the marketplace for its creativity, out-of-the-box approach, and innovation in fostering an atmosphere for senior level food & beverage professionals and select supplier partners to gather to exchange ideas, insights, and information. HEE West was held from October 3-6, 2022, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, Indian Wells, CA, which provided a beautiful backdrop for a wide range of conversation topics throughout the program. HEE is a dynamic program, that occurs twice a year (east and west) providing a relaxed, stress-free, and productive way for colleagues and peers to cultivate relationships without pressure. HEE West was earmarked as one of the best programs by participants for its engaging one-on-one meetings; general sessions; breakouts; supplier marketplace activations and the relaunch of the Exchange Awards with the HEE team presenting their version of a Hollywood supper club, complete with The Rat Pack. HEE focuses on conversations and relationships throughout a custom agenda that is fresh, relevant, and created through requests from industry peers.
With every HEE program, there is an overall arching theme that weaves its way throughout every program. For HEE West, “Hooray for Hospitality” was presented with Hollywood tributes throughout. One of our evening dinners featured the culinary delights and creativity of Executive Chef Eric LeClair and his tribute to the movies with various stations set up for participants to enjoy.
For HEE West, “Hooray for Hospitality” was presented with Hollywood tributes throughout
Cody Henson and Adam Billings of IMI Agency with Aliya Kritzler, HEI Hotels.
The HEE program provides the perfect backdrop for conversations surrounding LTO’s with a focus on a particular theme. For HEE West, each supplier provided one idea surrounding a holiday, special occasion or seasonal LTO to present during the supplier marketplace activation. Hayley Boles and Krissy Adkins of Boston Beer Company are pictured here ready to present their American Summer PARTEA featuring Twisted Tea.
Hayley Boles and Krissy Adkins of Boston Beer Company are pictured here ready to present their American Summer PARTEA featuring Twisted Tea.
Franchelle Valentine and Erica Smith of Delta Airlines meet with Nick Moezidis of Napa Technology during the one-on-one meeting time of HEE.
Andrew Noyes of Proximo Spirits engaging with Sean DiCicco of Invited Clubs during the one-on-one meeting time. The one-on-one meetings are perfect for introducing new brand launches and how they can be included on menus and beverage programs.
The Exchange Awards were relaunched and expanded in 2022 with multi-unit concepts and select supplier partners winning in various categories. The Exchange Award nominees and finalists are determined by an industry submission and vote, making it great recognition from peers. The most coveted award of the night is The Teddy Mac Award which is awarded in honor and memory of Teddy McAleer. This award recognizes an individual who is a beacon of light in the hospitality industry, sharing their passion, commitment, and dedication to hospitality. The 2022 Teddy Mac Award was presented to Mark Crisler, Trellis Wine Group. Presenting the award are former Teddy Mac winners, Beth Borkosky, American Beverage Marketers and Nichelle Ritter, Goodwin Recruiting, along with Jen Robinson, CEO of The Pineapple Group/Hospitality Executive Exchange and Michael Tolley, Beverage by Design and HEE Advisory Board Educational Chair.
Plans are already underway for 2023 programming, with seats limited. For participation and dates, please visit www.hospitalityexecutiveexchange.com or reach out to Jen Robinson at jen@thepineapplegroup.net
