Visit Philly and Resy will sponsor the new conference, organized by the same founder as the 10-year-old Drexel event.The Philly Chef Conference has drawn high-profile chefs and food journalists to Philadelphia for an annual meeting of the minds. Hosted by Drexel University’s hospitality management department, the conference was anchored by chef-driven panels and Q&As that dissected hot topics and emerging themes in the restaurant industry.
That change is one reason Visit Philly is co-sponsoring the event, financially and with the full force of its marketing channels. Chief communications officer Alethia Calbeck said Visit Philly has always been a champion of the Philly Chef Conference under the Drexel banner, but leapt at the chance to throw its weight behind this new entity.
Esquire editor Jeff Gordinier, who has appeared at the Philly Chef Conference and will appear at the Chef Conference, agreed the event is unique.