Special Events at ACE

Monday, June 23 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Harness the Power of Individual Tendencies

Work life is full of balancing how we interact with others: our clients, colleagues, and team. Efforts to change the way people approach problems are futile, so why don’t we embrace their tendencies and work collaboratively? In this 1.5-hour workshop, we will identify our own Professional Tendencies, and practice ways to work more effectively and efficiently with others. Perhaps you ask a lot of questions to gather information to make decisions and your work partner jumps right in to action stage. You prefer an email while your boss insists on meeting in person. One employee constantly needs approval and recognition for their work while the other one just wants to be left to their task. Is one approach better than the other? We will find out as we explore professional tendencies in 4 categories. Which one are you?

Tickets for the pre-conference session are $25 and can be selected as an add-on during your general ACE registration.

Monday, June 23 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Kick off the 2025 ACE in style at our Opening Reception. Mingle with fellow attendees, reconnect with your ACE peers, and make new connections as we celebrate the start of a great conference. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres in a relaxed, social atmosphere that will set the tone for the upcoming days ahead.

Tuesday, June 24 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Fuel up for the day at the Networking Breakfast. This energizing morning event offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, share ideas, and make new friends over breakfast. Whether you're a first-time attendee or an ACE veteran, join us for meaningful conversation and a great start to your ACE day.

Tuesday, June 24 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, June 24 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Don't miss this year's Meet the Board Mixer. This is your chance to connect directly with the ANFP Board of Directors and serves as the perfect opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and gain insights into the leadership shaping the future of foodservice.

Tuesday, June 24 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. - Cocktail Reception
6:30 p.m. - Dinner, Awards, Dancing

Join us for the 2025 Honors Gala! This year's theme, Purple Rain, pays tribute to the legendary hometown icon, Prince. Don your boldest purple, glam up in your best royal attire, or channel your inner rock star for a night of celebration, innovation, music, and great memories. Whether you're dressing to impress in purple or rocking a Prince-inspired outfit, join us as we honor excellence in the profession and dance the night away in true Minnesota style!

Wednesday, June 25 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Come join us for a walk through the ‘Mall of America’ as we will cover all three floors of the mall.  Get your day started off right with this guided 5K walk! Window shop along the way, while networking with others.