Conversations at Copia
Conversations at Copia is a live talk series that brings together the pioneers of constructive disruption within the worlds of food, beverage, and hospitality to share their stories of positive change.
Brought to you by The Culinary Institute of America and moderated by American culinary expert and chef Andrew Zimmern, this compelling series is designed to foster insight, inspiration, and global innovation transformation in the culinary industry and in our communities.
Each event will be followed by a fundraiser dinner in support of the newly created Andrew Zimmern Second Chances Scholarship at the CIA. This intimate dinner with host Andrew Zimmern and fellow panelist members in The CIA at Copia’s Hestan Kitchen, where guests will be treated to dishes inspired by the evening’s topic and participants.
Join the conversation.
Upcoming Conversations
Culture and Cuisine
Saturday, September 7, 2019
What does it mean to be authentic and who gets to cook what?
The U.S. is a melting pot of global flavors, but how does a chef prove their authority of a particular cuisine? Today, chefs are adopting, embracing, and immersing themselves in cultures that have inspired them to cook delicious foods. Join chefs who rock the international cuisine scene as they discuss their journeys to create some of the most exciting and delicious restaurants in the country.
Meet the Panelists:
Food for Good
Saturday, October 26, 2019
How can we expand access to food and reduce waste?
Having the power to change any aspect of our food system sounds like a lot to take on. But what if even the simplest action could cause a revolution? As our world changes, we are forced to consider possibilities we may not have otherwise in order to break down systemic barriers and create new and lasting solutions. These imaginative pioneers are rewriting the rules within our food system to provide vital pathways for access. Leaders of these changes are creating new ways to serve those in need, provide disaster relief, and fight against food waste.
Meet the Panelists:
Setting the Equity Table
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Where is social change in the food and beverage industry coming from?
How have we come to celebrate the globalization of cuisine without creating equal opportunities for individuals at the same time? Leaders of the restaurant world are turning good intentions into concrete action as they use the power of food as a tool for social change and advancing hospitality.
Meet the Panelists:
About Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern is a four-time James Beard award-winning TV personality, chef, writer, teacher and social justice advocate. As the creator, executive producer and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food, The Zimmern List, and Food Network’s Big Food Truck Tip, he has explored cultures in more than 170 countries, promoting impactful ways to think about, create and live with food. He has written four books, is a contributor at Food & Wine Magazine and an entrepreneur-in-residence at Babson College. Andrew is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Content, a full-service television and digital production company, and Passport Hospitality, a restaurant and foodservice development company. He is devoted to his charitable endeavors and sits on the board of directors for Services for the UnderServed, Soigne Hospitality, and Taste of the NFL. His life’s work is exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance, and understanding through food. More at www.andrewzimmern.com.
The Andrew Zimmern Second Chances Scholarship at the CIA
The Andrew Zimmern Second Chances Scholarship at the CIA was created to support students overcoming hardships on their path to a CIA degree and a successful culinary career. The fund hopes to increase college access for motivated students working through obstacles that would otherwise hinder their desire of pursuing an education in the culinary arts.