CHICAGO — The 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will gather executives from top restaurant companies for a panel discussion on how chains and multi-concept operators are increasing revenue and guest loyalty through new media marketing. The discussion will be held during the NRA Show's annual Restaurant Executive Breakfast May 16 and will be moderated by Andy Sernovitz, CEO of GasPedal and author of "Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking." "In the current economy, companies are increasingly using a new generation of cost-effective tools, such as social media networking, blogs, viral videos and other online channels to maximize their word of mouth potential," said Lorna Donatone, NRA Show convention chair and president of School Services at Sodexo Inc. The Restaurant Executive Breakfast will be held from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. on May 16, in room N427 McCormick Place. The panelists are: Billy Dec, CEO and founder, Rockit Ranch Productions: Rockit Ranch Productions operates Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda and The Underground nightclub in Chicago.
John Moser, marketing and brand officer, Denihan Hospitality Group: Moser's innovative strategies have led the three DHG brands – Affinia Hotels, The Benjamin and The James – to have one of the highest repeat guest ratios in the industry. Margie Myers, senior vice president of communications, Dunkin' Brands: Myers is responsible for global public relations, franchisee communications, corporate communications and customer service.
Brad Wahl, vice president of marketing, The Krystal Company: Wahl has spearheaded some of Krystal's most notable and recognizable branding campaigns, including the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship, which annually receives more than 100 million free media impressions.
William Whitman, Jr., vice president of communications, McDonald's USA LLC: Whitman serves as a member of the McDonald's U.S. Executive Leadership Team and works closely with senior leadership, franchisees, suppliers and other key stakeholders. The Restaurant Executive Breakfast is exclusive only to management-level restaurant professionals registered to attend NRA Show 2009.
