In addition to a fantastic line up of speakers, updates on the latest industry trends, and unique learning experience, AHF Annual Conferences are packed with networking events and activities. Check out some of our planned events below. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. See you in Scottsdale!
TUESDAY AUGUST 6, 2019
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
Location: Herberger 2
5:30 – 6:30 PM
First time at AHF’s Annual Conference? Welcome! We’re thrilled that you’ve decided to join us this year. To make sure you get the most out of your first conference experience with us, join Kent Hamaker, AHF’s Director of Communications, Publications, and Benchmarking to learn the ropes. Kent will walk you through everything you need to know to get the most benefit from AHF’s Annual Conference. In addition, this is a great chance to network with new friends and colleagues. Once orientation is over, head on over to our Opening Reception to continue networking with food and drinks.
If you miss the new member orientation, or if you want to continue making new connections and asking questions, stop by the New Member Lounge between 4:00-5:00 PM on Wednesday!
OPENING RECEPTION
Location: Northern Sky Terrace & Rainmakers A&B
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Theme: Desert en Blanc
Attire: Casual, all-white apparel requested
Jump start your conference experience off right by joining us for our Opening Reception. Head on down to the Northern Sky Terrace for a fun relaxing evening - listen to world class vocalist, Michael Land, taste the unique flavors and see your AHF friends from across the U.S..
Desert en Blanc is inspired by Dîner en Blanc, a worldwide event where guests dress in white attire and dine in a chic dining area. AHF is bringing Desert en Blanc to Scottsdale and we invite you to dress in your summer whites and come enjoy quality food and the evening entertainment.
The Opening Reception is sponsored by Lavazza Professional
Cool down with some iced coffee from Lavazza Professional. Lavazza Professional will be on-site during the event with coffee products served directly from their mobile cafe! Be sure to check it out.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7, 2019
CULINARY COMPETITION & RECEPTION
Location: Herberger Ballroom
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Join us for the 10th Annual AHF Culinary Competition. Watch five teams battle it out for the gold medal using the mandatory ingredients from the Market Basket. Each team will have 75 minutes to create their signature dish for the judges panel. A mystery ingredient will be revealed at conference. Stay tuned!
READ MORE
PREMIUM SCOTCH TASTING FUNDRAISER
Location: Scotch Library, right of the hotel lobby
9:00 – 10:00 PM
Cost: $85
Join the Westin Kierland Scotch Ambassador to try (TWO) Premium scotch pours: Aberfeldy 21 year and Glengoyne 25 year. This is a 1-hour guided activity. Register online and encourage your friends and peers to register to join you for this unique experience! All net proceeds go to the AHF Scholarship Fund.
THURSDAY AUGUST 8, 2019
RISE & SHINE YOGA
Location: Marshall’s Pavilion area
6:30 – 7:30 AM
Join your fellow attendees to get some light exercise in before sitting in sessions for the day.
FUNDRAISING BLITZ
Locations: Various locations at the Westin
4:30-6:30 PM
The Fundraising Blitz will give you and your travel companions the chance to sign up for unique activities and experiences taking place throughout the hotel. All net funds will be contributed to AHF’s Scholarship Program which helps operators attend AHF conferences. Funds raised in 2019 will help operators join us in 2020.
RUBBER DUCKY LAZY RIVER RACE FUNDRAISER
Location: Lazy River
4:30 – 4:45 PM
AHF will host a rubber ducky race to kick off our fundraising blitz. Get yourself a rubber duck (or multiple) and bring the family along. The rubber duck that finishes first will win a prize! All net funds will be contributed to AHF’s Scholarship Program which helps operators attend AHF conferences. Funds raised in 2019 will help operators join us in 2020.
STANDARD SCOTCH TASTING FUNDRAISER
Location: Scotch Library, right of the hotel lobby
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Cost: $90
Join the Westin Kierland Scotch Ambassador to try (THREE) assortment of scotch pours: Glen Grant 12 year, Aberlour 16 year, Glenfarclas 21 year. This is a 1-hour guided activity beginning after the Rubber Ducky Race. Register online and encourage your friends and peers to register to join you for this unique experience! All net proceeds go to the AHF Scholarship Fund.
CELEBRATE AHF!
Location: Trailblazers Ballroom
7:30 – 11:00 PM
Attire: Cocktail attire; Jackets requested
Come Celebrate AHF! This year, we will be celebrating our 10th Year Anniversary. This will be our biggest party yet and when we celebrate AHF, we really are celebrating our members and partners (that’s you!). Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to cap off your conference experience with great food, drinks, music, and networking. Join us as we dance the night away with our live band, The Hamptons, voted best in Arizona (2019)!