<p> CHARLIE AWARDS HOT TOPICS #2: ‘INNOVATIONS IN THE INDUSTRY’ Free Happy Hour Event and Panel Discussion – September 13</p><p>WHAT: The 2016 Charlie Awards second Hot Topics panel discussion will focus on the topic of “Innovations in the Industry.” </p><p>Attendees will enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers while joining in the conversation with our "Hot Topics" panel of experts.</p><p>WHO: The Hot Topics panel will feature:  Moderator Dennis Monroe – Co-Founder and Chair of Monroe Moxness Berg PA  Zach Danekas – City Manager of Foodee  Ryan Furness – CEO of NearestYou.com  Susan Moores – Creator of Roots for the Home Team  Tim Niver – Owner of Strip Club, Mucci’s Italian, and Saint Dinette  Zach Robinson – Executive Director of Spark Y</p><p>WHEN: Tuesday, September 13, 2016 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Happy Hour 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hot Topics Panel Discussion </p><p>WHERE: Rayette Lofts 261 5th Street East in Saint Paul</p><p>HOW: This event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP to [email protected] </p><p>MORE: The Charlie Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions made by the Twin Cities restaurant, food and drink industry. </p><p>The sixth annual Charlie Awards will be held Sunday, November 13 at the Pantages Theater (710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis) beginning at 3:30 p.m. followed by an after-party at the IDS Crystal Court and Chefs’ Dinner at Windows on Minnesota. </p><p>SPONSORS: General Mills; US Foods; Land O’Lakes; Monroe, Moxness & Berg; Intermix Beverage; OpenTable; Bellisio Foods; Minnesota Restaurant Association; Trinchero Family Estates; Kowalski’s Markets; Hockenbergs; Foodee; Rancher’s Legacy Meat Company; Diversified Construction; National Association for Catering and Events Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter; Minnesota Monthly; Foodservice News; Windows on Minnesota; Marquette Hotel; JT Mega; Mise en Place Consulting; Minnesota Farmers Union; BĒT Vodka; and Dynamic Products Midwest.</p><p>###</p>