Tips for Success

Leverage time in the Market

  • Before Rising Stars, familiarize yourself with the winners and Honorees Dinner hosts (see "Winners & Hosts" tab)
  • Before Rising Stars, sending a congratulatory note and/or gift helps winners recognize your name when you meet.
  • Plan to stay a day or two in the market afterwards. After getting to know winners over two days, visiting them at their restaurants to say hello is appreciated and the most productive way to develop the relationship.

How-To-Make-It Culinary Panel

StarChefs will bring together Rising Stars for a candid, informative, and often entertaining "How To Make It" panel. Students and working professionals will gain insight into the rewards and challenges of the culinary industry, as well as how the Rising Stars ultimately "made it" in the industry.

The Panel is particularly valuable for sponsors - it will inform your conversations with winners, and give you an inside scoop on their culinary backgrounds and career trajectories. Bring a notebook and pen!

Attire: Comfortable

Honorees Dinner

It is tradition the night before the Rising Stars Gala for Rising Stars alum to cook for the new winners, their mentors and spouses at this exclusive event.

The Honorees Dinner is an opportunity to develop and build long-term relationships. Chefs want to do business with people they like. Use what you learned about the chefs from their bios and panel to engage in non-sales conversations.

Attire: Cocktail

Rising Stars Awards & Tasting Gala

The Rising Stars Awards & Tasting Gala is a walk-around gala for 400-500 people featuring signature dishes, desserts, drinks and entertainment. Open to the public, and featuring a Champagne and caviar VIP reception, awards ceremony, the event is attended by leading members of the press and the who's who in the culinary world.

Come early (@5 pm) to say hello as winners set up. It's your chance to meet them before the hundreds of hungry Gala attendees approach the tables.

Seating at the Award Ceremony often fills up quickly. Be sure to grab your seat early. If you're presenting an award, you will want to be close to the stage, so you can access it easily.

Attire: Cocktail

Industry After Party

The celebration continues into the late evening. Winners and candidates from across the market converge to enjoy food & drinks.

Don't miss this! The industry-only event draws staff from winners' restaurants as well as many of the other candidates StarChefs considered. Take advantage of this opportunity - it's a real benefit of your participation.