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) | MD
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 | 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 | 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

From Classroom to Career: The Impact of ProStart® on Future Industry Leaders
2026-07-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event, N/A
From Classroom to Career: The Impact of ProStart® on Future Industry Leaders
Live and on-demand
Thursday, July 30, 2026, 2:00pm ET – Register Now
63 percent of adults who have worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry state that the experience was highly beneficial to their skill development. With an uncertain job market on the horizon, United States high school students are looking for ways to gain skills that will help them standout after graduation and set them up for success in a future career. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart program provides students with a mixture of hands-on workshops and classroom-based learning and development to prepare for the workforce.
Hear from standout alumni who have leveraged their ProStart experience to build thriving careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. You’ll walk away with insights into how this program can provide a pathway of opportunity for the next generation.

REGISTER NOW

Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP)
2026-08-11 - 2026-08-12 | Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD
Advanced Culinary Training Program (ACTP) - August 2026

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Hospitality Pathways Conference 2026
2026-08-20 - 2026-08-21 | Washington Marriott Georgetown, 1221 22ND STREET NW, Washington, DC, 20037
Join peers and practitioners at this implementation-focused conference to share challenges, resources, and proven strategies for hospitality-driven workforce development!
August 20–21, 2026Pre-conference: August 19Washington Marriott Georgetown1221 22nd Street NWWashington, DC 20037

Learn More

2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards Dinner & Ceremony
2026-10-27 | Union Station, Washington, DC
2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards Dinner & Ceremony
An Evening of Celebration and Connection
Join us in celebrating the recipients of the 2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards. This special evening will gather industry leaders and honor excellence, leadership, and impact in the restaurant industry.
October 27, 2026Reception & DinnerDeadline to register – Tuesday, September 11, 2026

Register Now
