CAFÉ Update January 19, 2026

Are you serving as a Program Dean or Director? If so, we invite you to participate in our 2026 CAFÉ Conferences.

If you only choose one educational event to attend this year – this is the one! If you are looking for an event takeaway that will help to inspire new thinking among your faculty and administrators, and if you are seeking a platform that will set the stage for real positive change in your institution, then CAFÉ’s Deans and Directors Retreat is the answer.

Why is it that so many factors impact the success of our programs, and we seem challenged to address them? Why are we struggling to stand out in a crowded marketplace? Why is change such a struggle even when we know it’s needed?

This year’s Deans and Directors retreat is designed to “knock your socks off”, to set the stage for open-mined thinking, to serve as a vehicle for creating a forward vision, and to stimulate your ability to listen before you act.

The theme of Transitions through Scenario Planning and Thinking Differently will welcome inspirational presentations and a roundtable workshop presented by Chef Mark Graham formerly of Kellogg Product Development; Ann Zuccardy – Author, TEDTalks Speaker, and Educator; and Professor Joseph Conto – Hospitality Instructor and Improv presenter. This full day of presentations and participant interaction will be hosted by Chef Paul Sorgule of Harvest America Ventures Consulting and CAFÉ Talks Podcast Host. Be prepared to engage, interact, and express as the day moves through the process of learning to listen and brainstorming while asking, “what if?”

For the most recent agenda update, click here.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in Chicago in June.

Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

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

SAVE THE DATE and Register Today! The conference registration links are now active, click here. Register by January 31, 2026 and receive a discount!!

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. 

CAFÉ Membership Information & Renewals

CAFÉ Mission: “To link the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom.”

Your membership supports the CAFE mission statement:

• Innovative and Forward Thinking
• Hearing from other voices
• Sharing resources
• Keeping up to date with both industry and teaching trends
• Resource Rich Website
• Journal of Best Practices
• Monthly Magazine
• Bi-weekly Podcast
• Podcast Lesson Plans
• National and Local Events
• Discount to a CAFE Event

Now offering Individual, Institutional and Industry memberships.

For more information, click here.

Already a member? Renewal access available after January 1st. 

Instructions on membership renewals, click here.

CAFÉ Talks Podcast – Season 11

For a video peek of episode 105, click here.
To listen to the full podcast, click here.

Want to hear more information from Chef Altieri? The Chef will be a panelist on our "Alternate Training Models Panel Discussion" at the 2026 CAFE Leadership Conference in Chicago, Illinois in June 2026.

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.