MFHA Roundtable - Chicago, IL
2023-11-09 08:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | McDonald’s Corporation, Chicago, IL, United States
MFHA Roundtable - Chicago, IL

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MFHA Roundtable - Atlanta, GA
2024-02-06 - 2024-02-07 | Inspire Brands, Atlanta, GA, United States
MFHA Roundtable - Atlanta, GA

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Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic 2024
2024-03-06 - 2024-03-09 | The Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA, 93953, United States
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA
March 6-9, 2024

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Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - March 2024
2024-03-11 - 2024-03-15 | Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, 312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, 78215
Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - March 2024

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National ProStart Invitational 2024
2024-04-26 - 2024-04-28 | Marriott Baltimore Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202, United States
National ProStart Invitational
April 26–28, 2024

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Military Foodservice Awards & Training 2024
2024-05-17 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Palmer House Hilton, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL, United States
Military Foodservice Awards
May 17, 2024

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National Restaurant Association Show 2024
2024-05-18 - 2024-05-21 | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, United States
National Restaurant Association Show
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
May 18-21, 2024

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ProStart® Professional Development 2024
2024-07-07 - 2024-07-12 | The Roosevelt New Orleans, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA, 70112
ProStart Professional Development 2024
New Orleans, Louisiana

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Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - July 2024
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-26 | Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, 312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, 78215
Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - July 2024

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MFHA Roundtable - Washington, DC
2024-08-20 - 2024-08-21 | National Restaurant Association, 2055 L Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
MFHA Roundtable - Dallas, TX

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Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2024
2024-11-04 - 2024-11-08 | Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, 312 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, 78215
Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - November 2024

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MFHA Roundtable - Dallas, TX
2024-11-12 - 2024-11-13 | Brinker International, Dallas, TX

Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 01/30/25
2025-01-30 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | CA
Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series
Culinary and Beyond: Building Skills and Advancement in the Restaurant Workforce
Thursday, January 30, 2025 – Register Now
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

Meet The Speakers

Amy Shipshock, Culinary Team Manager, Rich ProductsAmy’s first cooking instructor was her mom, a very talented home cook who taught Amy how to prepare and love food. Later, Amy was introduced to a neighbor who owned one of the top 50 fine dining restaurants in the United States. When Amy was in her 20s and deciding her career path, her neighbor offered her a job at his kitchen. There she fell in love with pastry and working in a professional kitchen. Amy earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the Art institutes International of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in hospitality management from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Amy ran the pastry program at the school for ten years and mentored other young chefs in the art of dough. Amy received her CEPC, Executive Pastry Chef Certification from the American Culinary Federation and spent 16 years as an Executive Pastry Chef. She transitioned to a job in sales for a gelato manufacturer out of Italy before joining Rich’s in 2016, where her multifaceted background is a perfect fit. Amy worked in TV doing food segments along with food styling which has given her an incredibly well-rounded background.

Robert Tremblay, Associate Director of Admissions, The Culinary Institute of AmericaRobert Tremblay has been working in the admissions office at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) for the past 11 years and is also a 2010 graduate. Prior to going to culinary school, he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations at The University of Lynchburg. He used his PR background as a media relations intern while attending The CIA. He worked in restaurants for several years prior to joining the CIA admissions department. In addition to being in the admissions department, he’s also doing culinary demonstrations to help showcase teaching strategies at the CIA.

Gregory Nemchik, Personal Chef and Continuing Education Instructor, Westmoreland County Community CollegeAt age 65, Greg decided it was time for him to pursue his lifelong dream of going to culinary school. After a decades long career in sales, he retired from his position as CEO of Workplace Furnishings and returned to school. In 2021, he enrolled at Westmoreland County Community College to begin his studies in the culinary arts. As a nontraditional student, he was apprehensive about being one of the oldest students in the program but graduated with honors in 2024. He is adjunct instructor at Westmoreland Community College and a personal chef. He is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association and a earned a Specialized Certificate as a Personal Chef from the American Culinary Federation. In December 2024, he was inducted into the prestigious Chaine des Rotisseurs, a renowned wine and food society founded in France.

Laryssa Maia, Student, Culinary Institute of America, Major: Food Business ManagementLaryssa is a 2nd semester student at The Culinary Institute of America majoring in Food Business Management with a concentration in the culinary. She went to a vocational high school where she won “Outstanding Vocational Student of the Year” by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators She is the first in her family to go to college. Growing up in a Brazilian American home, every family gathering was centered around food, and he favorite role was helping her mother in the kitchen. That passion for cooking continued through high school where she participated in the ProStart program and SkillsUSA all four years. She worked in restaurants throughout high school in quick service, country clubs and fine dining restaurants. One day, she hopes to own a Brazilian restaurant that celebrates her culture and Brazilian heritage. She chose to pursue a career in the hospitality industry because of all the endless opportunities it provides, and it will give her an outlet for her creativity.

Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 02/27/25
2025-02-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | CA
Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series
Cultural Intelligence 101
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – Register Now
In a jargon filled world, building industry workplaces that support everyone is simpler than many realize. Join this webinar with MFHA’s leader, Erika Cospy Carr who will talk through the concept of cultural intelligence and what it means in today’s restaurant industry environment in a polarized climate. Leave with a fresh take on next steps and the MFHA resources that are available to help you maximize the human potential of your business.
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

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) | CA
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

Industry of Opportunity Webinar Series 04/24/25
2025-04-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | CA
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) | CA
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) | CA
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) | CA
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) | CA
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) | CA
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) | CA
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
