Feed the Soul Foundation's Inaugural Global Culinary Conference Addresses Challenges in the Culinary Industry, Featuring Industry Leaders and Specialized Sessions

Based on the James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Industry Report revealing a 53% profit decline for culinary business owners, Feed the Soul Foundation steps up in its third year to host the Global Culinary Conference. This two-day, in-person event, presented by Diageo in Houston, Texas, on January 22-23, 2024, addresses pressing issues like rising food and labor costs. The conference boasts exclusive insights from industry experts, covering topics such as business growth, marketing strategies, real estate, and more.

Keynote speakers include Marcus Davis, owner of The Breakfast Klub, Chef Karla Hoyos, and Chef Dayanny Delacruz. The agenda includes sessions by Levy Restaurants, Live Nation, Sysco, African American Marketing Association, and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. Attendees can also enjoy industry happy hours hosted by Diageo, Stella Artois, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

A highlight of the event is the Special Global XChange Dinner hosted at Kulture, providing a unique networking opportunity. The conference offers in-depth keynotes, growth panels, master classes, and interactive breakout sessions, complemented by happy hour events and meals from local minority-owned restaurants.

The 2024 agenda includes speakers such as Chef Dynamo Chef, Levy Restaurants; Will Norwood, Live Nation; Courtney Johnson Rose, President, National Association of Real Estate Brokers; Michelle Ngome, President, African American Marketing Association; Phillip Yates, Founder, Black Entrepreneurship Week & Latin Entrepreneurship Week; Yvonne Guidry, Spoiled Latina; and Jamin Butler, Owner, Black Coffee Company.

The Global Culinary Conference aims to become an annual event fostering collaboration, networking, and discussions on the latest business growth trends. The general admission prices are $99.00 for a two-day pass and $65.00 for a single-day pass.

The conference venue is Texas Tower, located at 845 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002. Since its inception in 2020, Feed The Soul Foundation has supported marginalized culinary businesses through financial assistance, emergency relief, scholarships, and internship programs. To register and learn more about the Global Culinary Conference, visit Feed the Soul Foundation's website.