Thank You to Our Direct Connection Sponsors! | | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR CORPORATE MEMBERS | | |
Interested in Sponsoring this newsletter? Want more exposure within FCSI?
Contact Wade for multiple opportunities today!
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FCSI Members Harnessing Education for Growth and Branding
Throughout the year FCSI promoted several initiatives on marketing and branding to strengthen the capabilities of our members. As part of our overall strategy regarding these initiatives, I want to highlight some of the latest examples of educational courses such as “Do We Really Need AIin Our Firms”, “Powering Change: Tools for Sustainable Foodservice Design in Latin America” and “Marketing Your Firm” presented recently at the Latin America Summit. These sessions, among others, stood out as shining examples of FCSI's commitment to delivering value. For instance the “Marketing Your Firm” presentation, a joint course, delivered in Portuguese, Spanish and English, invested in the knowledge of our members and advanced FCSI efforts across languages and borders. Reinforcing these efforts, this year our Membership Survey identified education and networking as two of FCSI's greatest strengths. FCSI delivered on this value proposition, providing members with the connections and educational resources they need to grow their consultancy. Focusing on education, the “Marketing Your Firm” presentation topics ranged from the general marketing guidelines to tools members can leverage to effectively reach into their sales channels. And one such tool is in fact education itself - not only as a means to build skills and competencies but as a mode of sales outreach. In the context of marketing and branding, deploying educational tools within the sales channel provides an additional layer of purpose during client interactions as well as establishing the member as an expert within the field. An example of this is using the AIA Continuing Education programs as a means of reaching architects. Since architects must complete required hours of coursework to maintain their credentials and keep the profession highly responsive and knowledgeable, offering AIA CE courses creates natural touch points with this key audience. Members should become familiar with AIA CE requirements to get the most from this tool. Mastery can transform routine sales calls into valuable educational partnerships. Similarly, FCSI members must complete CEU’s that are due by the end of the year. There is a comprehensive resource hosted by FCSI under Continuing Education Units that details requirements and how CEUs can be satisfied. As noted within the resource, participation and attendance at conferences is a criteria, so keep a look out for the opening registration for the FCSI The America's Conference in Phoenix, AZ, April 23-26th, 2026, at the Wigwam Resort. If you have any questions around AIAs continuing education as outreach please reach out to me or let's plan to connect in Phoenix, AZ at the next conference.
Anja Kuechenmeister, FCSI
FCSI The Americas Trustee
| | CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED TRUSTEES | | FCSI THE AMERICAS PODCASTS | | |
SEASON THREE NEW EPISODES OUT!!
Project Showcase: The Art of Culinary Spaces
Episodes 1 and 2 are out now! Find out more about the Potawatomi Casino project with Steve Carlson, FCSI and then listen to our first episode ever featuring the actual operators along with consultant Sojo Alex discuss the Virginia Commonwealth University project!!
Click on the image below to view the first 2 episodes of Season 3!
| | Haven't watching seasons 1 and 2 yet? click the button below! | | |
ON TAP VIDEO PODCAST
Do you really know your colleagues?
Join Wade at the table as he catches up with Consultant members of FCSI!
Visit the On Tap website or search for On Tap wherever you get your podcasts to check out all the archived episodes of this video podcast series.
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Sponsor the The Art of Culinary Spaces Podcast
Sponsorships are now available for Season 3 of Project Showcase: the Art of Culinary Spaces. Sponsorships feature:
- 30 second spot (either live read or supplied video)
- Ad placement on the podcast website
- Social media postings for your episode across multiple platforms
Each episode has an exclusive sponsor and is only $1,500
Click HERE for a message from Wade
To take advantage of this new opportunity or get more information, contact Wade
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JOIN EPiC IN PHOENIX
Emerging Professional in Consulting (EPiC) is excited to host a full day of education prior to the FCSI The Americas Conference in Phoenix on April 22, 2026. This program will include dynamic speakers and relevant education specifically targeted to young foodservice and hospitality consultants. Don't miss this EPiC kick off the Phoenix Conference.
More details and registration coming soon!
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Registration Coming Soon
FCSI The Americas Conference
April 23-26, 2026
Phoenix, AZ
Wigwam Resort
You won't want to miss this opportunity to connect with FCSI friends in the West Valley!
Experience dynamic education and networking set against the backdrop of the stunning mountains and desert sky at the Wigwam Resort.
Registration opens soon - check your inbox for details!
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ATTENTION CORPORATE MEMBERS:
Sponsoring the the FCSI The Americas 2026 Conference in Phoenix, AZ is a great way for you to promote your brand, connect with consultants, and support the FCSI Consultant community.
The sooner you commit the more exposure you get! We will begin promoting you as a sponsor NOW, but you don't have to submit your sponsorship payment until January 2026!
Learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits here.
| | PANASONIC PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN | | |
NAFEM/Fiera Milano to Work Together: 2027 Exhibitions Targeted for Partnership
Chicago/Milan – Fiera Milano, S.p.A., owners and organizers of the HOST Milano exhibition, and the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), owners and organizers of The NAFEM Show, have entered into an agreement to collaboratively explore adding unique, new experiences to their respective trade exhibitions, expanding global opportunities for the foodservice industry.
“Together, Fiera Milano and NAFEM engage the most important buyers in Europe and the U.S.,” said Francesco Conci, CEO, Fiera Milano S.p.A. “Working in unison, we will create highly innovative opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations to customers. We’re very excited to build our partnership in the US with NAFEM.”
“For years, NAFEM and Fiera Milano have shaped industry trends and fostered innovation on both sides of the Atlantic. Working together, the value equation for our exhibitors will be unbeatable,” said Steve Spittle, CFSP, NAFEM president and chief commercial officer, Middleby Corporation.
More information about the agreement will be available soon. In the meantime, the industry is encouraged to mark its calendar for Feb. 11-13, 2027, when the first cooperative programming debuts at The NAFEM Show at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., USA and at Host Milano, 22-26 October 2027, Fiera Milano, Milan.
About Host Milano and The NAFEM Show
Host Milano is an international exhibition dedicated to the catering and hospitality sector. The NAFEM Show is the leading exhibition for foodservice/catering equipment and supplies in the Americas.
Both exhibitions offer exhibitors and attendees a variety of experiences including educational seminars, specialty product demonstrations, networking opportunities, and more.
| | IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM HEADQUARTERS | | |
FCSI The Americas just launched a new and improved database system. The upgrade will enhance your experience, provide more stability and help us serve you more efficiently.
This upgrade will happen in phases. In phase one your member profile will show ONLY your contact information, option to renew your membership, and a link to conference registration. Later this month we will implement phase two which will include your CEU journal and more in depth bio information like your areas of expertise, market segments, etc.
You should have received an email with instructions for setting up a new password to access your updated membership profile. Please contact penny@fcsi.org if you have not received the email or need assistance accessing your new membership profile.
We appreciate your patience during this transition and are confident that this upgrade will provide a smoother, more reliable experience for all members.
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If you used the mobile app for previous events - don't delete it! Switch over to the membership feature to access important membership information and discussion boards to help you connect and collaborate with other members.
What's new in the app?
- Engaging Discussion Groups: Join conversations, exchange ideas, and collaborate with fellow members in your specific fields of interest
- Effortless CEU Tracking and Reporting: Easily discover continuing education opportunities and manage your CEUs directly through the app
- Up-to-Date Event Information: Stay informed about all upcoming FCSI events. Register and participate in conferences and workshops right from your device
- On-the-Go Resources: Access a rich library of industry resources, including guides, research papers, and more, anytime and anywhere
Haven't downloaded yet?
Connect with the FCSI community - download the app from the App Store or Google Play
Google Play Store: Download HERE
Apple App Store: Download HERE
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Congratulations to Kelli Pack, FCSI
The Board of Trustees, Council for Professional Standards The Americas, and the FCSI The Americas Staff would like to announce Kelli Pack as the newest Professional Member of FCSI The Americas. Congratulations on this exciting achievement, Kelli!
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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP UPGRADE
Kelli Pack, FCSI - Smart Design Group
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CORPORATE MEMBERS
Cavimex
| | IKE STUDY GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE | | |
The new Industry Knowledge Exam study materials are now available and will make preparing for the IKE easier than ever as you pursue your goal of becoming a Professional Member of FCSI. Upgrading to Senior Associate gives you access to the IKE study guide and an immersive online study platform to help you prepare for the multiple choice exam.
Contact Penny to upgrade your membership and get started on the path to Professional Membership!
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The deadline to log your 2025 CEUs is 12/31/25
Professional members of FCSI must log 12 CEUs, Senior Associates must log 6, and Associate members must log 3 CEUs annually.
FCSI Education Providers offer hundreds of programs annually to help you you meet your CEU requirement. Check out the calendar of events here and all the Access On Demand programs here. In addition to these programs, many other activities qualify for CEU credit - trade show attendance, factory tours, speaking engagements, etc. Learn more about CEU eligibility here. If you have questions about eligible programs, or your current CEU status please contact Kristen Ball.
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Update from the Educational Foundation
- Join the Educational Foundation Internship Program
- Serve on the EF Board
- FEED 2026 Workshop - February 15-18, Charleston, SC
Click here for all the details!
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SPEC SHEET GUIDELINES AVAILABLE
A task force comprised of eleven FCSI Professional Members has been working behind the scenes to bring you the updated recommended guidelines for foodservice equipment catalog specification sheets. View the complete document here.
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INDUSTRY HEADLINES (SALES)
- Restaurant Industry Sales & Traffic declined in September according Blackbox Intelligence and the monthly National Restaurant Association data.
- For October SSS, several publicly traded restaurant chains have made their quarterly earnings report. Collectively, they offer a choppy glimpse into what October sales might be – weak momentum.
View the Full Compass Report here
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This Issue's Highlights…
Special Note: Missed our forecast? Need It? Of course you do, so buy it.
Robin's Commentary: Thanksgiving traditions
Things You Should Know (The Most Important News Affecting The E&S Market) …
- Wholesale food prices rose sharply in September, with the “All Foods” index up 1.1% month-over-month, BLS reported
- Census Bureau reported retail restaurant and bar sales rose 0.7% in September following 1% monthly rise in August
- Restaurant jobs growth surged in September as BLS detailed in delayed “Employment Situation” report
- Hourly wages for leisure and hospitality staff workers reached 3.9% in September, up from 3.3% in June, per BLS
- Italy’s TNK Group buys Krupps warewasher company
- US Foods and Performance Food Group call off merger talks
- E&S People News: Boston Showcase, Polar King
View the full Ashton Report here
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FCSI has established standards to ensure consistency, optimum functionality and quality of the BIM content provided for foodservice equipment. The standards document has been created in cooperation with input from representatives of the three FCSI divisions APD, EAME & TAD, having formed the FCSI BIM Taskforce of Professional Consultants. The FCSI BIM Taskforce proposes that this document is used as guidelines to assist content creators globally. The objective of this Standard is provided as a template when content creators are commissioned with producing Revit families of foodservice equipment for the manufacturers of foodservice equipment. This document is not a catch all to solve all issues in all regions. We acknowledge that some additional work will need to be tailored to suit local applications and codes. View the full document here.
| | REQUEST FOR MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS | | |
FCSI's Foodservice Consultant is looking for Consultant members to contribute to upcoming issues of the magazine.
If you'd like to share a project or submit an idea for a feature article, contact Tina Nielsen.
This is truly a great way to demonstrate the FCSI motto of we share, we support, we inspire.
View the magazine here
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Headquarters is always happy to feature articles from Consultant Members in the Direct Connection. We encourage you to share your experiences and ideas with the membership!
If you would like to have an article featured in the Direct Connection, email your submission to Penny by the 23rd of each month.
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