CAFÉ Update March 30, 2026
30 March 2026Master Class Information – Chocolate and Pizza
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.
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 Conference Countdown: Partner Spotlights
Each week leading up to the conference, we’ll be spotlighting our 2026 Conference Partners. We’re proud to collaborate with this exceptional group of sponsors who make our conferences truly possible.
Watch the 2026 Conference “Meet Our Partner” YouTube videos below:
2026 CAFÉ Awards Deadline Extended
The 2026 CAFÉ Awards deadline has been extended to April 15th due to additonal awards catagories.
To view all awards go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards.
2026 Educator of the Year Award (Secondary & Postsecondary)
2026 Student of the Year Award
You may nominate a fellow teacher or yourself. Previous applicants and winners are eligible to apply, but you must submit an application to be considered.
Also, if you know 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. Encourage them to apply.
Deadline extended for all applications: April 15, 2026
Watermelon Curriculum from the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon is an on-trend ingredient and more foodservice operators are embracing this versatile fruit. It can also play an important role in culinary education from garde manger to flavor versatility. That’s why the National Watermelon Promotion Board has created culinary curriculum for instructors, students and chefs, accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
Watermelon Culinary Curriculum Lesson Plans
The lesson plans and videos can be used in the classroom, as an on-line tool or for personal development. To receive the certificate for Continuing Education Hours (5) you must complete the quiz and evaluation. Please use the link below to access and complete the curriculum:
watermelon.org/audiences/foodservice/culinary-education
Bonus: The first 50 instructors to complete the curriculum by March 31, 2026 will receive a $20 digital amazon gift card.
For a video peek of episode 107, click here.
To listen to the full podcast, click here.
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.
CAFÉ CONTACT INFORMATION
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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