Denver 2010
July 29 - August 1
- Denver,
- Denver,
United States Personal Chef Association 2008 Conference
Tucson, AZ
August 1 - 4
Blessed with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the sumptious JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, Personal Chefs from across the United States and Canada enjoyed four days of luxury and learning. From the guest rooms to the "Lazy River" to "tequila time", the hotel’s staff and conference facilities handled the event with ease and expertise.
As the founder and leader of the personal chef industry, the USPCA puts together a conference with a wide variety of opportunities to help members succeed in their businesses. Seminars, cooking demonstrations, luncheons, and networking provided USPCA members and others opportunities to gain valuable business knowledge and personal growth. As working personal chefs, the seminar speakers offered real-world experiences, advice and motivation.
This year marked the first time the USPCA conference was open to the public. We welcomed several non-members and hope to see them, as well as others, next year in New Orleans.
"Rowdy Rick" and "Sneaky Scott" get taken prisoner
From the outlaws "Rowdy Rick" and "Sneaky Scott" to the Laughing Stock comedy troup that had us laughing so hard we could hardly stay in our seats, to our very first Iron Chef-style "Personal Chef Knock-Out" competition, there were plenty of laughs and learning throughout the conference. Congratulations to Dean Mitchell (and the rest of the Canadian team) on his win in the competition. Our thanks to Goya Foods for donating the secret ingredient - Guava!
Iron Chef competitors
Scott Wilson and Dean Mitchell
We also had the opportunity to recognize and honor the personal chefs and USPCA chapters that were selected for Excellence in Business Awards.
Opportunities to have one-on-one time with a variety of personal chefs continues to be a highlight of conferences, as well as the energy, enthusiasm and willingness of everyone to share their knowledge. After four busy days, everyone headed home with plenty of ideas and renewed enthusiasm for their Personal Chef business.
Here’s what some personal chefs had to say:
"I loved the conference. I learned so much and I am so grateful to all those who prepared for the classes. I know how much preparation it takes to give a worthwhile presentation and I came away with much to ponder and incorporate."
"As a "newbie" who has not been in business all that long, and who is struggling with her business, I am grateful for not only all of the education opportunities that we had, but also all of the informal educational opportunities that came about while getting to know the members who attended."
"This was my fourth conference and they just get better and better."
"What a wonderful time I had at the conference. The hotel was amazing and I will miss my morning coffee outside watching the sun come up. It was so great seeing all my friends and meeting so many new ones. Wendy and her team did an outstanding job!!!!!!! Also a big thank you to all the teachers at the conference. It's not easy putting a class together and standing up in front of your peers speaking about what you are very passionate about. I enjoyed all my classes and wish I could have taken them all."
See you in New Orleans!