My first Chef to Chef Conference was a few years ago, and I remember it as if it were yesterday. I walked into the hotel lobby and spotted several chefs I had followed on social media for years—chefs I had long hoped to chat with and learn from. My goal was to connect with a group of chefs to exchange ideas or simply to have someone to sit with at lunch that day. As a first-time attendee with big ambitions, I aimed to navigate my way through a conference filled with chefs and leaders I admired. I was determined to make the most of this experience, and years later, I can confidently say that I did.
From the outset, chefs from across the country introduced themselves and often mentioned they had seen my food online. I did the same with them. There was an immediate sense of camaraderie and welcome as I prepared to listen to the guest speaker and attend the opening party. By the end of the weekend, I had engaged in fantastic educational sessions, attended seminars, participated in cooking demonstrations, and formed connections that evolved into lasting friendships.
The Chef to Chef Conference has played a pivotal role in my career, opening my eyes to the vast opportunities within clubs and resorts in the culinary world. It provided me with a space to learn and to embrace failure as a part of growth, ultimately shaping me into the culinarian and leader I am today. I have learned from many exceptional and talented individuals and listened to speakers who continue to inspire my drive.
During the Los Angeles wildfires, the support I received from fellow conference attendees was overwhelming. Many checked on my family and offered help, demonstrating that Chef to Chef is not just about education; it is a tight-knit community.
As I prepare to speak at this year’s conference, I cannot emphasize enough how much this experience means to me and what it could do for your career. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. I’ve been given chances to compete, make mistakes, grow, and receive guidance on how to improve each time. This conference has allowed me to explore different cities and culinary landscapes, bringing back fresh ideas to my club and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I’ve built relationships with chefs I communicate with regularly, who have helped me make better business and personal decisions and have shaped my vision for the future of our industry.
I encourage you to take the same leap I took a few years ago: Get uncomfortable and embrace an opportunity that has propelled my career in ways I could never have imagined. It will do the same for you. Whether it’s obtaining certification, pursuing education, networking, participating in demonstrations, or engaging in the countless other opportunities Chef to Chef offers, I promise you will leave with much more than you arrived with, along with a wealth of knowledge to share for years to come.
