The Pizza Executive Summit 2011 featured seminars on topics such as Growth & Development, presented here by Bob Bielinski, managing director of corporate finance for CIT Group, and Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs.

Platinum sponsor NEC held a drawing for a flatscreen monitor. Tricia Murphy, a representative from NEC, made the presentation to the winner, Ivan Matsunaga, president, Connie’s Pizza.

Gerry O’Brion delivered the Summit's opening keynote. His topic: "What the Big Brands Know."

Michael Atkinson, founder of FohBoh, talked about the power and strategies of social media.

Betsy Craig, from MenuTrinfo, and Suzy Badaracco, from Culinary Tides, presented "What’s Hot in Healthful Living."

Asif Khan, from the Location Based Marketing Association, talked about the social web and how it can be employed to benefit pizzerias.

The staff at Chicago’s luxurious Sofitel kept food and beverages on hand for Summit attendees.

Berry Dunham, from Mafia Mike’s Pizza, grabbed some lunch between sessions.

Kathleen Wood delivered a dynamic talk entitled "The Secret Sauce to Building Sales with Zero Marketing Dollars."

Carol Roosevelt, from Monical Pizza, listened as co-worker Harry Bond led part of a Brain Exchange collaborative session.

William Lyle, from sponsor Signature Systems, talked with a potential customer.