Pineapple Academy

A big thank you goes out to the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) Edge Magazine editor, Diane Everett, for making all of us content creators look good! Much appreciated. There are many great articles in this first issue of the new year. A big shout out to Hunter Hying CDM, CFPP, FMP for his insightful article here: https://lnkd.in/gMvptGTk

📢 If you've considered becoming a Pineapple Academy customer but haven't made up your mind, we have a special offer to make it easier on your decision and your wallet. Stay tuned for details!

I was recently privileged to attend three thought-provoking keynotes within hospitality in hashtag #spiritofhospitalitysummit. Each speaker brought different perspectives on relationships, training, and sensory marketing that really got me thinking about some of the strategies we adopt to connect with our teams and customers. Leadership & Priorities Hoyt Jones reminded us that critical thinking, time management, and a focus on relationships are qualities that can change the game in business. Indeed, Jersey Mike's "A Sub Above" community programs and targeted market approaches-urban, suburban, and campus-are examples of how aligning brand priorities with community engagement creates real impact. Among the best pieces of advice included was to "drop your set of priorities" and train your replacement. That is a good reminder that fairness, consistency, and clarity about personal and organizational goals are some of the best ways to lead. The Future of Training Greg Gorgone of Pineapple Academy then moderated knowledge transfer through micro-training and onboarding systems to reshape staff development. The video content was very well retained, especially short clips; how to blend digital training with the human touch was quite important. He further emphasized how robust culture and a feeling of belonging help retain talent and create pride. I couldn't have agreed more that technology enhances training, but it can never replace the connection a personal mentor brings. Sensory Marketing: The Next Frontier Candy Foust from Ambiance iQ demonstrated how 75% of emotions are driven by scent, and this form of marketing truly works. Iconic examples, such as the chocolate fragrance at the M&M's Times Square store and Westin's signature White Tea scent, drive brand identity and sales-33% higher in some cases! This really has been a session that showed me the strategic value in applying sensory elements to create memorable guest experiences beyond service. These key takeaways really brought it all together in terms of the power of community-oriented priorities, innovative training, and sensory marketing to drive growth and guest loyalty within hospitality. Ready to apply these learnings to develop stronger relations and experiences in the industry! #HospitalityLeadership #SensoryMarketing #Training #EmployeeEngagement #CustomerExperience