Denver 2010
July 29 - August 1
- Denver,
- Denver,
United States Personal Chef Association 2000 Conference
San Antonio, TX
August 6 - 11
USPCA Conferences continue to get better each year!
The location this year was San Antonio, Texas and despite the heat, personal chefs praised the hot, humid location.
The Plaza San Antonio Marriott hotel had a unique ambiance with its historical buildings and meeting facilities and unique courtyard with pheasants and peacocks roaming free. The Riverwalk was just a block away and provided an enjoyable evening rendezvous spot for all.
“Great location” was often the comment to the USPCA staff. The hotel service was excellent and most importantly, the hotel meals were fabulously delicious. When asked about the pressure to cook for so many chefs, Marriott Executive Chef Dan Freunscht gave all the credit to his kitchen staff. The USPCA Conferences have certainly come a long way.
At the first USPCA National Conference in 1997, four seminars were taught to less than 60 personal chefs. The two-day conference was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey during the same time a powerful storm dumped over a foot of rain and caused unprecedented flooding in that area. But, look out! When USPCA personal chefs get together...neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will put a damper on the spirit of sharing, networking and learning.
Over the years, as the conference has grown, little by little—so has the number of different classes being taught. Conference 2000 had an incredible 29 different classes – most being offered more than once over the five-day conference – taught by 34 senior personal chefs.
Classes covered a wide variety of topics: from start-ups, personal chef basics, cooking methods and techniques, marketing and sales, business and operations, to advanced personal cheffing.
Nearly 300 personal chefs attended, coming from 38 states and Canada.
The USPCA offers sincere thanks to the volunteer instructors for their countless hours in preparing to teach and instruct as well as to the hundreds of attending Personal Chefs who helped make Conference 2000 a great success. Many thanks to all of you!
Comments from Members
I have never seen so many motivated people who love their business all in one place! How many conferences having fewer than 300 people can boast to such support from their Association? It was great fun to put names to faces and make new friends. I learned lots and can’t wait now to get started. — Gloria Dickson
Getting to meet “old hands” at this business was so inspiring and helpful. The classes were really informative especially since the instructors were speaking from their own first-hand experiences. I learned so much that will help me make my Personal Chef business a success. The Plaza San Antonio hotel staff ALWAYS had smiles and cheery greetings for everyone. Very hospitable! I’m already looking forward to next years conference! — Emily Fotner
San Antonio was incredible! I can’t believe that I ever even considered not going! I’ll never miss another one! It was PRICELESS! Can’t wait till next year! — Beth Nichols
Never have I been to such a successful business conference. Every aspect was well planned and executed! Chef hats off to any and all who participated! — Betty Morton
Let me add my 2 cents as a “newbie.” I am glad I spent the money even though it broke the bank since I have only been in business six months. I too have attended countless conferences in my prior career and even ran a few myself. All of the speakers did a tremendous job. I still can’t get over the fact that everyone is so willing to share information and help in any way they can. That doesn’t happen in too many industries. – Robert Altimar
The experiences of my first Personal Chef Conference have made me realize that the money spent for the event is dwarfed by the wealth of knowledge I’ve acquired through meeting and talking with other Personal Chefs. The seminars, the chefs, the endless source of recommendations and advice, and the opportunities to put a face to a name! San Antonio was a great location! Great selections of restaurants and tourist attractions. My husband came with me and he enjoyed this trip as much as I did! For all you Chefs out there, this may be something to think about for next year, sort of a mini-vacation. Spousal Networking is important too! — Suzanne Couillard
What a great week!! Even though I am a “senior chef” I got some great information. Thanks to the speakers who taught these awesome classes. — Laura Slavney
There is no doubt in my mind that investing time and money in attending the conference gave me the push of confidence that I needed for running my Personal Chef Service. The knowledge gained from the classes, as well as talks with senior chefs is priceless. — Danielle Vermette
All of the classes I attended were informative as well as entertaining. Many thanks to all who had a part in making it a great convention. Your planning and hard work really showed. Can’t wait until next year. — Scott Wilson
I have attended many conferences in my past work—this tops them all. Thank you to all of the teachers and other Personal Chefs who shared their knowledge. As a “newbie” it was invaluable. For those of you, regardless of tenure, the conference is a “don’t miss” event. My wife came along making it a great vacation and good for “spouse networking”. — Greg Bartholomae