VATFACS INSTITUTE

10:15am EDT

Cupcakes and Chocolate

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Come learn how to make cupcake decorating and chocolate making fun and easy to do in the classroom.

Speakers

Nancy Appleby

Chocolatier, Camerons Coffee and Chocolate

Nancy Appleby is a Chocolatier who currently works for Camerons Coffee and Chocolates. Nancy was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she fell in love with Baking and Pastry.

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

global Y

1:15pm EDT

Oysters on the Half-Shell

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Mariner A

Come have a shuckin good time with chef Sean and learn all about Oysters. Attendees will learn the History , how to prepare different styles, and even get a chance to try shucking on their own.

Speakers

Chef Sean is a teacher at Marshall Highschool. Sean attended Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, Nc. Opening several restaurants there his faveorite was Sea Level where he worked the raw bar. He found a passion for oysters there and shucked over 600,000.

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

global Y

2:30pm EDT

Cooking Up Careers: Youth Registered Apprenticeships for Future Chefs

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Mariner A

Join us for a 60-minute information session designed to help educators and culinary professionals understand and implement Youth Registered Apprenticeship programs for high school culinary arts students. Featuring insights from a Virginia Works representative—Virginia’s overseeing authority for apprenticeships—this session will cover essential program components, regulatory requirements, and strategies for developing strong industry partnerships. Attendees will leave equipped with practical knowledge, resources, and next steps to launch or enhance a successful culinary apprenticeship experience.

Speakers

Dr. Jai Girard

Director of Education & Workforce Development; ProStart State Coordinator, Virginia Restaurant Loding and Travel Association

Dr. Jai Girard is the Director of Education and Workforce at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association. With over 15 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Dr. Girard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Dr. Girard's professional... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

global Y

9:00am EDT

ServSafe Food Protection Manager - Testing Only

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT

Mariner A

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Mariner A

Credentialing Session, Credentialing Block

1:30pm EDT

The future of education in the culinary arts industry

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Mariner A

Lecture: The future of education in the culinary arts industry

Course objectives:
Assessing the students or/and apprentices' needs for their education.
The role of the educator to better support students or/and apprentices.
Define, demonstrate and evaluate their education progress in the Culinary industry.
Thrive to a better future.
Conclusion,

Speakers

Hugh J. Cossard

Director of Education & Chef Instructor, Metropolitan Culinary Arts in Arlington.

Director of Education & Chef Instructor at Metropolitan Culinary Arts in Arlington.

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

global Y

2:45pm EDT

ProStart Curriculum Update

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Mariner A

In this session, culinary educators and program administrators will gain insight into the latest updates to the ProStart curriculum. Participants will learn about new content areas, teaching methodologies, and resources designed to help high school culinary students succeed in both the classroom and the industry. By the end of the session, attendees will have the tools and confidence to seamlessly incorporate these updates into their own instructional plans.

Speakers