Join the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs and the Washington DC Economic Partnership for the sixth annual Entrée DC program, an event that connects the food and beverage industry with DC public and private sector resources. Connect with budding entrepreneurs, thriving businesses and industry giants disrupting the hospitality industry in DC. Hear from leaders in the field about how to market, grow and expand your business. Sit down with permitting specialists to learn the ins and outs of regulation and find the right suppliers for your food and beverage industry needs.
Ask the Experts: Navigating the Regulatory Process
Connect with DC’s regulatory specialists to learn how to navigate regulations, permitting processes and licensing necessary to open and operate a food + beverage business. Receive details of starting, owning and operating a food and beverage business in the city from filing for the right business license to submitting for certifications to meeting safety requirements.
Moderator
HARRIETT A. BROADIE, Program Manager, Business Licensing Division, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
Panelists
SEAN GORDY, Manager, Licensing Division, Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
JAMES LESANE, Senior Tax Officer, Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)
LAURA WILDEY, Program Manager, DC Health
Access to Capital + Financing
Financing can be a significant obstacle for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their business. A panel of banking, community investment funds and government experts will discuss how to secure financing, establish a credible track record, understand interest rates, and obtain additional financing options for food and beverage businesses.
Moderator
SYBONGILE COOK, Great Streets + Retail Director, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
Panelists
THEDFORD COLLINS, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Securities, Insurance and Banking (DISB)
AMANDA GANT, Small Business Lending Officer, DC, Latino Economic Development Center
SONJA SANDERS WELLS, Senior Vice President + Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking Group, City First Bank
Marketing Trends to Enhance Your Brand
Join a group of marketing strategists for a panel discussion about how to enhance your brand using cost effective marketing resources to address an evolving business landscape. Understand how to maximize exposure, adapt to consumer trends and increase your customer base by leveraging high impact marketing tools while enhancing the customer experience.
Moderator
MICHAEL AKIN, President, LINK Strategic Partners
Panelists
RAJ AGGARWAL, President + Lead Strategist, Provoc
BRITTANY FLOYD, Director Social + Digital Media, Social Driver
MAGGIE O'NEILL, Principal + Chief Creative, SWATCHROOM
Leveraging Technology in the Food + Beverage Industry
Learn how technology trends are impacting ways to start, grow, and expand your business while increasing your bottom line. With the rise of third-party delivery platforms, mobile and online ordering, and digital programs, discover how businesses are adapting to reduce labor costs and overhead while evolving their business models to prepare for the future of the food and beverage industry.
Moderator
AL GOLDBERG, Founder, MESS HALL
Panelists
DEBORAH MATTELIANO, Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager, Uber Eats
PAUL RUPPERT, President, Warehouse Industries
DAVID SMELSON, Sales Director, MICROS Mid-Atlantic
