It is hard to believe that this year marks 20 years of CAFÉ’s offering professional development opportunities for culinary instructors and their Deans and Directors. 

Our goal has always been to link the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom—often easier said than done.

But the 2025 Schedule is dedicated to guide thinking about the changes going forward. 

• A panel of Change Agents who will share their journeys 

• A panel of programs who have formed unique partnerships…all of which could be duplicated

• Keynoters who bring to the table not only overviews of change, but also how these changes can be embraced and utilized purposefully 

What else is new?

• Industry leaders who will answer the question: “What’s New?” and “What’s Next?”

• Fellow instructors who will share their own best practices and let you know what has worked for them

Also?

• An InfoFair featuring industry’s outreach and materials for the culinary classrooms

• Collateral distribution of classroom materials

• An opening night reception with great food stations

• An opportunity to see an urban community college and its “redo”

Who Should Attend?

We hope that the theme of “The Need to Change” will appeal to all levels of instruction as well as all levels of responsibility to train the next generation of foodservice professionals.

Register here for the events: Deans and Directors Retreat June 24 and the Leadership Conference June 24-26. Come to Pittsburgh…a remarkable city! One of our featured speakers will tell you about unique food menus specific to Pittsburgh!

Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

SAVE THE DATE and Register Today! The conference registration links are now active, click here. Register before January 31, 2025 and receive a discount!! If you are a CAFE member remember to log into your account before registering to receive your member's discount.

 

Our hotel is The Westin in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hotel information and registration links are now active. For more information, click here.

2025 CAFÉ AWARD INFORMATION

CAFÉ is excited to announce that the 2025 CAFÉ Awards information are now up on our website.

To view all awards go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards.

2025 Educator of the Year (Secondary & Postsecondary)

2025 Technology Award

2025 Community Outreach Award

2025 Entrepreneurship Award

2025 Green Award Information

2025 Student of the Year Award

If you know a fellow teacher that would be great for an award you can nominate them or it is ok to nominate yourself. Just remember you have to apply to win.

Previous applicants and winners are encourage to apply. 

Also, if you have a culinary/hospitality student that would like a wonderful opportunity, the Idaho Potato Commission will be offering their 3rd annual Student of the Year Award.