This past week, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation hosted its inaugural Hospitality Pathways Conference in Washington, DC. The conference attendees participated in workshops and simulations designed to increase awareness of non-traditional pathways into the restaurant and hospitality industry, an important issue addressed by NRAEF’s workforce development programs: Restaurant Ready, HOPES, and Apprenticeship. The jam-packed agenda included workshops, interactive sessions, culinary trainings and more. In addition, the first evening featured a Welcome Reception and Awards ceremony, honoring achievements in apprenticeship and workforce development, hosted at the National Restaurant Association headquarters.

Keynote speakers at the opening session included Brent Parton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration at U.S. Department of Labor, and Rob Gifford, NRAEF President. More than 150 workforce development partners and program participants at the conference included a cross-section of government officials from the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education, as well as industry employers, state restaurant associations, community-based organizations, and local correction departments.

Photo and video highlights are included, below. More highlights are posted to our Facebook page. Make sure to be on the lookout for information about our next Hospitality Pathways Conference, in 2024!