Sign up for our mailing list for more information on the next Menus of Change National Leadership Summit - June 4-5, 2025 | Hyde Park, NY

What is the menus of change leadership summit?

Menus of Change: The Business of Healthy, Sustainable, Delicious Food Choices is a ground-breaking leadership initiative launched in 2012 by The Culinary Institute of America and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that works to realize a long-term, practical vision integrating optimal nutrition and public health, environmental stewardship and restoration, and social responsibility concerns within the foodservice industry and the culinary profession. In its 10+ years, Menus of Change has established a compelling new agenda for the foodservice industry through an annual leadership summit at the CIA’s Hyde Park campus, an annually updated compilation of resources on the state of the industry, and an ongoing series of tools and guidance for foodservice professionals. Menus of Change also informs The Culinary Institute of America’s approach to educating the next generation of culinary and business leaders.

WHat are the Registration Deadlines?

The early-bird registration deadline is February 29, 2024. Advance registration ends April 16, 2024. If you want to guarantee your spot and get the best registration rate, we encourage you to register as early as possible. For pricing, and information on registration eligibility, click here.

Who should register for the menus of change leadership summit?

If you are a foodservice professional or chef working for an independent or chain restaurant, a K-12, college or university dining program, a contract foodservice company, a hotel, cruise line, casino, or resort, a supermarket, or if you are a leader in research, nutrition, sustainability, and public health from government agencies and academia or from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations addressing food, health, and sustainability issues, you can register for the Menus of Change Leadership Summit.

If you work for a foodservice manufacturer or supplier, please contact Patti Coleman ([email protected]) for information on how you and your company can support the Menus of Change Leadership Summit and participate in live networking sessions, as general registration is not open to manufacturer/supplier representatives. We have many opportunities for sponsorship, which we would love to discuss with your organization. In order to stage programs like this, we depend on the support of organizations that recognize the value of these activities for the advancement of our industry.

WHen does the conference officially begin and end?

The conference begins on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 and concludes on Thursday, June 5, 2025. To view the detailed schedule for each day, click here.

Can I pay with a purchase order instead of credit card?

We prefer that you pay for your full conference registration with a credit card. If you need to pay by check or purchase order, please reach out to us at [email protected]. If in need of a detailed receipt for reimbursement, please reach out to let us know and we would be happy to send you a copy.

I'VE ALREADY REGISTERED BUT CANNOT ATTEND. CAN I CANCEL OR TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION?

2024 Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations on or before March 31, 2024: Receive your registration fee refund minus a $225 cancellation fee

• Cancellations made between April 1, 2024, and May 12, 2024: Receive a 50% refund on your registration fee

• Cancellations made on or after May 13, 2024: No refunds or substitutions available

Unfortunately, there are no refunds or substitutions possible within 30 or fewer days (on or after May 13, 2024) before the start date of the summit.

This is due to the complex nature of workshop registration and meal planning that must take place in advance. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.  Cancellation policies are "for any and all reasons.”

Transfer Policy: 

Your registration may be transferred to a colleague within the same registration category for a $150 administrative transfer fee. 

What should I wear to the conference?

Suggested dress code is business casual attire; chef’s uniforms are not necessary. Conference activities involve sitting for general sessions in the theater and walking around campus to attend various breakout sessions, meals, and reception. Activities take place both indoors and outdoors. We recommend coming prepared with layers for warmer and cooler environments, as well as with an umbrella or rain coat in case of inclement weather, so that you can adjust your own temperature accordingly and easily access happenings all around campus.

CAN I BRING A GUEST OR SPOUSE TO ANY CONFERENCE SESSIONS OR MEALS?

Unfortunately, additional guests cannot be accommodated for meals or any conference sessions; a full conference pass for the conference is required to enjoy the conference meal functions.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE WIFI ON CAMPUS?

Our campus has a free wireless network available for attendees. To access our network, select the “Menus_of_Change” network. Your device will then connect automatically. If you experience trouble, please visit the hospitality desk.

Can I tour the campus while I am there?

You can purchase the pre-conference activity that includes Breakfast and a campus tour happening Wednesday, June 12th. For more information about the pre-conference activity, please visit the pre-conference page, here. If you are not able to make the pre-conference campus tour on Wednesday, tours are also available at other times of the week, to view additional times, please visit the campus site, here.

Can i dine on the CIA CAmpus?

Yes, we encourage you to dine on the CIA Campus, reservations tend to fill up quickly at our Hyde Park Campus Restaurants, so we encourage you to book dinner reservations well in advance. We’ve opened reservations exclusively for Menus of Change attendees for priority booking up until May 10, 2024. To make your priority reservations, please call 845-905-4533 or email ciarestaurantgroup.com by no later than May 10th. After this date, reservations will be open to the public and bookings can be made through the OpenTable app based on availability.

Can I smoke on campus?

Yes, you can smoke on campus in designated areas. The closest location to the Marriott Pavilion is located at the Saint Andrews Gazebos.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY DURING THE CONFERENCE?

There are a wide variety of hotels, resorts, and bed & breakfasts available in the Hudson Valley. Conference attendees should book their hotel accommodations as early as possible. More information on lodging options is available here.

HOW DO I ACCESS CONFERENCE RESOURCES AND RECIPES?

Many recipes are attached to the session when they were demonstrated in the app, and, all recipes, including breaks and receptions will be available electronically for download after the conference. As soon as all recipes are compiled, approximately one month after the conference, we will email all of the attendees the information to access all conference recipes along with videos from this year’s Menus of Change Summit on the resource webpage. This area is password protected. If in need of the password, please reach out to [email protected] to confirm your attendance/registration.

HOW DO I GET A CERTIFICATE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS?

We are pleased to offer continuing education credits for the conference each year. Credits are provided only for sessions attended live. CE credit cannot be claimed for missed sessions, viewing recorded sessions, or networking time.

On the final day of the conference, June 13, 2024, we will send all participants an email with a final survey. To receive CEU credit, please complete the final survey and the provided attestation form. Certificates will be emailed to you within two weeks of submission.

WHERE IS YOUR LOST AND FOUND?

If you find something, please bring it directly to the summit’s hospitality desk and we will ensure it is received by security. If you’ve lost something, please contact our security department at 845-451-1268.

WHAT ARE THE DATES AND LOCATIONS FOR FUTURE CONFERENCES?

The upcoming Menus of Change Leadership Summit is scheduled for June 4-5, 2025 at the CIA campus in Hyde Park, NY. Save the dates for this pivotal in-person summit and subscribe at this link to be the first to know when we open registration for our programs. And, don’t miss our Global Plant-Forward Culinary Summit in April or Worlds of Flavor conference coming up in November – both will be live and in-person at the CIA at Copia in Napa.