I came across this phrase recently and I thought how appropriate it is reflecting on the theme of the 2025 CAFÉ conferences: “The Need for Change.”

Lots of us would like to continue with our work places the way they have (successfully) been. We know change is coming and is here…but we still need to see and understand the changes that are driving our future.

CAFÉ’s events are geared towards helping you, the teachers of the next generation of hospitality, both front and back of the house.

We hope you will appreciate the panels that will discuss schools who have embraced change.

We hope that you will enjoy hearing about innovative partnerships between education and industry.

We are sure that you will be impressed with our industry folks who will answer What’s New? And What’s Next?

And on the educational best practices day, you will hear from your peers on strategies that have worked for them in the classroom.

Help us keep CAFÉ a viable part of your professional development. We want to help you build great places to work!!

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

2025 Hotel Information

Great news the hotel has EXTENDED our cut-off date to June 4, 2025. If you are planning on attending this year's conference and staying at our designated hotel, please reserve your room today!

Our hotel is The Westin in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The hotel cut-off date is now June 4, 2025 or sooner if our room block fills. Once our block is full we cannot guarantee you a room at a reduced rate. For more hotel information, click here.

Click here to Register Today! 

If you are a CAFE member remember to log into your account before registering to receive your member's discount. 

2025 Pizza Master Class – Limited Spaces Available

CAFÉ has partnered again this year with Real California Milk to offer a Pizza Master Class on Tuesday, June 24th as part of the 2025 CAFÉ Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. This class will have an extended time from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We are excited to have Edward Stalewski, Pizzaiolo, Mercurio’s Pittsburgh, a Pittsburgh local to teach this master class for us this year.

This will be the only Master Class we will be offering this year. The Master Class has a separate fee and has limited seating. For more information, click here. To register, click here. Reserve you spot today!

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. 

Click her to download your copy of the chart. 

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.