The LA Chef Conference will bring chefs, restaurateurs, writers, and other hospitality professionals together at City Market Social House in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, October 5, 2026. Running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the event combines panel discussions and workshops with breakfast, a food festival-style lunch, book signings, and a closing cocktail party.
Produced by Jacqui Leanza and Brad Metzger of BMRS Hospitality Recruitment, the conference is intended for people working in hospitality operations and ownership. This year’s program features four rounds of concurrent sessions across three stages, covering kitchen culture, restaurant technology and artificial intelligence, food media, social media influence, investment, leadership, and the practical challenges of building a restaurant.
Among the featured sessions is a conversation between Danny Meyer and Bill Addison. Meyer will also sign copies of his new book, What Could Possibly Go Right?, which is scheduled for release on September 29. Other highlights include a discussion about the evolution of kitchen culture and leadership, featuring Onwuachi and Michael Cimarusti, and a conversation about the relationship between culture and cuisine featuring Issa Rae and moderated by Nyesha Arrington. The complete panel schedule is available online and remains subject to change.
Meals and tastings are included throughout the day. Breakfast will feature coffee, pastries, a collaboration between PopUp Bagels and Sabatino Truffles, and a matcha creation from pastry chef Heather Wong. From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., lunch will spread across DAMA, Rossoblu, and Skyduster Brewery, all within the City Market South complex. The afternoon also includes Gather for Chocolate, a dessert showcase presented by Guittard Chocolate and hosted by the nonprofit Gather for Good.
New this year is “Aussie Meat Academy: A Chef’s Guide to Flavor, Cuts & Menu Potential.” Led by Claudette Zepeda and Meat & Livestock Australia’s Andy Groneman, with support from Benjamin Udave, the class offers working chefs a comparative tasting of Australian grass-fed beef, lamb, and wagyu. Capacity is limited, and advance reservations are required.
Book signings continue throughout the conference before the day concludes with a cocktail party hosted by Wolfgang Puck Catering from 5 to 7 p.m.
Tickets cost $240 and include panels, talks, classes, food, and beverages, although admission to individual sessions is subject to availability. The 21-and-over conference is restricted to hospitality professionals and is not open to the general public. Tickets are distributed through a lottery and invitation process, and parking is not included. Fifteen percent of ticket sales will benefit the Independent Hospitality Coalition.
When: Monday, October 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: City Market Social House, 1145 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles
Tickets: $240 through the LA Chef Conference website
