CAFÉ Update May 11, 2026
12 May 2026
New This Year: Get ready to follow a scavenger hunt map throughout the Info Fair looking for QR codes. Each sponsor table will have a culinary technology or trend question to answer or fun chance to take a selfie. Visit all the tables, submit answers and get a stamp for your effort. Random names will be selected for first-, second- and third-place prizes. The prizes will be announced at breakfast the next day
Bring your charged phones, put on your best sleuth cap, have fun and enjoy a chance to earn and learn.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone in June in Chicago!
Lisa Parrish
Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 Conference Information
Master Class Information – Chocolate and Pizza
The hotel accommodations will be the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago (Limited Rooms Available – secure your room today). 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 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 all the 2026 Conference “Meet Our Partner” videos on our YouTube channel: @Cafemeetingplace
Have you checked out CAFÉ Talks Podcast?
Our host, Paul Sorgule has spearheaded this podcast and has done a wonderful job. He has interviewed over 100 of the most influential people in education, culinary classrooms, the foodservice industry, leadership, innovation, culinary history, and management – there is something for everyone to relish and use.
Have you thought about integrating the CAFÉ Talks Podcast into your student curriculum for an assignment? Have you thought "I really wish I could remember which podcast pertained to a certain subject?"
Paul Sorgule, has created an organized chart that demonstrates where each interview might apply in your classrooms as assignments or a point of reference for faculty.
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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