CAFÉ Update February 23, 2026

Thursday, June 25, 2026, the conference will host Educational Best Practices Day, themed “Technology in the Classroom and in the Kitchen.”

The day will open with a keynote by David Uminski, CHE (St. Phillips College), “The AI Sous Chef: Integrating Generative AI to Develop Active Learning Strategies.”

Attendees will then participate in three breakout sessions, selecting one presentation per session.

Breakout Session 1 (choose one): 

• “AI Mise en Place: Practical Workflows for Tech in the Kitchen and the Classroom” – Chef Thomas E. Barnes, MA, CEC, CCE, CHE, FMP, Indiana University of Pennsylvania 

• “Building a Gold Standard School-Based Enterprise: Creating Financial Freedom and Community Investment in Your Culinary Program” – Phillip Cropper, Worcester Technical High School

• TBD – Nai Wang, KP Education Systems

Breakout Session 2 (choose one):

• “Wagyu 101” – Jonathan M. Deutsch, PhD, CHE, CRC, Drexel University

• “Empowering Culinary Education with AI: Advancing Innovation in Plant-Based Cuisine” – Dr. Stefan Ryll, Ed.D., CEC, CCE, ACC, Southern New Hampshire University

• “What Are Best Practices in Incorporating Business Operations with Curriculum?” – Lexi and John Michael, NICHE

Breakout Session 3 (choose one):

• “Yes, You Can Compete: AI-Driven Best Practices for CTE Classrooms” – Debra Bates, Educational Consultant 

• “Supporting Internship Site Supervisors” – Chef Brian O’Malley, Dean, Institute for the Culinary Arts, Metropolitan Community College

• “Developing Essential Soft Skills to Prepare Students for the Workforce” – Jack (John) Campbell, MBA, National Louis University / Kendall College

We look forward to welcoming educators to Educational Best Practices Day in Chicago for a day of practical insights, innovation, and collaboration.

Master Class Information – Chocolate and Pizza

Click here, for genaral conference information and registration links.

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. 

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 Technology Award

2026 Innovation Award

2026 Community Outreach Award

2026 Entrepreneurship Award

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

CAFÉ Talks Podcast – Season 11

For a video peek of episode 106, click here.

To listen to the full podcast, click here.