The sold-out, FAB Conference, unites 500 Charleston women in food and beverage for connection and growth
With vast experience in the food and beverage industry and a passion for empowering women to succeed, Randi Weinstein launched the FAB Conference in 2016 as a platform where hospitality professionals from across the country come to learn, educate, inform, network, connect and collaborate.
This year, the sold-out FAB Conference celebrates its 10th anniversary at the William Aiken House, the American Theater and Parcel 32 from June 7–9, during which 500 participants will attend presentations led by 71 speakers covering 65 topics. Each session is relevant to where an attendee is in the arc of her business. While budding restaurateurs learn how to tighten their concept, build a pitch deck and secure funding, seasoned entrepreneurs gain insight into subjects such as navigating conflict, effective delegation, tax and financial planning, workplace law, sustainability, growth and much more.
“By harnessing the resources FAB provides, women leave knowing that they can truly do what they want to do,” Weinstein said. “This is an invincible bunch.”
She added that beyond the classroom, participants have opportunities to interact with their peers. Those connections often lead to collaborations and lifelong friendships.
FROM THE PARTICIPANTS
Operations and beverage director and owner of Vern’s, Bethany Heinze, added, “I highly recommend attending FAB because the diversity of topics, the networking, community building and contacts you’ll make are invaluable.”
This is Heinze’s fourth year participating at FAB as a speaker and moderator. As Vern’s recently earned a Michelin Award, she shares how to navigate next-level expectations and rapid growth post-accolades. The panel discusses the state of the beverage industry.
This year’s FAB lineup also includes second-time presenter Corrie Wang, “Big Boss” at Jack Rabbit Filly in Park Circle and King Barbeque in North Charleston. Wang is on two panels one focuses on sharing real-life details about securing startup funds and managing cash flow
and the other is a deep dive into design concepts and working with contractors on buildouts.
Having attended FAB several times in the past, Brooke Warden, owner of Pink Cactus, says she has always walked away feeling energized and inspired.
“In my experience, FAB creates a space for women to share knowledge, resources and real experiences in an industry that can often feel isolating or competitive. What I appreciate most is that it’s not just about celebrating success, it’s about having honest conversations around growth, leadership and resilience. There’s something really powerful about being in a
room with women who are navigating similar paths, whether that’s opening a business, managing teams or redefining what leadership looks like in hospitality. Not everybody feels comfortable talking so openly day-to-day or even realizes they’re surrounded by an entire community that shares their experiences. That kind of safe space for connection builds confidence and helps you realize you’re not doing this alone.”
Recipe developer, stylist and founder of TK Test Kitchen, Jenni Lata, who’s been a panelist at past FAB conferences and is attending the event this year, agreed. “I love that FAB pulls women together from across the country, embraces talent of all facets of food and beverage and also supports food adjacent roles such as recipe developers and writers,” Lata said.
To learn more about the FAB Conference and get involved in 2027, visit thisisfab.com.
By Sarah Rose