Food trucks are everywhere these days, giving innovative chefs the opportunity to showcase their talents without the overhead of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. But it wasn’t long ago that the term “roach coach” aptly described both the fare and the clientele of the typical food truck. That all changed when the original food truck pioneer, Thomas Odermatt, brought a custom-built gourmet rotisserie truck from Europe to San Francisco and called it RoliRoti, for “rolling rotisserie.”

Come learn about building a successful business, from identifying and seizing opportunities presented by unmet needs, to dealing with complex government regulations, and establishing a reliable supply chain. Hear how this gourmet food entrepreneur overcame immense challenges to build a valuable brand that resonates with customers and employees. Network with innovative and creative professionals from the food and beverage, marketing, technology, and business worlds.

Come join us as Thomas Odermatt, founder and executive chef of RoliRoti talks with Tony Wessling, founder of ChromiumForum and president of The Wessling Group, about the ascendency of mobile cuisine, sustainable farming and healthy eating.

They will discuss the challenges RoliRoti faced as it blazed the trail for a whole generation of food trucks, as well as examining the food trends on the horizon and what they will mean to foodies and regular consumers alike.

Tickets $20 at Eventbrite

Samples of RoliRoti gourmet rotisserie porchetta and chicken will be a feature of the evening.

By this time next year a monumental art installation – seven times the scale of the Effiel Tower – will illuminate on The Bay Bridge. Less than one year ago, the project had yet to be conceived.

How is this possible?

Come and witness Ben Davis, project visionary and curator in a dialogue with Andreas Mueller, co-host of ChromiumForum and Chief Strategist of Bloofusion. Ben will share the story of his journey, from primary passion to the pragmatic path of completion.

Ben Davis runs two SF-based graphic design and communication firms. In 1995 he founded Words Pictures Ideas with the guiding mantra of “Do Good. Have Fun. Learn. Make a Living.” In 2008, he opened a firm dedicated exclusively to purpose-driven design with the unlikely and unwieldy name I Shot Him Because I Loved Him, Damn Him with the simple mission “Changing Hearts, Minds and Habits.”

Ben has a passion for legacy projects—major civic and social projects that will create generational positive impacts.

Tickets $20 at EVENTBRITE

Learn more about The Bay Lights here.

Complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers will be served.

Learn about trend-spotting, branding, and how one serial entrpreneur has used rapid innovation to overcome the challenges facing his startups. Network over drinks with creative, business, and technology professionals to expand your horizons and your contacts at this engaging and informative event.

Come and listen to Rob Forbes, founder of PUBLIC Bikes and Design Within Reach, and former executive of Williams-Sonoma, Nature Company, and Smith & Hawken, in conversation with Tony Wessling, Founder of ChromiumForum and President of The Wessling Group.

They will talk about putting creativity and innovation at the center of a business plan, and how leveraging new technology such as social media in tandem with real-life social activity has contributed significantly to PUBLIC Bikes’ success. They will also discuss how bicycles are changing the face of our communities for the better, and why such ‘old technology’ is being so readily adopted by the creators of our new technologies, the urban creative class.

See Rob speaking at the TED Conference: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/rob_forbes_on_ways_of_seeing.html

Tickets: $15 at Eventbrite

Program:

5:30 PM Check-in and networking. Refreshments will be served.

6:30 – 7:45 PM Conversation with Rob Forbes

7:45-9:oo PM Networking and check-out