In June 2022, CAFÉ is offering both the Leadership Conference and the Deans and Directors Retreat in Portland, Maine, occurring on consecutive days. For the first time, attendees have the option of attending one or two events.

The Deans and Directors Retreat kicks off the schedule, meeting for one day on June 22 at Southern Maine Community College. It is open to all foodservice leaders and instructors. The theme “Future of Culinary Arts Education” will be addressed by speakers and panelists throughout the day. Bob Eckert, CEO of New and Improved, is slated to present in the morning while the afternoon speaker has yet to be announced. Ted-style talks will be held during lunch as well as an afternoon panel discussing “Different Models and Ingredients of Foodservice Education.”

The cost for the one-day conference is $299, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and invitation to the opening night reception of the Leadership Conference. Attendees who are CAFÉ Members will receive a $25 discount to the event.

The afternoon of June 22 will see the 16^th Annual Leadership Conference begin with optional Master Classes, including a Lobster Boat experience and chocolate workshops. Other classes will be announced soon. That evening, attendees and guests of both events will mingle during the opening night reception, including a chef showcase, and listen as CAFÉ award winners are announced. The event is open to all culinary arts instructors and leaders.

The Leadership Conference’s theme, The Future of Food, will permeate the next two days of presentations and workshops. June 23, Industry Outreach Day, will feature Joe Guszkowski, senior editor for Restaurant Business, discussing, “What’s Next in Restaurant Technology.” Other trend sessions by industry partners will be announced soon. The day will also include an Info Fair with a happy hour movie, “A Fine Line.”

Educational Best Practices Day will be held on June 24^th and will see Dr. Fred Mayo, CAFÉ columnist and retired clinical professor of hotel and tourism management at New York University, present the keynote address, “Adopt. Adapt. Amend.” Peer presentations and break-out sessions will round out the final day of the gathering.

The cost to attend only the Leadership Conference is $399, which includes ACF continuing education hours, reception, two breakfasts, two lunches and transportation to and from the school to the hotel.  CAFÉ Members receive a $25 discount.

For those interested in attending both events, the total cost is $499. Click here for hotel information and Retreat and Conference registration and pricing information.