CAFÉ Update April 13, 2026
13 April 2026CAFÉ has a mission of linking the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom.
Even though we have worked on this topic for 20+ years, we find ourselves at a crossroad with all of the changes and challenges that culinary programs are facing.
Technology: Yes! You need to know about applications such as AI. And Yes, you need to help your students work with equipment that didn’t exist back in the day!
Team Work: It looks different, but the expectations are still based on the traditional kitchen positions. This only works when there is inspiration and concentration led by chefs who have a great deal to teach in a manner that students can embrace and instructors who are prepared to work with students who may have unrealistic expectations.
Industry Changes: There are new products and there are new applications with products that have been around a long time. You are guaranteed to come across some new ideas and applications.
International experiences: Yes! Culinary medicine: Yes! Different career paths? Yes!
Join your fellow culinary instructors and deans and directors for three days of speakers, panels, food exhibitions, and more!
CAFÉ is an organization based on your needs and interests. The annual conference is June 22-25 and is hosted by Kendall College in Chicago.
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 Conference Information
Master 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.
2026 CAFÉ Awards Deadline Extended
The 2026 CAFÉ Awards deadline is April 15th!
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 for all applications: April 15, 2026
2026 Conference Countdown: Partner Spotlights
More Partner Spotlights coming soon! We’re proud to collaborate with this exceptional group of sponsors who make our conferences truly possible.
Watch the 2026 Conference “Meet Our Partner” videos on our YouTube channel: @Cafemeetingplace
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.
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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