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Hospitality Conference

Program of Events

Hospitality Conference Program


Explore the program below and learn more about the various sessions. Please note all sessions will take place at the Hilton Rockville Executive Meeting Center. Don’t forget to visit over 60 participating businesses in the hotel atrium and throughout the meeting center.


Conference Credentials: Attendees are issued a non-transferable name badge at registration, which is required for admission to all MoCo Eats Hospitality Showcase sessions. If you lose your name badge, please visit registration.

2025 Schedule of Events

PLAZA ROOM 2 AND 3 – LOBBY LEVEL

Seth Goldman is the Co-Founder of Just Ice Tea, a line of organic and Fair Trade bottled tea that’s Just Sweet Enough. Seth is also the Co-Founder of PLNT Burger, Honest Tea, and serves as Chair of the board of Beyond Meat. A celebrated leader in sustainability and social impact, Seth will discuss building impactful, sustainable businesses and the future of food industry innovation. In this insightful talk, Seth will explore how core values and a growth mindset can fuel both personal and business growth. His story highlights the importance of a growth mindset and staying true to your mission.

Pick One of the Following Sessions

FREDERICK ROOM – ATRIUM LEVEL

Presented by: Sean Makulowich, Founder & CEO, IdeaFire

Speaker Introduction:  Lizz Durante, President, Hospitality Services Group, PNI

Session Description: Explore the transformative impact of AI in hospitality, from augmented reality-enhanced guest experiences to operational efficiencies and profitability through automation and predictive analytics.

PLAZA BALLROOMS 2 AND 3 – LOBBY LEVEL

Session description: Provided by The Montgomery County Food Council and facilitated by Cureate, this panel includes diverse entrepreneurs and a retailer sharing experiences and key strategies for launching and scaling food businesses.

Moderator: Julia Raymond, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Cureate

Panelists: 

Mike Houston, General Manager, TPSS Co-Op

Tracey A. Tucker, Owner, Believe N Bread, Inc.

Jaimie Mertz, Owner & operator of Red Bandana Bakery

Laurie Savage, Owner, Brown Cow Creamery

PLAZA BALLROOM 1 – LOBBY LEVEL

Session Description: Discuss the role of the food industry in supporting neurodiversity and creating inclusive environments for customers and employees, with practical examples and best practices.

Moderator: Vanessa French, Vanessa French Consulting

Panelists: 

Sharon Cinchy, Chief Strategy Officer, Main Street Connect

Jody Tick, Executive Director, Sunflower Bakery

Andrea Barnhart and Charley Schwartz, Red Wiggler Farm/The Care Network

MONTGOMERY ROOM – ATRIUM LEVEL

Session Description: Explore strategies to engage media influencers and create impactful publicity for your food business.

Moderator: Kelly Collis, Director of Marketing, Conrad Washington

Panelists:

Alex Tsironis, Founder, The MoCoShow, Taste MoCo & MoCo Pass

James Whitman, Publisher, Edible DC

Stefanie Gans, Hospitality Manager, TAAPR and former reporter

Cornelia Poku, Content Creator, Black Girls Explore DC

Pick One of the Following Sessions

MONTGOMERY ROOM – ATRIUM LEVEL

Session description: Learn how to utilize local government resources effectively, with insights from Health and Human Services and Alcohol Beverage Services. This session will focus on understanding regulatory requirements, available support, and strategies for effective communication with county agencies.

Panelists: 

Moderator: Keith Miller, CEO, Montgomery County Revenue Authority

Kathie Durbin, Director, Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)

Kenneth Welch, Senior Administrator, Montgomery County  Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing

Naddia Clute, Small Business Navigator, Montgomery County Office of the County Executive

PLAZA BALLROOM 1 – LOBBY LEVEL

Session Description: Hear from founders about turning ideas into successful businesses, focusing on local resources, networks, and creativity that fuel startup ecosystems.

Moderator: Cynthia Rivarde, CEO, Rockville Economic Development, Inc.

Panelists:

Margarita Womack, Founder, MASPANADAS

Jesse Konig, Co-Founder, Jesse and Bens’

Chris Miller, Co-Founder, Fallen Oak and Lone Oak

FREDERICK ROOM – ATRIUM LEVEL

Session Description: Food Composting, Donations/Recovery, and Sourcing Local Products This session addresses the critical pillars of sustainable food systems: composting, food recovery, and local sourcing. Discover practices that reduce waste, support local economies, and enhance food system resilience.

Moderator: Matt Libber, Maryland SoccerPlex

Panelists: 

David Child, General Manager, Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center

Jenna Umbriac, Director of Programs and Policies, Manna Food Centers

Catherine Nardi, Program Manager, Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience

PLAZA BALLROOM 2 AND 3 – LOBBY LEVEL

Presented by: Matt Hetrick, Harmony Accounting and Jarrad Silver, Silver & Sons BBQ

Session Description: Struggling with razor-thin margins? Learn from the Harmony Accounting President and Founder Matt Hetrick and  Silver & Sons BBQ Owner Jarrad Silver through their experiences AND mistakes at “Lessons from the Line: Cracking the Code to Restaurant Profitability”.

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