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Keynotes:

The Human Side of Leadership EXCELLENCE – The Four E’s of Excellence

Dustin E. James

In the fast-paced world of campus dining, excellence isn’t just about keeping operations running smoothly — it’s about creating experiences that enrich both your customers’ lives and your own. Infused with live music and massive audience engagement, this high-energy session will reignite motivation and equip you to thrive in work and life. 

Dustin James introduces the Four E’s — Experience, Energy, Education, and Emotion — the core elements that fuel excellence in leadership, service, and personal well-being. Attendees will discover how to: 

  • Create unforgettable dining experiences that foster connection and community. 

  • Show up with energy that inspires colleagues, students, and yourself. 

  • Absorb daily education that sharpens your edge on and off the job. 

  • Harness authentic emotion to connect deeply, reduce burnout, and drive meaningful action. 

In an industry where long hours and high demands are the norm, it’s easy to lose balance. This keynote helps foodservice professionals recenter — blending passion for service with sustainable practices for work-life harmony. It’s a call to commit to excellence, live with clarity, and remember: your best days are not behind you — they’re ahead. 

Leading under pressure: How to stay calm, clear, and effective in demanding environments

Victoria Roos Olsson 

Leading in campus dining today demands more than operational excellence—it requires energy, clarity, and the ability to lead well under pressure. In this highly inspirational and interactive keynote, Victoria Roos Olsson draws on decades of leadership development experience rooted in fast-paced, guest-centered hospitality environments. She brings a deep understanding of what it takes to lead through staffing shortages, constant disruption, and rising expectations—without burning out yourself or your team.

This session delivers practical tools participants can apply immediately upon returning to their operations. Attendees will learn how to better manage time and energy, delegate with confidence, influence upward, and pause to respond intentionally rather than react under pressure. Through hands-on reflection, simple planning tools, and moments of mindful reset, leaders leave energized, focused, and ready to elevate both team engagement and the guest experience.