ICA Webinars
AI for Chefs and the Culinary Business: What’s New, What We’ve Learned & How to Leverage It
Thursday, August 20 at 1:00 pm ET
AI is evolving quickly, but what does that actually mean for chefs and culinary professionals?
Join ICA culinary leaders for a candid panel discussion about how they are using AI in their businesses, what they have learned through hands-on experimentation and where they see the biggest opportunities ahead. From everyday efficiencies and creative brainstorming to operations, menu development and business strategy, the panel will share real-world experiences with the technology and how it is changing the way they work.
This is not a technical deep dive. It is an honest conversation about what is useful, what is not and how chefs can begin leveraging AI in practical ways right now.
Panelists include Andy Krause of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Jeremy Langemann of Bingemans and Thach Than of Footers Catering.
Moderated by Jenny Stuart of Catering Creations, Chair of the ICA Culinary Council.
Cost:
ICA Members: FREE, included in your membership
Non-Members: $59.00
Proposal Show & Tell: What Winning Caterers Are Sending Today
Wednesday, September 16 at 2:00 pm ET
What does a winning catering proposal actually look like today?
Join Jennifer Perna for a behind-the-scenes conversation with industry professionals, including recent CATIE Award winners in both the Best Catered Event and Best Catered Wedding categories, as they share how they are creating proposals that stand out and win business.
This candid panel discussion will explore real-world approaches to presenting services, communicating value and showcasing creativity. Panelists will discuss what is working now, how proposal strategies are evolving and the tools and technology helping them create stronger client experiences.
Walk away with practical ideas, fresh inspiration and new ways to strengthen your own proposals from first impression to final yes.
Cost:
ICA Members: FREE, included in your membership
Non-Members: $59.00
Webinars On Demand
ICA Members have 24/7 access to all previous webinars. Click here to view the Webinars On Demand.
Previous webinars include:
Presented on June 10, 2026, by Kim Wilson. In this ICA webinar, Kim explores the impact that stress and burnout can have on individuals, teams, and workplace culture in the hospitality and events industry. She shares practical strategies for recognizing the signs of burnout, improving communication under pressure, and building resilience in demanding environments. Through real-world examples and actionable tools, Kim emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, curiosity, and psychological safety in creating healthier, more effective teams. Attendees also received resources to help support personal wellness, leadership development, and team discussions.
Presented on May 4, 2026, by Johnny Graham. In this ICA webinar, Johnny shares how to shift from being seen as a vendor to becoming a trusted partner with event planners. He walks through practical strategies for strengthening communication, creating structured and professional proposals, and delivering consistency at every stage of the event process. Drawing from more than 20 years in the industry, he emphasizes that strong relationships are built before and after the event, not just during it. The real opportunity is not the one booking, but the repeat business and referrals that come from getting it right every time.
Presented on February 26, 2026, by Borja Rosales, Betty Kalin, and Jeff Dutzel. In this ICA panel webinar, the presenters break down how to approach Catersource with intention instead of overwhelm. They share practical strategies for choosing the right education sessions, building meaningful connections, and creating a clear game plan before you arrive. Through full group discussion and breakout conversations, ICA members map out how to turn their time, energy, and travel investment into measurable return. Preparation is not optional if you want the experience to pay off.
Healthy Conflict: The Missing Secret Ingredient (Jan 2026)
Presented by Borja Rosales, Bold Catering and Events. In this ICA webinar, Borja explores why healthy conflict is essential for strong leadership and aligned teams. He breaks down the real cost of avoiding hard conversations and shows how leaders can replace silence and side conversations with clarity, trust, and accountability. If it feels uncomfortable, you are already doing the work.
GET ON THE LIST! How Venues Choose Their Caterers - and How to stay at the Top (Nov 2025)
Presented by Jonathan Aymin, WEVA, The Venue Rx, Common Sense Events. This ICA webinar gave caterers a direct and honest look into how venues truly choose their preferred partners and what it takes to remain at the top. Jonathan Aymin outlined the qualities that matter most to venues and emphasized the importance of consistency, communication, and professionalism from the very first touchpoint through the final client experience.
You Sell What You Are - How to Be a Sales Professional (Oct 2025)
How many times have you thought, “That sale could’ve gone better”? Sales is already competitive enough. Don’t let avoidable missteps get in your way.
Jennifer Perna of Fulton Market Consulting presents a fast-paced ICA webinar designed to help you lead with professionalism, sell with confidence, and remove the roadblocks holding you back.
You don’t just sell food and service. You sell what you are.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Menus (Sep 2025)
Panelists:
Heidi Brice, Puff 'n Stuff (Sales)
Candice Hudnall, Hamby Catering & Events (Marketing)
Roy Porter, EngageWorks (Operations)
Hunter Hunt, LUX (Culinary)
Moderated by: Chris Sanchez, LUX
This webinar equipped ICA members with real-world strategies to reduce stress, elevate quality, and sell smarter during the busiest time of year. The panel shared practical do’s and don’ts across Culinary, Sales, Marketing, and Operations; plus a powerful list of team action steps to bring back to your business.
Dear Betty & Lexi, I Have an Ops Problem (Aug 2025)
Betty Kalin, Vice President, Dish Food & Events
Lexi Opdenaker, Director of Event Experiences, Simply Fresh Events
Moderated by: Clark Kinkade, Event Director, Dish Food & Events
The Sales Shift: How Top Sellers are Winning in 2025 (Jul 2025)
Matt Baker, Chief Culinary Officer, Feast on This
Cassidy Clay, Event Coordinator, Market Catering
Jessica Hill, Director of Sales, CT Wedding Group
Kim Keane, Experience Specialist, Russell Morin Catering & Events
MODERATOR: Margaret Brower, Sales & Marketing Strategist & CEO, Rainmaker Sales & Marketing Group
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