Sign up now for the June 2026 CAFÉ Leadership Conference and Deans and Directors Retreat in Chicago. Both events are open to culinary education leaders and instructors. Attendees have the option of attending one or both events.
This year’s Deans and Directors retreat on June 23 is designed to “knock your socks off” and 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 “Transitions Through Scenario Planning and Thinking Differently” includes presentations and roundtable discussions. Presenters are Chef Mark Graham, global director of Innovation for Windoria Foods; Ann Zuccardy, author, TEDTalks speaker and educator; and Professor Joseph Conto, hospitality instructor and improv presenter. This full day is hosted by Chef Paul Sorgule of Harvest America Ventures Consulting and CAFÉ Talks Podcast Host. Be prepared to engage, interact and learn to listen and brainstorm while asking, “What if?”
The cost for the one-day conference is $349, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an invitation to the opening night reception of the Leadership Conference.
The 20th Annual Leadership Conference kicks off in the afternoon with optional three-hour, hands-on Master Classes. Participants will either focus on pizza building fundamentals or learn essential chocolate techniques and recipes. That evening, conference goers and guests of both CAFÉ events will mingle during the opening night reception, nosh on chef showcase prepared dishes, and listen as CAFÉ award winners are announced.
The Leadership Conference continues with Industry Outreach Day beginning with keynote presentation, “Driving Growth Through Acquisition, Diversification, and Tech,” presented by Dean Martinus, president of Restaurant Associates Catering Division. Attendees will then attend panel discussions and breakout sessions.
New this year is a Scavenger Hunt during the Info Fair segment. Bring your fully charged phones and follow the map through Info Fair tables. Answer questions at each table by scanning the QR codes and submitting your ideas. After the Info Fair, a random drawing will select three winners from among those who completed all the questions, each receiving a cash prize.
Educational Best Practices Day, held on June 25, begins with David Uminski, St. Philips College, presenting the keynote address, “The AI Sous Chef: Integrating Generative AI to Develop Active Learning Strategies.” Peer presentations focusing on technology in the classroom and kitchen will round out the final day.
The cost to attend the Leadership Conference is $499, which includes ACF continuing education hours, reception, two breakfasts and two lunches. CAFÉ Members receive a $25 discount.
For those interested in attending both events, the total cost is $549.