If you are a professional cook working in the restaurant setting, chances are you’ll come across a culinary convention opportunity at some time or another. As is the case with any profession in which continued education is the key to success, the chance to learn more is simply part of the job. And as you move up the ranks in your culinary career, the chance to attend these conventions will only increase.
Attendance at a culinary convention usually takes one of two forms: you’ll either be there to meet other professionals and learn what’s hot and new in the industry, or you’ll actually have a booth that showcases your product/restaurant/skills. The latter typically comes only after you’ve already made a place for yourself in the industry, and can be costly for setting up.
If you decide to attend a culinary convention as a networking opportunity—or if the restaurant you work for is willing to send you—here are a few tips for making it work to your advantage.
Make Yourself Known: Wear your name badge, carry business cards, and go out of your way to meet people. Although you don’t have to walk away with a stellar new job offer or become best friends with a leading chef, you can meet other people who can help boost your career or assist you in building lasting culinary friendships.
Know Your Goals: Oftentimes, there are workshops and courses that you can attend to learn new things. Other times, there are showcase booths that allow you to learn more about culinary organizations in your area and around the world. Know what you want to get out of the convention and plan accordingly. Even though it can be fun to just sit and chat with others, you should walk away with some new knowledge, as well.
Prepare to Take Notes: Okay, so maybe you won’t walk around with a pen and paper in hand, but you’ll most likely get quite a few handouts, fliers, business cards, and other promotional materials. If you can devise a system for organizing all these materials, you should be able to get more out of your experience without too much additional hassle.
Of course, the most important thing you can do is have fun. Culinary professionals are known for their larger-than-life personalities, and the food and wine is often freely flowing at these types of events. Know what you want, get what you want, and then have a good time. Your culinary career is all about finding a place where you feel comfortable without sacrificing your success, and culinary conventions are a great opportunity to put some of these goals to good use.
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