For Women, By Women

Choose Your Own Adventure

Three days of education, inspiration and meaningful connections. This workshop speaks to women who are ready to make hospitality their forever career as well as those ready to ramp up their current businesses with new skills. Attendees will walk away ready to write a new chapter with a much-needed dose of renewed energy. Let your evolution begin!

#

Your Fab Ticket Includes

  • Early badge pick up Sunday from 11am-3pm
  • CHOW Mental Health Program Sunday, Pre Sign Up And Limited Seats
  • Sunday Session: Fulfillment in Your Career & Life with Sam Appel, Pre Sign Up And Limited Seats
  • Welcome reception + keynote address
  • Two mornings of "coffee with speakers" (must select a speaker and submit a question ahead of time)
  • Two days of panel discussions, roundtables and hands-on content
  • Snacks, lunch and beverages all day long
  • Monday Night Half Way Soirée
  • 3 nights of No Reservations Required Happy Hours
  • Networking opportunities galore, with plenty of one-on-one time with industry leaders
  • Closing keynote address
  • Book Sale Pop-Up
  • Zero bullshit and honest conversation with incredible women
  • Tickets are $650 per person

    Sold Out

Fab 2023

The Schedule

You asked for more small groups, hands-on learning, and actionable takeaways from each session and we listened!

Our schedule this year has 5 different types of sessions, ranging in size and style.

Panel

Will consist of a moderator and 3-4 speakers. A listen + learn format with a Q&A at the end.

Round Table

Intimate informal conversations led by a speaker. Limited to 15 people. Supported by Back of House.

Small Group

Deep-dive discussions led by 1-2 speakers. Will accommodate a maximum of 30 people.

Hands-On

Active participation for both attendees and speakers. No more than 30 people and facilitated by 1-2 speakers.

Coffee With a Speaker

Rise and shine! One-on-one conversations with a select group of speakers.

11 Sunday

12 Monday

13 Tuesday

11:00am - 3:00pm

All are Welcome

Early Badge Pick-Up at Bodega

Meet up with other attendees and grab your FAB badge ahead of time. Arriving a little later? Badges will be available for pick-up during the Welcome Reception.

Sponsored By: BentoBox

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Bonus Session

A Design for Fulfillment in Your Career + Life

Identifying where you're most fulfilled, where you currently aren't, and design a roadmap to get where you want to be. Space is limited. This is an optional session.

Sponsored By: Singer Equipment Company + Vollrath

Speakers

Sam Appel

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Bonus Session

Staying Sane in the Chaos of the Hospitality Industry

A conversation about mental health, addiction and recovery in the workplace by CHOW. Space is limited. This is an optional session.

Speakers

Erin Boyle
Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos
Catarina Bill

4:30pm - 6:30pm

All are Welcome

Welcome Reception + Keynote Address

FAB starts now! See old friends and meet some new. Light bites + drinks. Plus our opening keynote!

Sponsored By: Amex + Resy
Food by: Les Dames d'Escoffier Charleston

Gather Hour 6:45pm - 8:30pm

All are Welcome

No Reservations Required.

FAB Happy Hour at a favorite local Charleston spot or two. Location to be Announced.

  • Bonus Session8:00am - 9:00am

    Type: Coffee

    Coffee With a Speaker

    One-on-one conversations based on pre-submitted questions. No more than 4 attendees per speaker in 15-minute blocks. Space is limited. This is an optional session.

    Speakers

    Elaine Chon-Baker
    Jenny Dorsey
    Martha Hoover
    Taylor Lanzet
    Adrian Lipscombe

    Type: Small Group

    A Design for Fulfillment in Your Career & Life

    Identifying where you're most fulfilled, where you currently aren't, and design a roadmap to get where you want to be. This is an optional session.

    Sponsored By: Singer Equipment Company + Vollrath

    Speakers

    Sam Appel

  • Session 19:30am - 10:45am

    Type: Panel

    (Tech) Stacks on Stacks - Integration + Solutions

    So many options, who has the time? Make your tech stack work for your business.

    Moderator

    Kristen Hawley

    Speakers

    Kelly Valentine
    Sylvie Gabriele
    Elizabeth Tilton

    Type: Panel

    CPG: From Concept to Launch

    You've got an amazing product idea. Now what? Hear how to take it step by step from concept to launch.

    Moderator

    Stephanie Burt

    Speakers

    Tracey Richardson
    Taylor Lanzet
    Christa Cotton
    Carrie Morey

    Type: Panel

    Retaining Employees

    A discussion around how to build a dynamic team + retain employees in this ever changing market.

    Moderator

    Martha Hoover

    Speakers

    Anna Gordon
    Molly Irani
    Brianna Borin-Lygizos
    Sarah Worley

    Type: Round Table

    The Keys to Turning Your Restaurant Regulars into Brand Ambassadors

    Learn how to inspire and harness your regulars into sharing engaging content that elevates the brand and brings new guests to your door.

    Speakers

    Joann Jen

    Type: Round Table

    Solopreneur

    Who do you talk with about issues, growth, resources + more when you're a solo business owner or in a unique company position?

    Speakers

    Daisy Zeijlon

    Type: Round Table

    Partnerships

    How to make advantageous partnerships that best represent your brand values.

    Speakers

    Lauren Darnell

    Type: Round Table

    Selling Your Business

    Advice and timing are critical to planning your exit strategy. Is your business smashing it or headed for a crash?

    Speakers

    Jasmine Moy

    Type: Round Table

    Recruitment

    Strategies to develop your employer brand, build a talent pipeline, and establish an effective selection process.

    Speakers

    Sarah Diehl

    Type: Small Group

    P&Ls for Hospitality

    Whether embarking on a new venture or looking to make your current business more profitable, we'll make diving into the numbers less intimidating.

    Speakers

    Jessica Hussain
    Charlotte Stack

  • Session 211:15am - 12:30pm

    Type: Panel

    Spatial Design From Openings to Updates

    The design and construction process can be daunting. Hear how to manage the process without burning the place down.

    Moderator

    Christine LeMieux

    Speakers

    Stephani Robson
    June Rodil
    Leah Frankl

    Type: Panel

    Difficult Conversations

    Navigating your way through sharing complaints, giving feedback, and praising your team. Timing and delivery are everything.

    Moderator

    Katy Osuna

    Speakers

    Amanda McLamb
    Sam Fore
    Sarah Diehl
    Tal Baum

    Type: Panel

    Open Book Management

    A deep dive into the philosophy and practical application of Open Book Management by building transparency and continued education into your culture.

    Speakers

    Irene Li
    Andrea Borgen Abdallah

    Type: Panel

    Creating a Viable Food System in Your Community

    From community education to reforming school lunches, hear the multitude of ways to do this work, and why it's so important.

    Moderator

    Catarina Bill

    Speakers

    Rachael Hoover
    Karalee Nielsen Fallert
    Cybille St. Aude-Tate

    Type: Small Group

    Goal & Visions

    Establishing foundational objectives for your company.

    Speakers

    Elizabeth Tilton

    Type: Small Group

    Let's Talk Non-Competes

    The pros and cons and everything in between, from both the employer and the employee perspective.

    Speakers

    Raya Saksouk

  • Lunch12:30pm - 1:45pm

    Lunch

    Lunch provided on-site to all.

  • Session 32:00pm - 3:15pm

    Type: Panel

    Building a Profitable Menu

    Is your bottom line just about the ingredients? Understand what counts when building your menu.

    Moderator

    Lilly Jan

    Speakers

    June Rodil
    Lynn House
    Min Kong

    Type: Panel

    Leadership = Inspiration

    Hear how to influence, inspire and help others become their best selves, build their skills and achieve goals along the way.

    Moderator

    Dana Cowin

    Speakers

    Kendra Anderson
    Adrian Lipscombe
    Amanda McLamb

    Type: Panel

    The Evolution of Growing Pains

    Your business isn't the same as when it started. Learn how (and how not) to best manage growth.

    Moderator

    Rachel Ramsey

    Speakers

    Jenny Bonchak
    Emily Shaya
    Vonda Freeman
    Joanne Canady-Brown

    Type: Round Table

    Reinventing Your Business

    How to stay relevant in a quickly changing industry.

    Speakers

    Julia Choi-Rodriguez

    Type: Round Table

    Food Systems Deconstructed

    Understanding and appreciating how we grow, source, consume and dispose of food in our country.

    Speakers

    Tia Raiford

    Type: Round Table

    Making Relief Work Sustainable

    Helping people and solving problems sustainably are not mutually exclusive. Hear how to do both.

    Speakers

    Lindsey Ofcacek

    Type: Round Table

    Feeling the Burn(out)?

    How to recognize it, embrace it and come out on the other side of burnout.

    Speakers

    Charlotte Stack

    Type: Round Table

    So You Want to be a Podcaster?

    How to start and launch podcast.

    Speakers

    Lindsay Collins

    Type: Hands On

    How-To: Build a Business Plan

    A step-by-step guide to building a winning business plan and why it matters.

    Speakers

    Shauntrice Martin
    Ping Ho

  • Session 43:45pm - 5:00pm

    Type: Panel

    The F Word

    Redefining the word “Failure” and finding the silver lining.

    Moderator

    Lilly Jan

    Speakers

    Anna Gordon
    Molly Irani
    Elaine Chon-Baker

    Type: Panel

    The Economics of Business

    Economics is more than balancing supply and demand. Understand the math in order to run a stable bottom line.

    Moderator

    Jessica Hussain

    Speakers

    Stephani Robson
    Christa Cotton
    Joanne Canady- Brown

    Type: Panel

    HR 101

    Strategies for onboarding new employees, including training manuals and protocols.

    Moderator

    Rachel Ramsey

    Speakers

    Rachael Hoover
    Brianna Borin-Lygizos
    Kelly Valentine
    Raya Saksouk

    Type: Panel

    Are You My Mentor?

    Finding one and knowing how to get the most out of the relationship.

    Moderator

    Katy Osuna

    Speakers

    Lindsey Ofcacek
    Rose Noël
    Lynn House

    Type: Hands On

    How-To: Food Styling + Photography

    Calling all smartphones + cameras. Hands-on tricks and tips for styling + photographing dishes or beverages.

    Speakers

    Rūta Smith
    Min Kong
    Brittany Graham

  • Halfway Soirée5:00pm - 6:45pm

    Halfway Soirée

    Mix + mingle with fellow attendees and speakers. Full bar, NA bar, and appetizers galore.

    Sponsored By: Tripleseat
    Food and Bev By: The LEE Initiative

  • Gather Hour 6:45pm - 8:30pm

    No Reservations Required.

    FAB Happy Hour at a favorite local Charleston spot or two. Location to be Announced.

  • Bonus Session8:00am - 9:00am

    Type: Coffee

    Coffee With a Speaker

    One-on-one conversations based on pre-submitted questions. No more than 4 attendees per speaker in 15-minute blocks. Space is limited. This is an optional session.

    Speakers

    Andrea Borgen Abdallah
    Kendra Anderson
    Dana Cowin
    Brittany Graham
    Rachael Hoover
    Raya Saksouk

  • Session 19:30am - 10:45am

    Type: Panel

    Consulting

    How to set boundaries, expectations, and contracts.

    Moderator

    Christine LeMieux

    Speakers

    Daisy Zeijlon
    Alba Huerta
    Jasmine Moy
    Tia Raiford

    Type: Panel

    Technology 101

    Tech platforms you need when setting up your business and tips to manage your expansion.

    Moderator

    Lynn Holmlund

    Speakers

    Karalee Nielsen Fallert
    Kristen Hawley
    Sylvie Gabriele

    Type: Panel

    Work-Life Balance

    Taking the myth out of WLB. Big hint, it will take some work on your end to make it happen, but it's attainable.

    Moderator

    Stephanie Burt

    Speakers

    Jenny Bonchak
    Rose Noël
    Lauren Darnell
    Anna Gordon

    Type: Round Table

    People, Profit + Planet

    A candid discussion around implementing a triple bottom line concept.

    Speakers

    Shauntrice Martin

    Type: Round Table

    Biz Trendz

    Business trends, you've heard them and seen them, but are any worthy of being incorporated into your business?

    Speakers

    Kendra Anderson

    Type: Round Table

    #Influence

    How to stand out in a world where everyone is "influenced" by each other on social media.

    Speakers

    Lindsay Collins

    Type: Round Table

    Turning Rest into ROI

    Focus on using self-health to activate your grit.

    Speakers

    Christa Barfield

    Type: Round Table

    Start with a Pop-Up

    Lessons learned on why it's a great way to test the waters, gain proof of concept, and build a following for when it's time for a permanent space.

    Speakers

    Kelly Valentine

    Type: Small Group

    P&Ls for Hospitality

    Whether embarking on a new venture or looking to make your current business more profitable, we'll make diving into the numbers less intimidating.

    Speakers

    Stephani Robson
    Tal Baum

  • Session 211:15am - 12:30pm

    Type: Panel

    Media Training + Etiquette

    Understand how to navigate the do's, the don'ts, and the "oh-shit-that-went-viral" moments when chatting with the media.

    Moderator

    Lindsay Collins

    Speakers

    June Rodil
    Lindsey Brown
    Lynn House
    Jenny Dorsey

    Type: Panel

    The Power of SHE. Your Road Map to Business

    FAB's version of "How I Built This" panel style. Women from different areas of the industry will share their stories.

    Moderator

    Katy Osuna

    Speakers

    Irene Li
    Molly Irani
    Joanne Canady-Brown
    Christa Barfield

    Type: Panel

    Just Scale It

    Insights on how to scale your CPG business.

    Moderator

    Elizabeth Tilton

    Speakers

    Ping Ho
    Jenny Bonchak
    Tracey Richardson

    Type: Panel

    In Need of the Seed ($$)

    How, when, and where to look for seed money.

    Speakers

    Elaine Chon-Baker
    Christa Cotton

    Type: Panel

    A Design for Fulfillment in Your Career & Life

    Identifying where you're most fulfilled, where you currently aren't, and design a roadmap to get where you want to be.

    Sponsored By: Singer Equipment Company + Vollrath

    Speakers

    Sam Appel

  • Lunch12:30pm - 1:45pm

    Lunch

    Lunch provided on-site to all.

  • Session 32:00pm - 3:15pm

    Type: Panel

    To Be, or Not to Be (On Social Media)?

    The impact social media has on your business.

    Moderator

    Dana Cowin

    Speakers

    Carrie Morey
    Julia Choi-Rodriguez
    Kristen Hawley

    Type: Panel

    Mental Health + Wellness

    Strategies to implement to best support yourself and your team's wellness.

    Moderator

    Raya Saksouk

    Speakers

    Erin Boyle
    Brianna Borin-Lygizos
    Sarah Worley
    Amanda McLamb

    Type: Panel

    Here for the Matriarchy

    How to effect change in a patriarchal work culture. It's doable!

    Moderator

    Lilly Jan

    Speakers

    Cybille St. Aude-Tate
    Andrea Borgen Abdallah
    Sam Fore

    Type: Round Table

    I'm Opening a Restaurant!!!

    And this sh*ts expensive. Hear how to plan, budget, and prepare for unexpected costs.

    Speakers

    Leah Frankl

    Type: Round Table

    Changing Your Role

    Yes, transitioning your role within the industry is possible! Follow where your passion leads you.

    Speakers

    Tia Raiford

    Type: Round Table

    Navigating Digital Marketing

    Digital marketing is more than Google Ads. Here's your step by step into the online marketing world.

    Speakers

    Daisy Zeijlon

    Type: Round Table

    The Art of Negotiation, Speak Up!

    Tips and tactics for how to best advocate for yourself and ask for what you really want, and deserve!

    Speakers

    Jasmine Moy

    Type: Round Table

    Supply Chain Challenges, Is it Still a Thing?

    Understanding the kinks in the supply chain.

    Speakers

    Taylor Lanzet

    Type: Small Group

    Obtaining Capital for Growth

    Your business is ready to grow and you need money. Insights on ways to secure funds.

    Speakers

    Elaine Chon-Baker
    Shauntrice Martin

  • Session 43:45pm - 5:00pm

    Type: Panel

    I've Got the Power, or Do I?

    Negotiating leadership when you're in a non-decision-making role.

    Moderator

    Adrian Lipscombe

    Speakers

    Charlotte Stack
    Brittany Graham
    Rose Noël

    Type: Panel

    Vulnerability

    How to turn the tables on vulnerability and use it as an asset.

    Moderator

    Irene Li

    Speakers

    Min Kong
    Cybille St. Aude-Tate
    Tal Baum
    Jenny Dorsey

    Type: Panel

    It's a "Brand" New World

    Whether your business is starting out or is established, hear how to create a lasting brand.

    Moderator

    Stephanie Burt

    Speakers

    Tracey Richardson
    Emily Shaya
    Lindsey Brown

    Type: Panel

    Employee Retention

    How to both motivate and keep your team.

    Moderator

    Christine LeMieux

    Speakers

    Alba Huerta
    Sarah Diehl
    Sarah Worley
    Lauren Darnell

    Type: Hands On

    How-To: Food Styling + Photography

    Calling all smartphones + cameras. Hands-on tricks and tips for styling + photographing dishes or beverages.

    Speakers

    Rūta Smith
    Julia Choi-Rodriguez

  • Sweet Send-Off5:00pm - 6:30pm

    Sweet Send-Off + Closing Keynote

    Our closing keynote will be paired with a sweet spread that will satiate your sweet tooth. FAB's Bookstore Pop-up will be back by popular demand. And more!

  • Gather Hour 6:30pm - 'Til

    No Reservations Required.

    FAB Happy Hour at a favorite local Charleston spot. Location to be Announced.

Back To Top