Chef Eric Ripert To Keynote 2012 Rca Annual Conference & Culinology Expo

The Research Chefs Association (RCA) will bring over 1,200 food R&D professionals to San Antonio, March 21-24, 2012, for its Annual Conference & Culinology Expo, where celebrity chef Eric Ripert, co-owner of Le Bernardin and star of PBS' "Avec Eric," will provide the keynote speech. Ripert will speak to one of the most cutting edge groups of R&D professionals in the culinary industry with his keynote address, "On Leadership, Team Building and Staying Ahead of the Curve."

"Chef Ripert is recognized for his innovative leadership style at his Michelin-rated restaurant Le Bernardin, and we are thrilled he will share this insight with us in San Antonio. We have a jam-packed program featuring many top-notch speakers, and attendees will walk away with a lot of food for thought," says Janet Carver, RCA President.

RCA will also bring additional industry thought leaders such as Liz Sloan to the stage for its general sessions, where R&D professionals will find the latest in trends and technologies. Sloan will lead the general session, "2012: Menu Makers and Traffic Builders", examining the latest flavors, methods and preferences to keep these professionals sharp in the kitchen and in touch with consumers.

Another notable general session includes "Developing Products for the Hispanic Market," which aims to help professionals target the rapidly growing Hispanic demographic in the U.S. Culinary gurus Mark Miller, John Bartel and Fernando Desa will present this pertinent session in the heart of Texas. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about exciting new culinary technology thanks to the "Culinology Today: New Equipment Technologies" panel presented by Culinology Magazine with special guests Christie Maggi, Culinary Director of Advanced Gourmet and Christoph Milz, Marketing Manager of Polyscience.

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio (600 E Market Street, San Antonio) will serve as headquarters hotel, with conference functions and the Expo at the San Antonio Convention Center (603 Bowie Street, San Antonio) and attendees may register online. Press registration is available for qualified applicants, based upon availability.


RCA HEADQUARTERS
1100 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 252-3663
General event questions: Kristi Johnson (678) 303-3009
Media contact: Anneliese Klainbaum (678) 303-2968 x7

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please visit www.culinology.org/annualconference
*Press details, speaker bios, and speaker headshots available upon request.