Dinesh Saparamadu

Dinesh Saparamadu is CEO and founder of Applova Inc., a company focused on delivering innovative kiosks and mobile app-building platform technology. Saparamadu is also CEO and founder of hSenid Group of companies and is chairman of the board of PeoplesHR.

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Ola Sars

Ola Sars is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Soundtrack Your Brand, the fastest-growing background music streaming service with curated background soundtracks for business use. Ola founded Soundtrack Your Brand as a joint effort with Spotify to help businesses strengthen relationships with customers through the power of music. Through his multiple start-ups in the music-space, Ola has focused on unlocking that intrinsic value first in B2C and now in B2B.

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Cristian Sava

Currently contributing to PayFacto Payments' digital strategy, Cristian Sava brings over 8 years of experience crafting engaging content across various industries. His articles blend expert insights with SEO best practices, offering readers valuable information on hospitality trends, restaurant technology and industry-specific solutions.

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Michael Schwab

Michael J. Schwab has over 20 years of experience advising clients in the beverage alcohol, dietary supplement, and food industries. He provides comprehensive counsel on regulatory compliance, labeling approvals, distribution agreements, advertising, and trade practices. His expertise includes trademark and copyright strategy, global portfolio management, licensing, and enforcement against counterfeiting and gray market goods. He also handles IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions and negotiates complex agreements.

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Mike Schwartz

Mike Schwartz is responsible for the strategy and direction of IFMA’s programs, services and marketing initiatives. Since joining IFMA in 2014, Schwartz has played a key role in developing, launching, and leading IFMA’s insights and supply chain best practices and overseeing industry-leading conferences. Prior to joining IFMA, Schwartz spent six years leading custom market research and consulting engagements for suppliers and operators at Technomic. Schwartz earned his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University.

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Sharmah Seakar

Sharmah is an experienced supply chain professional with a demonstrated history of working in oil and gas, freight forwarding, aviation/flight-catering and hospitality industry across government, semi-government and public listed organizations. With a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management from the University of Bolton, Sharmah is skilled in procurement, strategic sourcing, negotiation, category analysis and management, OS&E procurement, logistics, operations management, freight/shipping, transportation and project management.

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James Shea

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Jessica Shelcusky

Jessica Shelcusky is a marketing communications specialist with Paytronix, where she creates content to help restaurants and convenience stores connect with their customers. Prior to joining their team, she received an MBA from Boston College and worked for several years in the retail industry.

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Nancy A Shenker

Nancy A Shenker is a freelance content strategist and virtual CMO with extensive experience in the food, restaurant, and technology space. She is the Founder/CEO of theONswitch marketing and nunu ventures and a professional speaker.

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Andre Shevchuck

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Kathleen Siddell

Kathleen Siddell is a Content Marketing Specialist at alwaysAI, an enterprise computer vision solutions provider. Through deep learning AI, computer vision enables cameras to quickly identify and interpret objects in the physical world and generate data to enable intelligent management decisions.

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Dan Simons

As co-owner and skilled communicator, Dan is frequently called upon to serve as the voice of FRG’s growing collection of sustainable, farmer-owned restaurants. Every day, he works to educate guests and the media about the importance of family farming and sustainable operations, to share his hospitality industry and management expertise, and encourage responsible industry practices.

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Mike Sisco

Mike Sisco is CEO of Embed Digital, which designs, installs, manages and connects digital signage.

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Richard Slawsky

In addition to writing, Slawsky serves as an adjunct professor of Communication at the University of Louisville and other local colleges. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Louisville and is a member of Mensa and the National Communication Association.

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David Smith

Tony Smith

 He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management and information systems, magna cum laude, from Brigham Young University. Tony enjoys life while trying out new restaurants, spending time with his girls – wife and 4 daughters, singing and watching college football.

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Phil Smith

Phil Smith is the Director of Marketing at Upstream Hospitality Group, which operates 20+ restaurants including Tap Room and Bango. A former agency founder with experience across web, eCommerce, and social media strategy, Phil blends technical expertise with hands-on hospitality experience. He helps restaurant teams leverage AI and digital tools to streamline marketing, scale operations, and connect more effectively with their guests.

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Tomia Smith

Tomia Smith is an experienced sales professional. With a commitment to drive positive results and goal achievement, she takes pride in providing the best service possible to meet her customers' objectives. In addition to her professional role functions, Tomia has been recognized for her involvement and leadership within the restaurant industry and her community.

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Amy Sorter

Amy W. Sorter is an award-winning journalist, copywriter and content producer. Sorter has generated quality articles, blogs and thought leadership pieces for multiple industries during her many decades as a writer. Her byline has appeared in local and national publications including the American Business Journal, Connect CRE, Bankrate, CURE Magazine and the Dallas Morning News.

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Lon Southerland