AOCF Conference Schedule 2026

High-volume catering demands more than great food — it requires a culinary structure designed for speed, consistency, leadership growth, and exceptional guest experience. In this session, Executive Chef Thach Tran of Footers Catering shares a practical look at how clearly defined culinary roles support seamless event execution across multiple venues, teams, and service styles.

Attendees will explore how a layered culinary model — from leadership to event execution and prep — creates accountability, strengthens communication, and improves scalability without sacrificing creativity. The session breaks down the purpose behind key positions, how responsibilities connect to other departments, and why structure directly impacts client satisfaction.

Chef Tran will discuss lessons learned, roles that evolved over time, and how organizations can adapt these concepts to fit their own size and event mix. This is not a one-size-fits-all blueprint, but a transparent case study designed to spark conversation and provide actionable ideas.

Participants will leave with frameworks to clarify ownership, develop culinary leaders, and design teams that can plate beautifully, move efficiently, and deliver memorable experiences at scale.