The hotel accommodations for the 2026 CAFÉ events is the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. We will be in walking distance (0.7 mi) to the S. Michigan Avenue campus of Kendall College, our 2026 host.

The Hotel is located in a perfect area to explore and enjoy Chicago and its riverfront, great restaurants, outdoor art and more! 

Conference registration information and hotel links will be coming soon. 

SAVE THE 2026 DATES!

June 22-23, 2026     Deans and Directors Retreat

June 23-25, 2026     20^th Annual Leadership Conference

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

Attn: Culinary Students 
Grilled Cheese Recipe Contest

REAL CALIFORNIA MILK and CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF FOODSERVICE EDUCATION (CAFÉ) have teamed up for a contest for your students. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, age 18 or older who are enrolled in a secondary or postsecondary culinary program. Entries must be received between 10/06/25 to 11/10/25. See Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). 

Click here for Official Rules and Entry Form.

Educational Best Practices Presenters/Presentation

CAFÉ devotes one day of its annual Leadership Conference to Educational Best Practices. These one-hour peer presentations are quite important and are very much appreciated by those in attendance.

One of next year’s themes will be “Technology in the kitchen AND Technology in the classroom.” We are seeking educators that will share their experiences and who may be asked to lead hands-on workshops. Other topics may be a focus on "What's New and What's Next" in culinary classrooms.

What ideas do you have that you could pass on to other instructors…whether secondary or postsecondary applications?

We would like to hear from you: a title, a brief outline, and your contact details, including a short bio.

Please send your submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with "Educational Best Practices" in the subject line.

Deadline for submission is November 1. Presenters receive a $100 discount on their conference registration.

CAFÉ Talks Podcast – Season 11

For a video peek of episode 103, click here.
To listen to the full podcast, click here.