mar 22-23, 2026

Philadelphia

Past event

Agenda

MOnday, March 22

8:00 - 9:00

Breakfast/Registration


9:00 - 9:15

Opening REmarks


9:15 - 10:00

The Emerging Markets: Operating Outside Major Cities

Moderator:

Tim Carman

Panelist:

Callan Buckles, Johnny Curiel, Kyle Knall, and Karyn Tomlinson


10:15 - 11:00

Tech Time

Moderator:

Kristen Hawley

Panelist:

Kelly MacPherson, Junaid Shams, and Wesley Sohn


11:15 - 12:00

A Conversation with the Critics

Moderator:

Jamila Robinson

Panelist:

Bill Addison, Raphael Brion, Joshua David Stein, Lyndsay Green, and Elazar Sontag

Agenda

Tuesday, March 23

8:00 - 9:15

Breakfast and Registration


9:00 - 9:15

Opening Remarks


9:20 - 10:00

The Modern Day Bakery

Moderator:

Lisa Marie Donovan

Panelist:

Mariela Camacho, Kelly Jacques, Saif Manna, and Ellen Ramos


10:20 - 11:00

Beverage Programs: What Hits the Mark in 2026

Moderator:

Brett Martin

Panelist:

Lou Bernard, Chompon “Boong” Boonnak, Colleen Hughes, and Kristine Nguyen


11:20 - 12:20

Next Generation Chefs

Moderator:

Mel Hansche

Panelist:

Damarr Brown, India Doris, Aretah Ettarh, EJ Lagasse, Phila Lorn, and Serigne Mbaye


12:20 - 1:20

Lunch


1:20 - 2:00

Trailblazer Talk

Moderator:

Jeff Gordinier

Panelist:

Martin Yan


2:20 - 3:00

Leveraging Your Brand: Partnership Development

Moderator:

Stephanie Wu

Panelist:

Hillary Dixler Canavan, Aaron Ginsberg, David Helbraun, and Gail Simmons


3:20 - 4:20

Hot topics

Moderator:

Abena Anim-Somuah

Panelist:

Brett Anderson, Helen Rosner, Tom Sietsema, Yia Vang, and Erick Williams


3:45 - 4:00

Dessert REception

upcoming gatherings