CAFÉ Update January 12, 2026
12 January 2026The 2026 CAFÉ Conferences in Chicago is coming together nicely. We have a full schedule lined up for both the Deans & Directors Retreat and the Leadership Conference.
On Tuesday June 23rd in the afternoon, we have optional hands-on master classes that complement our Leadership Conference. We are happy to announce that Guittard Chocolate will be returning this year to teach one of our hands-on master classes. Real California Milk will be teaching a hands-on pizza master class again this year as well. We are finalizing the details and more information to come soon.
The Deans & Directors Retreat portion of the conference is on Tuesday June 23rd. The theme of Transitions through Scenario Planning and Thinking Differently will welcome inspirational presentations and a roundtable workshop presented by Chef Mark Graham formerly of Kellogg Product Development; Ann Zuccardy – Author, TEDTalks Speaker, and Educator; and Professor Joseph Conto – Hospitality Instructor and Improv presenter. This full day of presentations and participant interaction will be hosted by Chef Paul Sorgule of Harvest America Ventures Consulting and CAFÉ Talks Podcast Host. Be prepared to engage, interact, and express as the day moves through the process of learning to listen and brainstorming while asking, “what if?”
Our Leadership Conference theme is Technology in the Classroom and in the Kitchen.
The Leadership Conference will be on Wednesday June 24th and Thursday June 25th. Our Industry Outreach Day is full of panel discussions, interesting breakout sessions, along with our InfoFair. We are also organizing a Scavenger Hunt as part of this day. On our Educational Best Practices Day, we have a keynote speaker and some interesting breakout sessions lined up for you.
For the most recent agenda update, click here.
We are looking forward to seeing you all in Chicago in June.
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 CAFÉ Award Information
The information on the 2026 CAFÉ Awards is now available on our website.
To view all awards go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards.
2026 Educator of the Year Award (Secondary & Postsecondary)
2026 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 4th annual Student of the Year Award.
Deadline for applications: April 1, 2026
SAVE THE DATE and Register Today! The conference registration links are now active, click here. Register by January 31, 2026 and receive a discount!!
The hotel accommodations 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.
The Hotel is located in a perfect area to explore and enjoy Chicago and its riverfront, great restaurants, outdoor art and more!
For hotel registration information, click here.
CAFÉ Membership Information & Renewals
CAFÉ Mission: “To link the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom.”
Your membership supports the CAFE mission statement:
- Innovative and Forward Thinking
- Hearing from other voices
- Sharing resources
- Keeping up to date with both industry and teaching trends
- Resource Rich Website
- Journal of Best Practices
- Monthly Magazine
- Bi-weekly Podcast
- Podcast Lesson Plans
- National and Local Events
- Discount to a CAFE Event
Now offering Individual, Institutional and Industry memberships.
For more information, click here.
Already a member? Renewal access available after January 1st.
Instructions on membership renewals, click here.
CAFÉ Talks Podcast – Season 11
For a video peek of episode 105, click here.
Want to hear more information from Chef Altieri? The Chef will be a panelist on our "Alternate Training Models Panel Discussion" at the 2026 CAFE Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois in June 2026.
We could not have produced this podcast series if it wasn't for our sponsors who we thank very much for their continued support of CAFÉ.
For our complete lineup of podcast or to subscribe, go to www.CafeMeetingPlace.com/cafe-podcasts.
For video peeks of our launched episodes, go to our Facebook page, CafeMeetingPlace.
Mary Petersen, President, CAFÉ; Executive Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
(410) 268-5542 (office)
(443) 994-8228 (cell)
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Lisa Parrish, Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
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Mary Young, Administrative Assistant
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Paul Sorgule, Host, CAFETalks Podcast
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