The Phoenix Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier International is honored to host the 2024 International Conference at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix).
Register for the 2024 Conference
The lush desert setting, iconic historic resort venue, and action-packed itinerary promise a memorable conference experience for all attending members.
Those planning to fly in on Wednesday, October 16th, will be rewarded with a full slate of optional activities to enjoy on Thursday morning, the 17th. These include a tour of two world-famous locations: the Phoenix Botanical Garden and the Heard Museum. For a more Western experience, you might indulge in an authentic trail ride, but if horses are not your thing, you can always enjoy a trip to the historic western town of Wickenburg.
Those who prefer to stay on premises will be able to choose between two Arizona-focused programs: one centered on Arizona’s breakout wine industry (followed by a wine-paired luncheon) OR a deep-dive demonstration cooking class on Indigenous, Hispanic, and Southwest cuisine (also followed by a luncheon).
Thursday evening’s optional event is our highly anticipated annual Harvest Moon Festival. Our chapter partners with C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) to host a spectacular event at the renowned Phoenician Resort. Spend the evening meandering between 30+ food stations staffed by high school C-CAP students and their mentor chefs. Note—you’ll also enjoy plenty of free libations while rockin’ to the stellar Mac Daddy O’s Band.
Friday Morning’s Keynote speaker is Crystal Wahpepah; a fascinating and engaging Native American speaker from the Chickapoo, Sac and Fox Nations. Crystal is a James Beard Award Finalist and is chef and owner of Wahpepah’s Kitchen, in California.
You’ll enjoy at least 15 outstanding breakout sessions throughout Friday and Saturday with timely and relevant educational opportunities.
Bring your boots and western bling for an outdoor evening under the western stars on Friday evening. The evening will kick off with a not-to-miss show of Native Hoop Dancers, followed by a 5-piece country western band, line dancing, chuck wagon dinner, fire pits (smores too) and plenty of country western fun.
Saturday morning, we have a networking buffet breakfast planned; plenty of time for you to mingle and meet your fellow Dames, followed by yet another round of engaging breakout sessions.
After those breakout sessions, if you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to visit our chapter’s Bookstore and Curio Shop; lots to purchase and great prices. All cookbooks will only be $5 each (save room in your luggage), plus fun trinkets, logo’d aprons, and yes, even some turquoise jewelry.
The official grand finale will be Saturday evening when you’ll be “puttin’ on the Ritz” at the Grande Dame Gala. This is always a rewarding end to any conference.
If you stay on and join in on optional Sunday opportunities, you’ll choose between two stunning brunches. Award-winning mixologist Dame Kim Hassarud will host a group at her charming and historic Garden Bar in Phoenix. Former Dame (and Best Chef Southwest James Beard Award-winner) Chef Charleen Badman will host a brunch at her restaurant FnB, in Scottsdale.
Anyone who has yearned to see the famous red rocks of Sedona while in town can join a curated two-hour bus journey, which will include a Pink Jeep Tour and a private luncheon in the chef’s garden at the world-famous Enchantment Resort.
Come – experience the excitement that IS Arizona.
