Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic 2025
2025-03-05 - 2025-03-08 | The Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA, 93953, United States
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA
March 5-8, 2025

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Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 03/27/25
2025-03-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series
Building Opportunity for Young People
Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Register Now
Find out why the restaurant industry means opportunity for young people from all backgrounds and how Restaurant Ready is equipping them with first job skills to enter our industry and grow. You’ll leave with an understanding of the unique contributions these young people are bringing to the restaurant industry and how you can be part of the NRAEF’s work through Restaurant Ready to empower people from all backgrounds to build a long-term restaurant career.
Panelists:

Patricia D. Gill – Director, Program Development & Success, NRAEF (moderator)
Wakin’ Bakin’ – Restaurant Ready Site & Employer:

Conrad Chura, Founder & Operator – Wakin’ Bakin’ LLC
Isaiah Talbert, Graduate, Lead Cook – JW Marriott New Orleans (Wakin Bakin Bridge Program Alumna)

Café Reconcile, Restaurant Ready Site & Employer:

Vy Linh Ky, People Manager – Virgin Hotel New Orleans
Mia Williams, Hostess – Virgin Hotel New Orleans (Café Reconcile Alumna)

Join us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry.

REGISTER NOW

Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - March 2025
2025-03-31 - 2025-04-04 | Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, 312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, 78215
Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2025

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Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 04/24/25
2025-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series
Thinking Like a Restaurant Owner: How Apprenticeship is Fueling Leadership Development in the Restaurant Workforce
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
Running a restaurant requires stamina and a business-savvy skill set – expertise that is best acquired on the job. Find out how apprenticeship is maximizing the hands-on nature of restaurant employment to help operators advance and promote employees who can master cost management as well as they wield their knife skills. Walk away from this webinar understanding the value of apprenticeship to restaurant business longevity and actionable information to implement it at your operation.
Unlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies.
Join us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry.

REGISTER NOW

National ProStart Invitational 2025
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-04 | Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, United States
National ProStart Invitational
May 2–4, 2025

View the main NPSI page

Register to Attend

Military Foodservice Awards & Training 2025
2025-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Palmer House Hilton, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL, United States
Military Foodservice Awards
Friday, May 16, 2025

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Learn more and watch the Livestream

Register Now!

National Restaurant Association Show 2025
2025-05-17 - 2025-05-20 | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, United States
National Restaurant Association Show
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
May 17-20, 2025Chicago, Illinois

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Educational Foundation Activities at and around the National Restaurant Association Show
Each year, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation hosts and participates in a variety of special events associated or concurrent with the National Restaurant Association Show. The following list includes highlights of our activity for the 2025 Show. If you have any questions, please fee free to contact us at partnerships@nraef.org.

TOPIC
INFO
DATE
LOCATION

NRAEF’s Military Foodservice Awards
Go to the Awards web page
Friday, May 17, 7:00 PM CT
Palmer House Hilton

Advanced Military Management Training Program
Go to Military Training
Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 18
Palmer House HiltonNational Restaurant Association Show

Exhibit: National Restaurant Association Show
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation booth.
Saturday, May 18 through Monday, May 20
National Restaurant Association Show: North Building — 6600

ProStart® JumpStart Grantees
ProStart students from the W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette, LA, tour the Show.
Saturday, May 18
National Restaurant Association Show

Session: Creating Exceptional and Indispensable Experiences: How Cultural Intelligence Drives Retention and Growth
MFHA’s Erika Cospy Carr presents at the Show. Session info here.
Sunday, May 19, 10:00 AM CT
National Restaurant Association Show: Room S502 – South Building – 5th Floor

Ecolab’s Sunday Night Spotlight
Bites & Beats private partner event. More information.
Sunday, May 19

Session: Diners, Drama & Disrespect: Stopping Toxic Behaviors Before They Cost You
MFHA’s Erika Cospy Carr presents at the Show. Session info here.
Monday, May 20, 12:00 PM CT
National Restaurant Association Show: Discovery Theater – South Hall – 2693

Session: Talented and Ready to Serve! Increasing Young Adult Employment and Advancement in Restaurant & Hospitality Careers
NRAEF’s Patricia Gill presents at the show. Session info here.
Monday, May 20, 11:30 AM CT
National Restaurant Association Show: Room S405 – South Building – 4th Floor

Session: Expert Exchange & Networking
NRAEF’s Patricia Gill participates with other industry experts where Expo + Education badge holders can connect directly to ask questions on critical topics tailored to each expert’s area of expertise. More information.
Monday, May 20, 12:15 PM CT
National Restaurant Association Show: South Building, 400 Level Foyer

Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 05/29/25
2025-05-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series
Duty and Expertise: Upskilling America’s Military Foodservice Professionals
Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET – Register Now
While foodservice professionals play a key role in America’s Armed Forces, they’re also an asset to restaurant operators once they transition to the civilian career space, bringing a range of high-level industry skills forged in demanding environments. During this special Armed Forces Day webinar, find out how the NRAEF is strengthening the skill set of military foodservice professionals and why industry employers are embracing them as they build high performing restaurant teams. Leave with a fresh appreciation for the contributions of the military’s foodservice and hospitality professionals and learn how you can tap into their talent and skill set.
Speakers include:

Derek Small (host), Military Program Director, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Donald Bartlett, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships, Aramark
Master Gunnery Sergeant Shawn C. Fitzpatrick, Food Technician, DC I&L MCICOM G4, HQMC, U.S. Marine Corps
Culinary Specialist, Senior Chief Petty Officer Edward Fuchs, U.S. Coast Guard
Dawn Lyons, Senior Director HR & Military Talent, Compass Group

Unlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies.
Join us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry.

REGISTER NOW

MFHA Roundtable: Developing Future-Ready Leaders
2025-06-16 17:30 - 2025-06-17 16:30 (America/New_York) | DC
MFHA Roundtable: Developing Future-Ready Leaders
June 16-17, 2025Ecolab, St. Paul, MN
Leadership is the foundation of success in the fast-paced restaurant and hospitality world. This session equips senior leaders and executives with the cultural intelligence they need to lead diverse teams, navigate cultural dynamics, and foster innovation. Learn how culturally intelligent leaders can drive operational excellence and organizational performance.

Learn More and Register

MFHA’s Roundtables explore how cultural intelligence can build more collaborative teams, enhance communication, and build future-ready leadership. Honing these skills makes individuals invaluable contributors in any professional setting and empowers organizations to build strategies that adapt, endure, and thrive. Designed for diverse industry stakeholders, you’ll receive actionable insight and practical tools that drive organizational growth and fuel success.

Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 06/26/25
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series
Building the Next Generation of Leaders and Fostering Enthusiasm for the Restaurant Industry
Thursday, June 26, 2025 – Register Now
This isn’t your mom’s home-economics classroom. Find out how ProStart® is capturing the passion of more than 214,000 high schoolers nationwide to foster learning and engagement with foodservice careers. Hear from one chef educator who is teaching students what’s possible in our industry through some innovative, hands-on teaching methods and hear from a ProStart alum who says the program sparked a career. You’ll leave excited about the future of our industry and equipped to support this vital high school career program.
Unlock the potential of the restaurant industry with our six-part “Industry of Opportunity” webinar series! From building essential skills to inspiring the next generation of leaders, this series is designed to empower you and your team with actionable insights and innovative strategies.
Join us on the last Thursday of each month to explore topics ranging from skill-building and cultural intelligence to youth engagement and leadership development. Each webinar promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable information to help you and your team thrive in this dynamic industry.

REGISTER NOW

ProStart® Professional Development 2025
2025-07-06 - 2025-07-11 | The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA, 70112
ProStart® Professional Development 2025
New Orleans, Louisiana

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Advanced Military Professional Educational Development (AMPED)
2025-07-29 - 2025-07-30 | Hormel Foods, 2 Hormel Place, Austin, MN, 55912, United States
Advanced Military Professional Educational Development
July 29-30, 2025
Hosted by Hormel Foods

Learn More about AMPED

HOSTED BY:

MFHA Roundtable: Harnessing Cultural Intelligence to Elevate Team Performance
2025-08-11 17:30 - 2025-08-12 16:30 (America/New_York) | DC
MFHA Roundtable: Harnessing Cultural Intelligence to Elevate Team Performance
August 11-12, 2025Dine Brands, Pasadena, CA
With diverse teams at the heart of the restaurant and hospitality industry, cultural intelligence is key to creating collaborative, high-performing workplaces. This session explores how understanding and leveraging cultural differences can enhance team cohesion, reduce conflict, and boost productivity in front-of-house and back-of-house operations.

Learn More and Register

MFHA’s Roundtables explore how cultural intelligence can build more collaborative teams, enhance communication, and build future-ready leadership. Honing these skills makes individuals invaluable contributors in any professional setting and empowers organizations to build strategies that adapt, endure, and thrive. Designed for diverse industry stakeholders, you’ll receive actionable insight and practical tools that drive organizational growth and fuel success.

Hospitality Pathways Conference 2025
2025-08-21 - 2025-08-22 | Washington Marriott Georgetown, 1221 22ND STREET NW, Washington, DC, 20037
August 21–22, 2025Pre-conference Sessions: August 20Washington Marriott Georgetown1221 22nd Street NWWashington, DC 20037

Learn More & Register

Webinar: Fueling the Future of Work - Building Career Pathways in the Restaurant Industry
2025-09-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Fueling the Future of Work: Building Career Pathways in the Restaurant Industry
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
The restaurant industry operates in every community in America, employing more than 15.7 million people as the nation’s second-largest private sector employer. Join this webinar to learn about the career pathways generated by this powerful industry and leave with an overview of how the Foundation’s new RestaurantsWork tool can help individuals explore and interact with the myriad opportunities available in every community in America.
In honor of Workforce Development Month, the Foundation is presenting this free, four-part webinar series designed to address the evolving needs of the restaurant and hospitality workforce. Each session brings together industry leaders, workforce experts, and changemakers to explore strategies that empower workers, close skills gaps, and drive long-term career success. Whether you’re an operator, workforce partner, educator, or jobseeker advocate, these sessions will equip you with strategies to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of industry talent.

REGISTER NOW

Webinar: Fueling the Future of Work - Shaping the Restaurant Workforce Through Cultural Intelligence and Second Chances
2025-09-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Fueling the Future of Work: Shaping the Restaurant Workforce Through Cultural Intelligence and Second Chances
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
Restaurants reflect incredible variety – from the guests they serve, to the flavors and menus they create, to the backgrounds and experiences of the people they employ. Join this webinar to explore the intersection of cultural intelligence and second-chance hiring. Learn how Foundation programs like Restaurant Ready and HOPES are leaning into the unique strengths of individuals with justice involvement to enhance and build the restaurant workforce. You’ll leave with an understanding of MFHA’s work to build cultural intelligence in the industry as well as the tangible ways Foundation programs are bringing this concept to life.
In honor of Workforce Development Month, the Foundation is presenting this free, four-part webinar series designed to address the evolving needs of the restaurant and hospitality workforce. Each session brings together industry leaders, workforce experts, and changemakers to explore strategies that empower workers, close skills gaps, and drive long-term career success. Whether you’re an operator, workforce partner, educator, or jobseeker advocate, these sessions will equip you with strategies to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of industry talent.

REGISTER NOW

2025 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards Ceremony Livestream
2025-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Watch the 2025 Restaurants Advance Leaderships Awards Ceremony LivestreamTuesday, September 16, 7:00pm ET
This year, for the first time, we will be airing a livestream broadcast of the awards ceremony as we announce the 2025 winners and hear their remarks.
Presented during the National Restaurant Association Fall Board Meetings, the Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards are awarded to individuals for the Inclusion Innovator Award, the Community Champion Award, the My Journey Award, and the Ambassador of Hospitality Award. The Foundation designates a special $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to a future restaurant leader in each winner’s name.

WATCH THE LIVESTREAM

Webinar: Fueling the Future of Work - Fostering Future-Ready Leaders Through Training and Upskilling
2025-09-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Fueling the Future of Work: Fostering Future-Ready Leaders Through Training and Upskilling
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
Training and upskilling are at the heart of restaurant workforce development, ensuring that individuals have both the knowledge and hands-on experience to embark and advance through an industry career. This webinar will explore the intersection of the ProStart experience – supported through initiatives like JumpStart and Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grants – with career building pathways like apprenticeship and post-secondary scholarships. You’ll walk away with a fresh look at how the Foundation is investing in young futures to build future ready leaders.
In honor of Workforce Development Month, the Foundation is presenting this free, four-part webinar series designed to address the evolving needs of the restaurant and hospitality workforce. Each session brings together industry leaders, workforce experts, and changemakers to explore strategies that empower workers, close skills gaps, and drive long-term career success. Whether you’re an operator, workforce partner, educator, or jobseeker advocate, these sessions will equip you with strategies to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of industry talent.

REGISTER NOW

Webinar: Fueling the Future of Work - Building a Future-Ready Workforce Through Policy, Partnership, and Practice
2025-10-01 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Fueling the Future of Work: Building a Future-Ready Workforce Through Policy, Partnership, and Practice
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 11:00 am ET – Register Now
In the final session of the series, we’ll explore how operators can leverage public-private resources and partnerships to build their own future-ready teams and drive workforce impact in their communities. Learn from Foundation and Association stakeholders why a public-private partnership is essential for initiatives like apprenticeship to succeed in building a long-term talent pipeline. Finally, operators will gain insight into other resources, including available tax incentives through tip and overtime exemptions, child-care credits, and paid leave support to strengthen their teams for the long haul.
In honor of Workforce Development Month, the Foundation is presenting this free, four-part webinar series designed to address the evolving needs of the restaurant and hospitality workforce. Each session brings together industry leaders, workforce experts, and changemakers to explore strategies that empower workers, close skills gaps, and drive long-term career success. Whether you’re an operator, workforce partner, educator, or jobseeker advocate, these sessions will equip you with strategies to attract, develop, and retain the next generation of industry talent.

REGISTER NOW

ProStart® Leadership Forum
2025-10-05 - 2025-10-08 | Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
ProStart® Leadership Forum 2025
Minneapolis, Minnesota

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For more information, please contact prostart@nraef.org.

MFHA Roundtable: Connecting Customers, Communities, and Culture
2025-11-05 17:30 - 2025-11-06 16:30 (America/New_York) | DC
MFHA Roundtable: Connecting Customers, Communities, and Culture
November 5-6, 2025The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA
In the restaurant and hospitality industry, impact goes beyond great service—it’s about aligning brand purpose with customer engagement and community outreach. This session explores how cultural intelligence can expand your business’s influence by fostering authentic connections with guests and the communities you serve. Learn strategies to integrate cultural awareness into your brand, build loyalty, and create meaningful, purpose-driven outreach initiatives.

Learn More and Register

MFHA’s Roundtables explore how cultural intelligence can build more collaborative teams, enhance communication, and build future-ready leadership. Honing these skills makes individuals invaluable contributors in any professional setting and empowers organizations to build strategies that adapt, endure, and thrive. Designed for diverse industry stakeholders, you’ll receive actionable insight and practical tools that drive organizational growth and fuel success.

Webinar: Cultivating Opportunity: Foundation Scholarship Recipients Leading the Future of the Restaurant & Hospitality Industry
2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Cultivating Opportunity: Foundation Scholarship Recipients Leading the Future of the Restaurant & Hospitality Industry
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
The skills gap is widening in the United States and industries must evolve to meet the shifting needs and expectations of their customers. With over 70 different career pathways, we believe opportunity thrives in the restaurant and hospitality industry. From viticulture to pastry, we are investing in future of our industry through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Scholarships program.
Hear how some of our most distinguished Scholarship recipients have leveraged the Foundation’s investment into their post-secondary education to maximize their potential. You will walk away with insights into how they’re transforming the future of our industry- and making it easier for you to find your organization’s next rising star.

REGISTER NOW

Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic 2026
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-07 | The Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA, 93953, United States
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA
March 4–7, 2026

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National ProStart Invitational 2026
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-26 | Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, United States
National ProStart Invitational 2026
April 24–26, 2026

View the main NPSI page & event Livestreams

Strengthening the Industry: How Apprenticeships Empower Workers and Employers
2026-04-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | DC
Strengthening the Industry: How Apprenticeships Empower Workers and Employers
Live and on-demand
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
Nine out of every 10 restaurant managers started their industry career in entry-level roles. Many United States workers are seeking pathways beyond college and university to build lasting careers. In 2016, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor to establish the first nationwide, industry-recognized apprenticeship initiative to merge paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
The Foundation’s Apprenticeship program provides a win-win scenario for employees looking for growth and employers seeking support and structure in nurturing strong talent. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we will learn how apprenticeships enrich the restaurant and hospitality industry. and hear from our Apprenticeship program graduates and employer partners who have seen success with this model over the past decade.

REGISTER NOW

Military Foodservice Awards & Training 2026
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Palmer House Hilton, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL, United States
Military Foodservice Awards & Training
May 15-17, 2026

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Learn more and watch the Livestream

Register for the Awards Gala

National Restaurant Association Show 2026
2026-05-16 - 2026-05-19 | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, United States
National Restaurant Association Show
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
May 16-19, 2026Chicago, Illinois

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Educational Foundation Activities at and around the National Restaurant Association Show
Each year, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation hosts and participates in a variety of special events associated or concurrent with the National Restaurant Association Show. When available, we will publish a list that includes highlights of our activity for the 2026 Show. If you have any questions, please fee free to contact us at partnerships@nraef.org.

Where Military Experience Meets Industry Opportunity
2026-05-28 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event, N/A
Where Military Experience Meets Industry Opportunity
Live and on-demand
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
Foodservice professionals transitioning out of the United States Armed Forces bring a unique perspective to our industry. Their training and skillset allow them to understand complex situations and provide effective solutions in high-pressure circumstances. These are qualities that industry employers seek out in identifying top-tier talent, but risk losing out on by not connecting these skills to a purpose driven opportunity.
In this session, you’ll learn more about what the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is doing to help our armed service members find their next mission within our industry. We’ll discuss how the Military program is equipping service members with the skills they need to make an impact on their current day-to-day responsibilities and connecting them with potential employers to consider as they transition into civilian careers. You’ll walk away with insights on how to attract and retain veteran talent by providing them with opportunities to maximize their own potential in our industry.

REGISTER NOW

Speakers
Derek Small, Military Program Director, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
James Colbert, Executive Director, Heroes Linked
Baron McDaniel, National Sales Manager, U.S. Military, Hormel Foods Corporation

Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP)
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-25 | Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD
Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - June 2026

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Maximizing Potential: Career Readiness Through the Restaurant Ready Program
2026-06-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event, N/A
Maximizing Potential: Career Readiness Through the Restaurant Ready Program
Live and on-demand
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
Restaurants offering meaningful career opportunities regardless of your individual background. 2 out of 3 adults have worked in a restaurant and the industry plays a foundational role in teaching essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving— skills needed in almost every profession. In a world where the next generation of our workforce feels unprepared to work or unsure of how to build a career, The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Restaurant Ready program sets participants up for success by providing the structure they need.
Hear from program participants who have leveraged this support in building career readiness skills to maximize their own potential. You’ll walk away with insight into how Restaurant Ready is empowering people to take on roles within the industry and build a future that meets their goals.

REGISTER NOW
