The 11th Annual Philly Chef Conference 2025-2026

The Philly Chef Conference is pleased to announce that we will be hosting monthly events for Winter 2026!

Cheese Workshop 101: Understanding, Pairing and Presentation

Monday, February 16, 2026 • 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Workshop with Mondial du Fromage Gold Medal Cheesemonger Emilia D'Albero, Ann Karlen of Third Wheel Cheese Co & Jasper Hill Farms

Join us on Monday, February 16, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. as our Philly Chef Conference series presents a Cheese Workshop with 2025 Mondial du Fromage gold medalist (1st American gold medalist and Philly's own!) Emilia D'Albero and Ann Karlen of Third Wheel Cheese Co. Emilia and Ann will discuss how to build the proper restaurant cheese program from properly selecting different types; buying, handling and cutting; and how to taste, with samples for all provided by Jasper Hill Farms.

Sponsored by Jasper Hill Farms.

The event is free to attend, $20 suggested donation for professionals. Registration is required.

Register

Conversation and book signing with Drew Nieporent

Monday, March 2, 2026 • 5:30–7:30 p.m.

What goes into owning a restaurant? Multiple restaurants? Succeeding in major cities around the globe? Drew Nieporent, founder and owner of the highly acclaimed and Michelin Star-winning Myriad Restaurant Group (Nobu, Tribeca Grill and Montrachet to name a few), will join us in a discussion with Philly Inquirer Food Writer Kiki Aranita to discuss his new book I'm Not Trying to be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches.

$25 Includes a signed copy of I'm Not Trying To Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches, free for students.
Registration coming soon!

Discussion and book signing with Gabrielle Hamilton

Tuesday, April 14th • 5:30–7:30 p.m.

James Beard Award-winning chef Gabrielle Hamilton and author of the celebrated book Blood, Bones & Butter, joins James Beard award-winning restauranteur Ellen Yin to discuss her new book Next of Kin. Attendees will receive a signed copy of the book.

Registration is coming soon!

For inquiries, contact Prof. Paul O'Neill at pgo27@drexel.edu.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Heather Procaccino at hp499@drexel.edu.
For media inquiries, contact Annie Korp at amk522@drexel.edu.

The Philly Chef Conference is hosted by Drexel University's Food and Hospitality Management Department. The mission of this annual conference is to engage our students with industry leaders while also connecting members of the restaurant community through a day of education.

The conference is an annual event designed to convene the regional food community and to showcase the latest food and beverage ideas and techniques through educational lectures, panel discussions and demonstrations. It brings together the best chefs, food producers and personalities and links established food and hospitality professionals with aspiring students and young industry professionals.

The Philly Chef Conference is a trademark of Drexel University and is not affiliated with other food or culinary conferences in Philadelphia. It was founded by alumni of the food and hospitality management programs in 2013 and has been held annually, led by the Philly Chef Conference Planning Committee, which includes Drexel faculty, professional staff and industry leaders.