Information
- Founded:
- 1980
Get engaged with people like you. MEG is the place to get inspired by brand leaders. Learn about new communication channels, address the challenges of consumers’ new expectations, and connect with people like you who face the new now.
As Restaurant Marketing Professionals, we develop world-class promotional ideas, create enticing point of sale and out-of-the-box communication plans that resonate. We extend the brand via the internet, investigate why same-store sales are flat, mentor our energetic teams and manage expectations of franchisees and stakeholders with a calm and easy demeanor. But where do we get this super-human strength? For some it comes from heavy-duty brain power; for others, modern medicine. But for many, it's from listening and learning from great leaders.
Established in 1980, the National Restaurant Association Marketing Executives Group (MEG) is a nonprofit study group designed as an educational forum for food service executives. Its mission is to raise the level of excellence in restaurant marketing by providing leadership and training as well as encouraging the exchange of ideas among marketing professionals for the betterment of the industry and participating restaurant companies.
Our first Speaker Series will appear here on July 1st. After taking a look at Jim Eustace’s presentation, feel free to ask any Digital Media questions through the Discussion Board. If there is a topic you’d like to learn more about, make a presentation request on the Discussion Board.
Our first Speaker Series is currently in the works. Click on the tab above to learn more about Digital Media from Jim Eustace.
Celebrating history is fine for those who study the past. At MEG, we look at what is happening now and act on the big ideas just ahead. For over 25 years, MEG attendees have cultivated professional friendships, enriched their skills and enjoyed a meal or two.
"The Topline is the Bottom Line: Real Solutions in Extraordinary Times"
Our next conference is May 13-15, 2009, in Chicago!
Historically, in every economic downturn, a handful of brands not only survive but emerge stronger and more relevant than ever before. The Spring 2009 Conference will present solutions for building sales and ensuring brand relevance in these extraordinary times. Attendees will hear from marketing leaders of iconic brands, such as McDonald’s, as well as brand experts outside the industry. Successful strategies and actionable tactics designed for different budget levels will be shared. Finally, the theme will play out in the leadership skills necessary for marketers to successfully communicate today with their audiences – the consumer, the media and the people within their organizations.
Where available, past speaker presentations have been linked.
Industry Speakers
- Burger King, Denny Marie Post, SVP Chief Concept Officer
- CiCi’s Pizza, Tom Koenigsberg, CMO
- Flat Rock Grille, Fred LeFranc, President/CEO
- FOOD Network, Katherine Alford, Test Kitchen Director
- IHOP Corp, Julia Stewart, President / CEO
- Il Fornaio / Corner Bakery Café, Michael Hislop, Chairman / CEO
- Paradise Restaurants, Phil Roberts, Founder
- PF Chang’s China Bistro, Lane Cardwell, Board of Directors
- Red Lobster, Kim Lopdrup, President
- Rita’s Water Ice, Jim Rudolph, Chairman/CEO
- Subway, Chris Carroll, SVP Marketing
Outside Industry Speakers
- Dell Inc., Bob Pearson, VP Corporate Communications
- Office Max, Bob Thacker, SVP Marketing / Advertising
- Ping Golf, Pete Samuels, Director of Advertising
- The Home Depot, John Ross, VP Advertising
- Walt Disney, Lee Cockerell, Former EVP Operations
- NetFlix, Ken Ross, Vice President of Corporate Communications
Authors
- Stanley Bing, Columnist and Author, Fortune Magazine, Crazy Bosses
- Dan Heath, Author, Made to Stick
- Neil Howe, Historian, Economist, Author, The Fourth Turning
- Tim Zagat, Chairman / CEO, Zagat Survey
- John Moore, Author, Tribal Knowledge
Research and Education
- Iconoculture, Larry Wu Jr., VP Consumer Strategy
- Ideas to Go, Nancy Francis, Innovation Process Facilitator
- People Report, Joni Doolin, CEO / Founder
- RW Trend, Robyn Waters, Author and Principal
- Specialty Risk Management, Pam Ritz, President
- The NPD Group, Harry Balzar, VP
- Yankelovich, J. Walker Smith PhD, President
- Piper Jaffray, Nicole Miller Regan, Senior Research Analyst
- VM Foundry, Jim Eustace, President Facebook Local Social Media Search
- National Restaurant Association, John Gay, SVP of Government Affairs & Public Policy
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, our goal is to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve.
We exist to help our members — the cornerstones of their communities — build customer loyalty, rewarding careers and financial success.
Successful partnerships are the cornerstone of the restaurant business. We appreciate the support of all our vendor and service partners. Without your contribution, MEG conferences would just not be the same. Members, please remember this when requesting products and support for your company projects. We’re all in this together.
