Chef Educate

Attended an incredible welcome mixer and networking dinner with chefs from around the world. It was amazing seeing old friends again while meeting so many talented new culinary professionals.

These photos capture the spirit of what Worldchefs is truly about — chefs from every corner of the globe coming together before the conference officially begins to share ideas, friendships, culture, and passion for our industry.

The food was excellent, the hospitality has been outstanding, and now after nearly 48 hours of travel… it’s finally time to relax.

Excited for the days ahead at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 — the first time in history the event has ever been hosted in the United Kingdom!

After one unforgettable journey, we finally made it to Wales for the 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales! 🇺🇸✈️🏴

What a start to the trip…

Things began Thursday afternoon leaving school at 2:30 when a cherry tree split in the driveway and had to be moved before we could even head out! Somehow, we still made it to the airport on time — only to find the international luggage line backed up more than 150 people deep. Thinking quickly, we found curbside bag check and barely made our flight.

Dinner before boarding? Homemade India style sandwiches and chicken liver pâté while running through the airport! 😂

After landing overseas, it took us over 30 minutes to organize connecting flights and locate fellow chefs traveling from America, but eventually everything came together. From there, we enjoyed a beautiful 2½-hour ride through the Welsh countryside to Newport.

We grabbed a brief lunch, checked into the hotel around 4:00 PM, relaxed for about an hour, and then attended an incredible networking dinner with chefs from around the world. It was amazing seeing old friends again while meeting so many talented new culinary professionals.

The food was excellent, the hospitality has been outstanding, and now after nearly 48 hours of travel… it’s finally time to relax.

Excited for the days ahead at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 — the first time in history the event has ever been hosted in the United Kingdom!

CHEFS OF THE CENTRAL REGION—I NEED YOUR VOTE!
Check your email for ballots starting April 22nd!
From my first ACF meeting in Rhinebeck with President Marquis to today—30 years later—it’s time to give back at the national level.
As your ACF Central Regional Vice President, I’ll fight for:
✅ TRANSPARENCY in finances & communication
✅ INCLUSION that honors senior chefs’ legacies and fresh voices
✅ RESULTS backed by 20+ years of ACF board leadership
MY PLEDGE TO YOU:
🔹 Bridge education & industry through ProStart, SkillsUSA, FCCLA, and ACF high school competitions
🔹 Clear chapter communication—no president or member left in the dark
🔹 Healthier chefs—advocating for mental/physical wellness and Chef & Child mentorship
Our Next generation is important to mentor and nourish!
This isn’t about me—it’s about PROTECTING OUR FUTURE.
📽️ WATCH MY 30-SEC MESSAGE → Why I’m running
📩 VOTE STARTING 4/22 (check your inbox!)
📞 Let’s talk: 810-650-8825 | [email protected]
With gratitude,
Chef James Kokenyesdi, CEC® CCA® AAC
Fraser High School | MI ACF Chairman | Chef & Child Task Force


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