One of the Biggest Chef Conferences in the Country Is Coming to New York | Eater NY
"This university hosted the Philly Chef Conference from 2013 to 2023 while Mike Traud was employed in its hospitality management program; the Philly conference was chaired and founded by Traud for ten years before breaking off from the institution and being rebranded as The Chef Conference. After the rebrand and a partnership with Resy, the conference expanded to Los Angeles in 2024. The first of three 2025 conferences kicks off in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 4 at the university, with sessions such as "Exploring Cultures Through Cookbooks" (moderated by Korsha Wilson, featuring Eric Adjepong, Nina Compton, and Alexander Smalls), topical panels like "Filipino Cuisine in America" (led by Bettina Makalintal), and "Raw Bar Revolution" (moderated by Brett Martin) with participants including Joshua Pinsky, Ed Szymanski, and Saltie Girl founder Kathy Sidell. Ticket prices for the Philadelphia conference are available by the day and range from $20 to $325. Mike Traud's background—having taught hospitality law, worked as a lawyer for the hospitality industry, and worked in Philadelphia-area kitchens—frames the conference's institutional history and programming focus." - Melissa McCart
