Minneapolis, MN – September 22, 2026: Hospitality Minnesota is excited to welcome Nate Lindesmith, President of Performance Foodservice Minnesota, along with panelists Edie Renner, Owner of Motel Ely; Eric Thieling, General Manager of Hilton Minneapolis; and Tammy Wong, Owner of Rainbow Chinese, to the 2026 Hospitality Conference lineup. The conference is set to take place from September 27–29, 2026, at the Hilton Minneapolis Downtown. Click here to see the working agenda for this year's conference!

Seats for this session — and for the conference overall — are filling up fast. Register by September 25, 2026 to lock in your spot, and remember: discounted single-day registration is available for those who can only join for part of the conference.

Planning who to send to the Conference? Registrants can save $50 on every registration when signing up 3 or more attendees from the same organization — the more of your team that attends, the more value you bring back to your business.

SESSION: Panel Discussion – Lessons in Resiliency, The Next Disruption Will Come
Monday, September 28 | 3:15 – 4:15 PM | Symphony Ballroom

Join hospitality operators and industry leaders for a practical discussion built around one certainty in this business: uncertainty itself. Our panelists will share real-world experiences and how their teams are preparing for whatever disruption comes next.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

• Nate Lindesmith is President of Performance Foodservice Minnesota, where he leads teams dedicated to helping restaurant operators and hospitality businesses thrive. In addition to serving on the Hospitality Minnesota Executive Board, Nate spent several years as Chair of the Male Allyship Committee for PFG's Women of PFG Associate Resource Group, supporting the advancement of women throughout the organization.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

• Edie Renner has owned and operated the Motel Ely, a 17-room vintage motor lodge, since 2021. Originally from South Dakota, she moved to Ely with her family when she purchased the motel. As a young person, she held every job in hospitality — from line cook and server to housekeeper — before eventually moving into the nonprofit sector as a fundraiser.

• Eric Thieling is a seasoned hospitality executive and General Manager of Hilton Minneapolis with more than two decades of experience leading hotel operations across the Hilton portfolio. He is recognized for building strong teams, driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, and delivering exceptional business results through a people-centered leadership approach.

• Tammy Wong is owner and head chef at Rainbow Chinese Restaurant & Bar in south Minneapolis, where she has served her Chinese food for almost 40 years. Chef Tammy is passionate about using local produce and has been a vendor at the Minneapolis Farmers Market for more than a decade.

Those interested in attending the 2026 Hospitality Conference, either as an attendee or exhibitor, are encouraged to register now — spots and hotel rooms are limited. Registration closes September 25, 2026. We look forward to seeing you at the Hilton Downtown Minneapolis!