• Implement simple, actionable strategies to build, repair, and maintain trust across your organization.
• Understand why trust isn’t just a nice-to-have, but the foundation for innovation, accountability, and leadership.
• Adopt a powerful “How? How? How?” method to gain clarity, foster collaboration, and keep your teams aligned.

• Understand the courage process employees go through to own their brilliance at work. Candace will break down courage for you, so you can build it up.
• Identify specific opportunities to engage and support your teams in taking worthwhile risks.
• Implement strategies that, when practiced consistently, transform your workplace into one where employees are ready, willing, and able to courageously speak up, step up, and show up.

It’s a community brain trust of more than 250 top hospitality trainers together, in one room, rapid-fire sharing solutions from our industry. Always a highly popular session, LAMP is an interactive roundtable version of our online discussion forum offering best practices in crucial areas identified by trainers, such as implementing recruitment and retention strategies, using artificial intelligence and technology, creating high-performing teams, delivering training and certifications, and crafting effective instructional design.

(CHART Members have access to the online Ask My Peers forum 24/7/365! Log into our member site to join the conversation!)

This interactive session is for: Hospitality professionals in leadership, training, and employee engagement roles, such as Executives, Managers/Supervisors, Corporate Trainers, and HR Professionals.

We know productivity and engagement are key to business success—but what if the secret ingredient is FUN? This interactive session explores how incorporating fun into the workplace can enhance team morale, strengthen connections, and drive better performance.

Through some “fun” hands-on activities and group discussions, you will discover practical ways to integrate creativity, play, and enjoyment into daily routines—without sacrificing productivity. Learning how a fun, improved workplace culture can lead to happier employees, reduced stress, and increased motivation.

You will dive into the science behind why fun matters at work and explore strategies that hospitality professionals can use to create an environment where employees feel energized and valued. Whether you are a leader looking to boost team engagement or a trainer seeking innovative ways to inspire staff, this session will provide actionable takeaways to transform your workplace dynamically.

Walk away with fresh ideas, ready-to-use techniques, and a renewed perspective on the power of fun in the workplace. Because when employees enjoy what they do, everyone wins!

Get ready to:

• Experience Hands-on Activities – Engage in quick, workplace-friendly games, and creative exercises that can be easily implemented in daily operations.
• Collaborate through Group Discussions – Share individual experiences and challenges related to workplace engagement and explore what “fun at work” means in different hospitality settings and how it impacts morale and productivity.
• Learn Practical Strategies – Discover science-backed benefits of fun in the workplace and its direct impact on engagement and performance.
• Develop Actionable Takeaways – Create a personalized plan to introduce more fun into your own teams. Leave with easy-to-implement ideas that enhance teamwork, reduce stress, and boost motivation.
• Be Inspired – By the end of the session, you will be equipped with new tools and feel ready to make fun a strategic advantage in your workplace!

This interactive session is for: Anyone who has to develop or deliver compliance training (and dreads it almost as much as the participants do!).

Let’s face it—compliance training isn’t known for its excitement. But what if those mandatory sessions were your greatest opportunity to shape workplace culture? In this interactive session designed for hospitality trainers, you’ll learn how to breathe new life into required training by shifting the focus from rules to values. Discover practical strategies to boost engagement, rebrand your content, and align compliance with your company’s culture goals.

Through real-world case studies, group activities, and plug-and-play tools, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable tactics to make your next compliance session one your team actually talks about—in a good way.

Whether you're new to training or a seasoned facilitator, this session will equip you with the tools to transform check-the-box training into something meaningful, memorable, and mission-aligned.

Leave this session equipped to:

• Reframe compliance training as a vehicle for shaping company culture.
• Design content that connects emotionally and reinforces core values.
• Apply engagement strategies like storytelling, gamification, and peer facilitation.
• Rebrand training with compelling themes that resonate with your team.
• Measure success beyond completion rates using behavior-based outcomes.

This informational session is for: Training professionals at any experience level seeking to transform challenging or seemingly impossible training projects through AI as a thought partner and co-creator.

Whether you’re just dipping a toe into AI or already testing tools, this session meets you where you’re at. Come and learn how to breathe new life into your training content, enhance visuals that reinforce learning, and streamline complex training initiatives. This isn't a session led by a tech guru, but by an energetic fellow hospitality training professional who's discovering and testing these tools right alongside you. This session balances practical applications with philosophical insights about finding satisfaction in the creative process when partnering with AI. As someone who started as an AI-skeptic two years ago and continues to navigate new AI learning curves daily, Jim brings a refreshingly honest perspective to the AI conversation. You will walk away with proven, practical ideas for immediate AI collaboration and top resources for AI tools, learning platforms, and communities.

Leave with more than inspiration—you’ll take home tools you can use tomorrow:

• Learn new approaches to effective prompting for outstanding results and less iterations.
• Receive a curated guide to top AI tools, platforms, and learning communities.
• Build confidence in using AI, no matter your technical background.
• Discover ways to maintain the human element in AI-assisted training.
• Take home Jim’s two-part blog on AI in Training and his full article on Superheroes, AI, and CliftonStrengths.

This informational session is for: Those who are ready to embrace the future of work through the strategic use of AI. It’s ideal for those looking to understand AI fundamentals, explore practical applications, and confidently integrate emerging technologies into their everyday operations.

Come and gain the knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven world. This session will break down what AI really is, how it’s already reshaping the way we work, and what you need to know to stay ahead. You’ll explore practical applications like automation, predictive tools, and personalization, with real-world restaurant and hospitality examples. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to navigate your AI journey, including how to choose the right tools, build your team’s confidence, and thoughtfully weave AI into your daily workflow. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, this session will help you embrace the future with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Expect to take away tools to:

• Understand the Fundamentals of AI – Gain a clear, practical understanding of what AI is and how it is currently transforming industries, including the restaurant sector.
• Identify the Right AI Tools – Learn how to evaluate and choose AI tools that align with your specific operational and business needs.
• Build AI Confidence through Training – Recognize available training and development opportunities to upskill yourself and your teams in AI technologies.
• Develop an AI Integration Action Plan – Leave with actionable next steps for thoughtfully incorporating AI into your daily workflows to enhance efficiency and stay ahead of the curve.

This informational session is for: Those who facilitate training and want to create a foundation for more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences.

When people feel safe to ask questions, share ideas, and make mistakes without fear of judgment, meaningful learning can happen. Psychological safety isn’t a buzzword; it’s a foundational element of effective training that helps learners stay engaged, contribute fully, and grow. Come and learn how to recognize when psychological safety is missing in a training environment and how to build it intentionally. Using real-world hospitality scenarios, you’ll explore common challenges trainers face, like silence, pushback, and disengagement, and take home practical strategies for navigating them.

You’ll leave with a ready-to-use checklist, a simple framework to share with your team, and tools to strengthen the learning culture in your organization.

Takeaways include:

• A working definition of psychological safety and why it matters in hospitality training.
• Techniques to address difficult training moments and foster open dialogue.
• A facilitator checklist and turnkey session plan to bring back to your organization.
• A foundation for more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning experiences.

This informational session is for: Program Leaders and Instructional Designers who want to create leadership development that actually makes a difference.

Field leaders crave development opportunities that directly address the unique challenges of their roles. However, traditional, off-the-shelf leadership programs often fall short of meeting those specific needs. Learn the particulars of how Jack in the Box crafted a customized leadership development solution. By blending microlearning modules with personalized coaching, the company created a tailored program that empowers leaders to grow and drive measurable improvements in restaurant performance. You’ll explore a practical framework for developing impactful, customized learning programs that meet leaders where they are.

Participants will:

• Experience interactive demos and examples of microlearning technology in action.
• Learn how to pair microlearning with OTJ learning activities and in-person coaching.
• Discuss strategies for implementation of similar programs in your organization.

This hands-on, BYOD session is for: Professionals who want to build skills to leverage AI and immersive media (360°/3D) to transform corporate training—no tech expertise required!

Move beyond slides and videos to start creating the future of learning in this hands-on workshop leveraging AI, 360°, and 3D technologies. You’ll master how to create immersive, engaging, and scalable learning experiences. Perfect for corporate trainers tired of dull compliance modules, instructional designers ready to level up from traditional eLearning, HR leaders seeking scalable onboarding and leadership development solutions, and EdTech innovators exploring what’s next in AI-powered learning. Future-proof your training programs with cutting-edge tools, and leave with actionable skills and certification.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll:

• Solve Real L&D Challenges — Like low engagement, costly in-person training, or static eLearning; using AI-driven interactions, 360° virtual environments, and 3D simulations.
• Gain Hands-on Experience — Create your own AI Interaction, 360° learning scenario, or simple 3D model. No prior tech expertise is needed.
• Earn a Certification — Validate your skills in AI and immersive learning design, boosting your professional credibility.
• Network with Peers — Learn from those facing similar challenges and share practical strategies for adoption.

This hands-on, BYOD workshop is for: Those looking to learn more about specific AI tools to use in their organization and how to get started. Bring your own laptop/device (BYOD) to follow step-by-step instructions on how to create your own AI-powered training content that will make an immediate impact on your training.

Discover how to harness AI to create smarter, faster, and more dynamic training. You’ll take home ideas for leveraging tools like chatbots, voice assistants, and AI-generated avatars to improve access to information and streamline communication. Gain insight into cost-effective solutions to modernize training without a large tech team. See real-world examples from Wienerschnitzel and BelAir Cantina that solve common frontline training challenges. With your own laptop/device, you will learn how to build your own AI Chatbot and AI Avatar.

At Wienerschnitzel, “Ask TDO”—an AI-powered chatbot integrated with Alexa-style voice commands—gives team members instant, hands-free access to critical operational knowledge in English and Spanish. At BelAir Cantina, an AI-generated avatar of the Executive Chef helps deliver training content in his voice and style—without requiring him to be on camera. 

Whether you’re dealing with training fatigue, language barriers, or limited access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), you’ll leave this session with tools and inspiration to bring AI into your own learning ecosystem. 

Get excited to:  

• Learn how to implement AI chatbots for instant operational support.  
• Explore how voice assistants can improve workflow and training access.  
• Understand how to create engaging AI-generated training avatars.  
• Walk away with a playbook for using AI on a budget—and at scale.

This interactive session is for: Facilitators and Instructional Designers (or anyone that wants to taste some drinks!)

Beverage training doesn’t need to be overly technical—or fall flat. In this high-energy, hands-on session, hospitality learning leaders will discover how to create a repeatable, impactful training system that aligns vendor expertise with team needs. You’ll explore practical methods for prepping staff with guest-ready knowledge, driving sales with both alcohol-forward and zero-proof options, and boosting retention through engaging, purpose-driven education. 

We’ll taste selected beverages together and apply what’s learned through live activities designed to mirror real-world training scenarios. You’ll leave with tools to take control of vendor-led trainings and strategies to make beverage education simple, relevant, and effective for all levels of your team. Whether you’re training bartenders or servers, alcohol-forward or spirit-free menus, this session will help you make every sip count.

Participants will walk away able to:  

• Build a repeatable system for any beverage training.
• Engage with vendors to enhance—rather than overwhelm—team learning.
• Translate technical product details into guest-friendly language.
• Incorporate zero-proof options into training and selling strategies.
• Deliver tasting experiences that drive staff confidence and sales.
• Measure the direct impact of beverage training on business performance.

This hands-on workshop is for: Trainers who want to explore an unconventional way to think about failure, who may have recently experienced a setback and need perspective, or who are looking to connect with themselves and their teams on a deeper level.

Instead of disguising or discarding cracks in art or life, we can trace imperfections with beauty and strength. In this unique Kintsugi-inspired workshop, we will reassemble shards of pottery by highlighting the repairs with gold paint.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with others, share your experience, and find beauty in the broken. All materials will be provided; no experience is necessary. Come with an open heart and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of art that tells a story of resilience and transformation.

In this reflective session, you’ll:

• Journey through deeper themes of vulnerability, flaws, and wholeness through compassionate reflection.
• Learn a restoration technique inspired by a traditional Japanese artform while restoring a ceramic bowl into a unique work of art.
• Explore the principles of Wabi Sabi, deriving value from imperfection and impermanence and the power of accepting change.

This informational session is for: Training professionals, HR leaders, and operators looking to launch or strengthen a Registered Apprenticeship Program to build skilled, loyal, and career-ready hospitality teams.

Apprenticeships are reshaping how we grow and retain talent in hospitality. Investing in ongoing staff development is key to building strong hospitality teams, and ensuring employees stay updated on food safety, operational procedures, and evolving technologies. This session explores how apprenticeship programs are helping to grow talent from within—improving service and compliance, boosting retention, and developing skills that last. Learn proven training methods, including hands-on learning, mentorship, and tech integration, that are making apprenticeships a game-changer in our industry. You'll take away a framework for success by hearing real-world success stories of how organizations across the industry are using apprenticeships to build stronger teams from the ground up.

Expect to take away tools to:

• Apply proven training methods for apprenticeships, including mentorship and hands-on experience.
• Build a structured, balanced curriculum that pairs theory with real-world practice.
• Integrate technology to support flexible and engaging learning experiences.
• Use regular assessments to personalize learning and ensure progress.
• Collaborate with industry partners to scale and support your program.

This interactive session is for: Trainers, managers, and team leaders who want to elevate the professionalism of their team members.

Professionalism remains a cornerstone of the hospitality industry, but the way it’s expressed by our hotel and restaurant team members continues to evolve. Whether you're a trainer, manager, or team leader, this interactive session will help you respond to that shift by providing practical tools to elevate the presence, communication, and reliability of newer generations in the workforce by meeting them where they are (and not where we used to be).

You will:

• Work through examples of how professionalism looks for today’s entry-level and early-career employees.
• Learn language and feedback techniques that encourage growth without triggering defensiveness.
• Discuss generational expectations around communication, autonomy, and accountability.
• Walk away with ready-to-use tools, conversation starters, and coaching prompts for staff development.

This hands-on two-day workshop is for: Instructional designers and training professionals ready to build more engaging and interactive e-learning using Articulate Storyline 360. Ideal for those with beginner to intermediate experience looking to apply best practices and create with confidence.

Master the widely recognized and popular e-learning tool of Instructional Designers, Articulate Storyline 360, in this complete two-day workshop at a vastly reduced price for CHART. Articulate Storyline 360 is known for its flexibility and user-friendly design—and this two-day interactive workshop is your chance to take full advantage of what it can do. With expert guidance from a certified master trainer, you’ll walk through how to build and publish an e-learning module from start to finish. From syncing audio and animation to building interactive layers and quizzes, you’ll gain practical experience in the features that matter most.

You'll also explore how to make your content accessible with tools like closed captioning, and how to publish your finished module for use in an LMS or Review 360. You’ll leave ready to apply what you’ve learned to your own training programs immediately.

Learn how to:

• Use the core building blocks of Storyline 360 to design effective learning experiences.
• Sync audio and animation for dynamic slide design.
• Add interactivity through states, layers, and triggers.
• Build basic quiz questions to check learner understanding.
• Incorporate accessibility features like closed captioning.
• Publish your finished module for LMS or Review 360 use.

Technology Requirements: A WiFi-enabled Windows laptop (or Mac running Windows), with Storyline 360 or Storyline 3 installed and active. Trial versions expire after 30 days—download one week before the session if needed.

Cost: $595 with conference attendance (includes lunch both days), $1095 with no conference attendance. You can sign up for this workshop when you register for the conference. If you have already registered and would like to add this session, email Susan.
Discounted introductory rate for CHART: Don’t miss this special registration fee; more than 50% off what other learning organizations, such as ATD and The Learning Guild, charge for a two-day Storyline workshop
Note: Pre-registration and proper software installation required before session start

If you are ready to upgrade your career, there is no better sign of a pro than the CHT achievement. Sign up for this review and exam for the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Certified Hospitality Trainer Certification. In order to attend this session, apply directly to AHLEI. Apply by July 5 to ensure that your application is approved on time.

All study materials are provided online in advance. Study on your own in advance, attend the review session Sunday morning, August 3, and then sit for the exam Sunday afternoon.

The review session will help you learn how to: assess training needs, apply training tools and techniques, design instruction, measure and evaluate training, develop supervisory and management personnel, and outsource. Then, take the exam with the new knowledge and confidence to succeed!

Go to CHT®: Certified Hospitality Trainer Application, Online Study Guide and Exam (ExamFlex) to register. If you have already completed the application process and are currently enrolled in the CHT program, contact the Certification department at 407-999-8195 or email [email protected]. When registering, enter coupon code CHARTCHT25 to receive 15% off the $510.20 AHLEI price only for CHT participants taking the exam at the CHART Conference.

Hone your ability to make profitable business decisions and secure executive buy-in for your programs. Become a valuable partner in your company’s business strategy by learning to better speak the language of business, understand financial and HR metrics, succession planning, talent development, and strategic partnerships.

Cost: Competency workshops are $79 for CHART Members and $99 for non-members. You can sign up to attend this pre-conference workshop when you register for the conference. If you have already registered and would like to add on one of these workshops, please email Susan.

The vast majority of hospitality training does not take place in a classroom setting or online, and it's not delivered by a senior training or HR executive. Most training occurs every minute of every day as supervisors, crew trainers, and experienced employees teach company standards and needed skills to new staff members in our hotels and restaurants. But how is this task accomplished consistently and successfully in the sometimes chaotic work environments of hospitality organizations where business demands can be unpredictable and training time, space, and budgets can be limited?

Topics that this workshop will cover include:

• Characteristics of an effective field trainer who can overcome the obstacles of in-the-job training
• Basic principles of adult learning and how they relate to field-based education
• Training tools used in hotels and restaurants, both traditional and emerging
• Efficiently preparing new hires to become productive team members
• OJT for new product rollouts and new store openings

This hands-on workshop is for: Those wanting to level-up team performance by building stronger, more authentic connections with their team.

Trust doesn’t just happen; it’s built one honest moment at a time. If you're ready to be the teammate others can count on, this is where it starts.

In this engaging, hands-on session, we’ll dig deep into the most critical behavior in The Five Behaviors® model: vulnerability-based trust. Using your full Personal Development Profile (completed prior to the session), you’ll uncover what makes trust easier for you, and what gets in your way when it matters most.

Through real-world scenarios, small group discussions, and powerful personal reflection, you’ll explore how fear, doubt, and protection habits show up at work, and what it really takes to move past them. You'll collaborate with others who share similar challenges, share strategies for building deeper trust, and leave with specific actions you can personally take to create stronger, more authentic connections with your team.

In this session, you will:

• Explore why vulnerability-based trust is the true foundation of effective teamwork, and why it’s often the hardest step
• Identify the personal barriers that make trust difficult, the strategies to move through them, and what your trust strengths are that you can leverage
• Practice applying trust in everyday workplace moments where it’s most at risk
• Craft personal action steps you can immediately use to strengthen trust with others

Trust isn’t a bonus feature of strong teams, it’s the foundation. And it starts with you.

Cost: $99.00 ($150.00 value) which includes your personalized Five Behaviors Assessment. You can sign up for this session when you register for the conference. If you have already registered and would like to add this session, email Susan.