August 21–22, 2025
Pre-conference Sessions: August 20
Washington Marriott Georgetown
1221 22nd Street NW
Washington, DC 20037

For the third annual Hospitality Pathways Conference, NRAEF will welcome nearly 200 workforce development stakeholders and partners from 35 states, including government officials, industry employers, state restaurant associations (SRAs), community-based organizations (CBOs), local correction departments, and program participants. The jam-packed agenda includes peer-networking opportunities, educational workshops, and interactive sessions to improve program implementation and increase awareness of the wide variety of career pathways in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Theme: “Passport to Employment – Connecting to Industry”

This year’s conference will focus on the many connections to industry and employment throughout the pathway of workforce programs. Some of these opportunities and strategies include industry-aligned competencies, workplace experiences, registered apprenticeships programs, scholarships, military members, and the roles that industry partners play (mentors, career panels, mock interviews, culinary demonstrations, industry skills tours, and employment).

Agenda

All times EDT and subject to change

Pre-conference: Wednesday, August 20, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

• Program 101/Overview Workshops for SRAs and CBOs, Grant-Specific Meetings, and CBO/SRA Working Group sessions
• Success Stories Gathering with our communications team at the Marriott.

Conference Day 1: Thursday, August 21, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm & Evening Reception

• Opening Plenary: “Industry of Impact” plenary featuring Restaurants Advance Leadership Award winner, Gary LeBlanc of Mercy Kitchens
• Morning: Educational workshops (five tracks, including participant recruitment & engagement, partnership & collaboration, program design & sustainability, program operations & leadership, and more!)
• Luncheon Plenary: “Industry of Opportunity” plenary featuring program participants and Hospitality Pathway program strategies
• Afternoon: interactive afternoon sessions – providing hands-on experience with our latest resources!
  Evening (6 – 8 pm): Welcome Reception & Awards Ceremony (National Restaurant Association Event Space). There will be refreshments, drinks, and an award ceremony (no special attire is required for the ceremony).

Conference Day 2: Friday, August 22, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm

• Opening Plenary: “Industry of Possibility” featuring an innovative program and speaker (TBA)
• Morning: Educational workshop tracks, structured networking opportunities, and partner working sessions
• Closing Plenary: “Industry of Excellence” featuring best of industry potential (TBA)