Recognized for Innovation - Sodexo Education Summer Training Earns Virtual Event Excellence Award

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second consecutive year, Sodexo, Inc. and its Education segment received a Virtual Event Excellence Award from ON24, Inc. for its 2010 virtual summer training, a program that brought together more than 4,500 Sodexo employees from across the country to share operational best practices in student well-being and the overall student experience.

ON24, the global leader in webcasting and virtual event solutions, created the Virtual Event Excellence Award to recognize organizations that push the boundaries of virtual communication and define best practices for the industry.  Sodexo and four other companies received awards.

With this program, which ran throughout June and July 2010, Sodexo Education used a branded virtual meeting space to bring together managers for a variety of activities including video presentations from market leadership, interactive chats and streaming videos. Participants also had access to a wealth of downloadable resources.

"Not only does our virtual summer training program allow employees from all over the country to learn and grow as professionals without leaving their jobs, but it also helps foster a real sense of camaraderie for our team," said Lorna C. Donatone, Sodexo Education Market president and chief operating officer.  "I am proud that our team continues to find innovative solutions for everyday business challenges and I am honored that ON24 chose to recognize our efforts again this year."

Building on the success and momentum of previous sessions, Sodexo Education used the online tool for a two-week market-wide meeting in January 2011 and is currently planning the programming for its 2011 virtual summer training. The January meeting included a video contest that allowed employees to watch and vote for creative and fun videos made by peers showcasing their Sodexo spirit and the great work they are doing on campuses and in schools nationwide.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On Site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $15 million in grants to fight hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as the strategic partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 380,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of On-site Service Solutions and Motivation Solutions. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.