Conference 2026: Origins

Two days of talks, tastings and connections bringing together the minds shaping food business. Explore how heritage and innovation intertwine to define what we eat across cultures.

Topic: Origins

The talks will dive into ancestral ingredients and knowledge, migration and identity, cross-cultural influence on cuisine, and the modern reinterpretation of heritage in food and business.

From the humble beginnings of a brand to the evolution of award-winning menus inspired by indigenous ingredients, we invite you to uncover the origins of how we eat — and who we are — today.

Speakers

Virgilio Martínez

Chef & Owner, Central and Mil; Founder, Mater and MAZ
Marcus Samuelsson‬

Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, Author, Activist
Paige Walker

Scotch & Digital Innovation Director, Diageo
Lotta & Per-Anders Jörgensen

Co-founders & Creative Directors, Fool Agency
Pablo Rivero

CEO, Resy & VP Global Dining, American Express
Liv Weidner

Director of Global Reservations for Gracious Hospitality Management
Carolina Cossu

Director of Sales, Ethica Wines
Norman Van Aken

Founder Norman's Orlando, Author, James Beard Who's Who
Michael Beltran

Chef/Owner, Ariete Hospitality Group
Kaja Sajovic

Journalist, Co-author of Ana Roš: Sun and Rain
Jesús Brazón

Founder & Head Baker, Caracas Bakery
Will Thompson

Founder, Sunny's Steakhouse
Luciana Giangrandi

Co-Chef/Owner Boia De and Walrus Rodeo
Teresa Gallina

Chef/Owner Recoveco
Tiger Saliba

Owner, BEYBEY
Andrew Friedman

Author & host/producer of Andrew Talks to Chefs podcast
James Pergola

Coffee Ambassador at Nestlé Nespresso SA