From our friends at the DCRA and the WDCEP...
Rose Previte to Keynote DCRA’s Entrée DC in Partnership with WDCEP
Founder of Maydan and Compass Rose joins restaurateurs, chefs, and entrepreneurs at sixth annual Entrée DC Conference
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) announced today the details of its sixth annual Entrée DC conference taking place Wednesday, September 19th from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event, free and open to the public, provides information, business resources and access to DC-government decision makers while promoting collaboration among Washington, DC’s most renowned restaurateurs and mega-brands in the hospitality industry.
This year, Rose Previte, owner of the award-winning restaurants Compass Rose and Maydan, will be the keynote speaker during the opening session of the conference. Compass Rose, the RAMMY award-winner for best casual restaurant, has been named on every best restaurant list in the region and has received national recognition from The New York Times, Food & Wine and Bon Appetit , among others. In less than a year, Maydan has become a national James Beard Award semifinalist and has been named Best New Restaurant by the likes of GQ, Eater, The Washington Post, Food & Wine and most recently #2 Best New Restaurant in America by Bon Appetit.
“Whether you’re just starting out or deeply rooted in the local food culture, Entrée DC serves as a catalyst for helping businesses make connections that promote their products and services,” said DCRA Director Melinda Bolling. “This event also offers the general public a glimpse at what food entrepreneurs are doing to shape the taste buds of the District.”
Entrée DC features interactive panel discussions tailored to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners interested in the food and beverage industry. The interactive sessions will provide an intimate perspective on the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry and will give attendees an opportunity to interact with the esteemed panel of leaders who have built their brands in the District.
“Washington, DC’s increasing national presence as a food city is attributed to the innovative entrepreneurs, business owners and restaurateurs that continue to impact the hospitality industry,” said Keith Sellars, President & CEO of WDCEP. “We take pride in highlighting the District’s most influential leaders during this unique event.”
This year, DCRA and WDCEP have created a can’t-miss program on all aspects of the food and beverage industry including interactive sessions, exhibitors, a WeDC Tasting Lounge, and a series of panels led by the District’s leading professionals.
Entrée DC Featured Programming Includes:
• WeDC Tasting Lounge
• 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 and 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.
• Access to Capital and Financing
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.
• Marketing Trends to Enhance Your Brand
Marketing strategists discuss how to enhance a 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.
• Leveraging Technology in the Food and 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.
• Scaling a DC Brand
Learn the tools necessary to grow a brand in the food and beverage industry in Washington, DC and beyond; Moderated by Kathy Hollinger, President of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW.)
To register for Entrée DC, visit dcraentreedc.com.
About the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs:
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) supports a thriving community of residents, businesses, and visitors through diligent protection of health and safety and equitable administration of regulation and compliance in our District. Learn more at DCRA.dc.gov. Connect with DCRA on social media by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
About the Washington DC Economic Partnership:
The Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is a non-profit, public-private organization that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business and promotes Washington, DC as a leading global city. Our mission is to promote DC’s economic and business opportunities and support business retention and attraction activities. Our partners including private companies and public-sector organizations give us access to a variety of resources including signature, award-winning publications. Follow Washington DC Economic Partnership on Twitter (www.twitter.com/wdcep), Facebook (www.facebook.com/wdcep), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wdcep/.)
