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 theme is the “Future of Foodservice Education” and will showcase how to manage that change. The one-day meeting on June 22 at Southern Maine Community College is open to all foodservice leaders and instructors. Bob Eckert, CEO of New and Improved, is slated to present in the morning. Ted-style talks will be held after lunch as well as a panel discussion on “Re-imagining Foodservice Education” followed by Drexel University’s Dr. Jonathan Deutsch and several guests discussing “Culture in the Kitchen Classroom.”

The cost for the one-day conference is $299, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch and an 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 a beginners and advanced chocolate workshop. 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 and their guests.

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 attendees can choose from include presentations by the:

• National Watermelon Promotion Board
• National Mango Board
• Washington Red Raspberries
• RATIONAL
• Real California Milk
• National Aquaculture Association
• Certified Culinary Medical Professional
• National Pork Board.

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 all agenda information, registration and pricing information as well as hotel details.