The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) will host its 75th semi-annual Hospitality Training Conference on March 1-4, 2008 at The Depot Hotel, Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the premier gathering of hospitality training and human resource professionals, who meet to network together, share best practices, learn from keynote speakers and participate in interactive educational sessions.

CHART - Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers;
Pre-conference workshop sessions will be held on Saturday March 1st where attendees choose from several workshops, as well as have the opportunity to take the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute (AHLAEI) Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) Review and Exam. In addition, first time attendees will have the chance to be part of an orientation to get them connected and show how they can make the most of their experience at the conference.

The conference will feature 3 inspiring keynote speakers, one each day March 2-4.

Sunday March 2

Top Performer: A Bold Approach to Sales and Service will be presented by Carr Hagerman, author, film-maker and long-time street performer.

Monday March 3

iTrain, You(Tube) Train, Wii-Train, presented by TJ Schier, Incentivize Solutions/podTraining.

Tuesday March 4

Confidence at the Speed of Laughter: Leaving your Creative Footprint will be explored by Kate McEwen, Brave New Workshop.

Throughout the three day conference, CHART's signature member breakouts will provide intimate working sessions with practical, useable takeaways. Attendees can attend sessions from any of the tracks. Topics include: Philanthropy, Test Writing, Employment Assessments, Training Design & Delivery at New Restaurant Openings, Engaging Presentations, Learning 2.0: Impact on Foodservice Operations, Emotional Intelligence, Conspicuous Leadership and Assistant Manager Development: Preparing the Next Generation of General Managers.

In addition to the learning sessions, attendees will participate in the 10th semi-annual Community Service Event off site to work side by side giving back to the host community of Minneapolis. Attendees will also have the chance to visit one-on-one with top training resource vendors during the Resource Gallery trade show.

To download the conference brochure or to view the full agenda with descriptions and photos of presenters and prices, as well as register, visit http://conference.chart.org/

CHART, a non-profit organization founded in 1970, is the leading resource for the development and advancement of hospitality training professionals. With more than 700 members representing more than 400 multi-unit restaurant and hotel companies, CHART represents a workforce of almost five million. CHART includes all facets of hospitality training, learning and performance professionals, from entry level to senior executive. By helping trainers do their jobs better, CHART positively impacts millions of employees, customers, companies and the industry as a whole. CHART's mission is to develop hospitality training professionals to advance industry training practices and improve operational results by providing access to education, tools and resources.