Denver 2010
July 29 - August 1
- Denver,
- Denver,
United States Personal Chef Association 2001 Conference
San Antonio, TX
August 3 - 7
They Came to Learn, Network, and Celebrate the USPCA’S 10TH Anniversary
Nearly 400 Personal Chefs attended USPCA’s 2001 Conference, making this the largest gathering of Personal Chefs ever. They came to learn, to network and to celebrate the Association’s 10th Anniversary.
They came to San Antonio, Texas, from 43 states, Canada and Australia for this fifth annual event. States that were represented by 10 or more Personal Chefs were: Texas, California, New Jersey, Georgia and Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Colorado, Tennessee and Washington. Fifteen Personal Chefs from throughout Canada and one from Australia were there, also.
The Plaza San Antonio was our very comfortable home-away-from-home for the second time. When it comes to customer/guest service, the Plaza ranks at the top of the scale. Stepping out of the hotel we could walk a block in one direction to the famous Riverwalk with its many shops and restaurants, or a couple blocks in the other direction to more restaurants and a collection of art galleries. Either way, we found enjoyable diversions from our conference activities.
Thirty different classes covered a wide variety of topics. The classes started on Friday, and the Personal Chefs “came up for air” five days later!
There was never a dull moment. Besides the classes, there were opportunities to take the USPCA certification exam, to have hands-on time with the new Personal Chef Menu Magic software, and to attend and receive the food-handlers’ certificate during the Serv-Safe class.
When we weren’t in class, it was non-stop networking, renewing friendships and making new ones. It was good to put faces with the names we’ve “talked with” on the USPCA web site and those we’ve “met through” our magazine.
Personal Chefs can cook and they can dance! One highlight of the conference was the USPCA’s 10-year anniversary celebration. Everyone who attended – members, spouses and friends – came to party! Following a gourmet Chicken Wellington dinner, we all danced and enjoyed the music, costuming and choreography of Max Class and the Class Act—a famous Las Vegas Style Show Band. Every song was a surprise and a joy to experience as musical legends from the past performed their hit songs.
Another conference highlight was the San Antonio Dinner Tour. Three busloads of Personal Chefs were treated to a guided tour of the city, an hour-long stop at the huge HEB Central Market, and then dinner at one of San Antonio’s famous restaurants. The tour and the dinner were outstanding, but the best part of the evening was Central Market. Personal Chefs wandered this huge grocery store, being amazed at the variety and quality of products.
Conference 2001 is an event that will be difficult to top and one that will not easily be forgotten. Thanks to all who made it a rousing success.
Member Comments
Thank you to the speakers who shared valuable information with us and it was great to see so many people so passionate about this great industry. Look forward to seeing you all again next year. —Tim Stewart
I too would like to say Thank You. Thanks to all the wonderful and talented Chefs who shared their knowledge, both in front of a class, and also those that did so during normal conversations. Thank you for sharing your talents. I came home with so many ideas and new recipes, I can hardly wait to try some of them. It was worth every cent that it costs to go, and no time was wasted if I didn’t want it to be. I really feel I got my moneys worth. —Norma Reni
The openness and honesty from everyone, I can’t believe how forthcoming everyone is with information! Thanks from a beginner in this industry. —Christi Gillette
To Dave, Sue, John, Susie, Tammi, Vince and all the talented and generous conference support—thanks for all the right ingredients. Perfectly seasoned friendships and a great menu of activities gave us plenty of reason to celebrate our organization’s fabulous 10th anniversary! WHAT A PARTY! —Barbara Evans
To pull off such a successful conference with no visible ripples on the water means someone is working very hard behind the scenes. —Kathleen Hanna
I had a fabulous time at my first conference, and can’t wait for next year! To everyone who hasn’t been yet: all that you’ve heard is true! Save up for the next conference and don’t miss out. The camaraderie and shared information are outstanding and essential to your business. Everyone I met was terrific, and I am so grateful for the knowledge passed from one PC to the other. Even a first-timer like me felt appreciated —Susan Locke