2025 CONFERENCE
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with all the information you need!
What are the dates of the 31st Annual Tastes of the World Chef Culinary Conference?
The conference will begin Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the UMass Campus Center and will conclude Friday, June 13, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. after the ACF team competition located in Worcester Dining Commons. Please check our schedule on the web for the latest update!
Where exactly is the conference being held?
All morning sessions, breakfast and lunch through Tuesday will be held in the UMass Campus Center. Afternoon sessions will be held at Worcester Dining Commons. On Wednesday and Thursday breakfasts and all sessions will be held in Worcester Dining Commons. The ACF competition on Friday will be held in the Worcester Dining Commons.
How do I register for the conference?
You can register online using our on-line registration service. Our on-line registration service uses a Verisign Secure Server certificate to safeguard your transaction. You may also call 413-577-8102 to register.
How do I make hotel reservations?
The Hotel and Travel page contains all the information you need to make reservations and receive special group rates at the Hotel UMass at the Campus Center, Courtyard Marriott and Homewood Suite by Hilton. Please note you need to use the link provided on hotel and travel page for the all hotels. The cut-off date is May 9, 2025 for these special blocks of rooms. Registrants are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements.
What are the directions to Campus and the Hotel?
For directions to the Campus Center and all the locations on campus please visit https://hotelumass.com/
For directions to the Marriott Courtyard please visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/bdlhd-courtyard-hadley-amherst/
For directions to the Homewood Suites by Hilton please visit Directions to Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel in Hadley, MA
Free parking will be available in the Campus Center Garage which is connected to the Campus Center. If you plan to drive to the UMass campus each day, please park in the Campus Center parking garage. Check the travel information section of the conference website for maps and directions. Please note that parking in restricted lots will result in unwanted ticketing and/or towing. For a map of campus please visit https://www.umass.edu/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/visit/visitor-info
What is the dress code for the conference? What should I bring?
- A chef hat will be provided for you and must be worn at all times in the teaching kitchens. Hair must be entirely covered by the hat and long hair will need to be tied back and completely covered underneath the hat. Fringes and bangs should not be visible from the front of the hat.
- Aprons and side towels will be provided and must be worn at all times
- A long sleeved chef jacket must be worn.
- Shoes should be leather, with no open toes or high heels and must have non-slip soles. Cotton socks are advised, and no nylon hosiery is allowed
- Full length black pants and chef pants must be worn while in the kitchen
- Jewelry is not permitted except for one ring and one wristwatch
- During times that you are not in the kitchen, casual business attire should be worn.
- The clam bake is more of a relaxed dinner at the University
- UMass will provide aprons, gloves, side towels and some knives.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their culinary tool kits, knives and a camera. Please check with your airline for knife transportation.
What is there to do during any free time we may have?
There are many area attractions to visit while in the area. A few of these attractions are Yankee Candle, Historic Deerfield, downtown Northampton, Basketball Hall of Fame and Six Flags New England. For more area attractions please visit the pioneer valley website at http://www.valleyvisitor.com/
What does the registration fee cover?
The conference will cover most meals: most breakfasts, lunches and dinners Monday through Thursday, and all recipes from the conference.
Is the conference open to everyone?
This conference is open to chefs, dietitians, food service managers, educators and trade people, regardless of affiliation.
What type of recognition will the attendees receive?
All attendees will receive certificates of participation with the number of American Culinary Federation credits (28-30) and a 2025 seminar manual with many great recipes. Participants may also apply for UMass continuing education credits (3-4) and American Dietetic Association credits. To apply for these credits please see the professional credits page. For the team competition the winning teams will receive ACF medals.
What’s the ACF team competition?
We will again be hosting an ACF Competition for teams of four during the last day of the conference, June 13. Ten ACF certified judges will be judging the competition. It is open to all participants who are registered for the full week and takes place beginning on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 3-5 pm for your menu writing and continues Friday, June 13, 2025 starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m. Please sure to make your travel arrangements after this time.
You may elect to register as an individual member and the conference will assign you to a team or you may register a team of four. Please be sure to indicate if you have your own team and your team members on your registration form. One team per school may register, other teams from the school may be put on a waiting list.