AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release December 12, 2016
Media Contact: Stacy Gammill, (904) 484‐0213,
[email protected]
American Culinary Federation Announces 2017 ChefConnect Regional Conferences Annual events offer educational and networking opportunities for culinary professionals
ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA., December 12, 2016—The American Culinary Federation (ACF), the leading membership organization for chefs and culinary professionals in North America, is hosting two regional conferences: ChefConnect: Chicago, February 5‐7, 2017, and ChefConnect: NYC, February 26‐28, 2017. Both ChefConnect events will commence with a discussion about embracing diversity presented by keynote speaker Costa Magoulas, CEC, CCE, CCA, AAC, dean, Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management, Daytona State College, Daytona Beach, Florida. The hospitality industry is one of the most diverse workforces in the country with more women, racial and ethnic minorities and LGBT individuals entering this field. Magoulas will discuss the dynamics of today’s workforce and the importance of including all personnel to achieve business success. In Chicago, two‐time Food Network “Cupcake Wars” winner and 2012 ACF Chef Educator of the Year Casey Shiller, CEPC, CCE, AAC, will trace his professional journey, detail how mentors shaped his food inspirations, and define the critical roles passion and creativity play in creating sweet rewards. The New York ChefConnect will feature keynote Kevin Sbraga, chef/owner of Sbraga Dining in Philadelphia. Sbraga will explore the transformation of a classic Senegal street food to an upscale menu item while sharing his multicultural food upbringing, which continues to influence his cooking philosophy. Each ChefConnect conference includes three days of educational seminars and hands‐on workshops featuring the latest trends and techniques presented by leading industry chefs. Additional 2017 topics include urban farming, butchering and sausage making, 21st century beverage concepts and more. Culinary professionals can earn up to 18 Continuing Education Hours. On‐site MarketConnect tradeshows will feature sponsors, including Allen Brothers, Inc.; American Technical Publishers; Atlantic Veal & Lamb LLC; Ecolab®; Food Industry News; IRINOX; iSi North America; Jones Dairy Farm; Libbey Inc.; MINOR’S®; Mrs. T’s Pierogies; NEWCHEF Fashion Inc.; Par‐Way Tryson Company, The Makers of Vegalene®; Plugrá® European‐Style Butter; Smithfield Foods; Sysco Chicago; The Beef Checkoff; Turbo Pot and Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. ACF Job Fairs provide a forum for employers, recruiters and job seekers to connect. ‐MORE‐
In addition, Cook. Craft. Create. ACF National Convention & Show will be held July 9‐13, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. Cook. Craft. Create. will bring together more than 1,000 culinary industry professionals and students for educational sessions and networking opportunities. Detailed event schedules and registration information is available at www.acfchefs.org/events. Discounted rates are available prior to early registration deadlines. About the American Culinary Federation The American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF), established in 1929, is the standard of excellence for chefs in North America. With more than 17,500 members spanning more than 150 chapters nationwide, ACF is the leading culinary association offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and programmatic accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States, with the Certified Executive Chef®, Certified Sous Chef®, Certified Executive Pastry Chef® and Certified Culinary Educator® designations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international culinary competitions, and to Chef & Child, founded in 1989 to promote proper nutrition in children and to combat childhood obesity. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org. Find ACF on Facebook and on Twitter. # # #
