Culinary Institute of America Gathers Food Industry Leaders to Map 2035 Food System

Event summary

  • The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) will host its 14th annual Menus of Change® Leadership Summit from June 2-4, 2026, in Hyde Park, NY.
  • The event will feature over 10 industry leaders, including academics, chefs, and sustainability experts.
  • The summit will focus on three key areas: blue and aquatic foods, business landscape planning, and the role of AI in foodservice.
  • The conference aims to guide the food industry toward healthier, sustainable, and profitable menu options by 2035.

The big picture

The Culinary Institute of America's Menus of Change® Leadership Summit underscores the urgent need for the food industry to adapt to external pressures and accelerate sustainable practices. As the global food system faces significant transformation, the event serves as a critical platform for shaping the future of food production, consumption, and policy. The summit's focus on AI, sustainable sourcing, and workforce development highlights the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human creativity in the foodservice sector.

What we're watching

Sustainable Sourcing
How the integration of blue and aquatic foods will impact the resilience and sustainability of global food systems.
AI Adoption
The pace at which AI tools will be adopted for sourcing transparency and efficiency in the foodservice industry.
Workforce Development
Whether the food industry can effectively prepare the workforce for future challenges and opportunities.