Pastry Arts Competition Seminar: Paris

Pastry Arts Competition Seminar: Paris

Join the Worldchefs for a Pastry Arts Competition Seminar in Paris, France at 9AM – 5PM on 13th October 2025.

See registration details below.

Competition Seminar instructors share techniques from both the perspective of Worldchefs Certified Judges and award-winning competitors. Participants gain an understanding of not only judging criteria but also best practices in the competition kitchen and tactics that consistently reach the highest place at the podium.

Current judges: All Worldchefs Certified Judges are required to attend a Competition Seminar every five years. 

Future judges: Attending a Competition Seminar is a mandatory part of the process to become a Worldchefs Certified Judge. Participants are awarded a certificate of participation that can be submitted as one of the required credentials in an application. To learn more about the process and for a complete list of requirements, download the Worldchefs Certified Judge application form here.

Judges: Why attend?

• Keep up to date with culinary trends, and discover all the latest rules necessary to provide fair judgment during competition events.
• Engage with renowned chef instructors and network with a diverse and driven class of competition chefs, aspiring judges, and influencers in the culinary space.
• Current judges: All Worldchefs Certified Judges are required to attend a Competition Seminar every five years. 
• Future judges: Take the first step towards becoming a Worldchefs Certified Judge. Participants receive a certificate of participation after attending a Competition Seminar. This certificate of completion is one of the mandatory requirements when submitting a Worldchefs Certified Judge application.

Competitors: Why attend?

• Learn indispensable tips to excel in culinary competitions, and understand the service process and presentation details to make sure you know everything from the very beginning to the end.
• Be the first to discover current culinary trends, innovations in modern kitchen equipment, and the latest technologies used in competition.
• Engage with renowned chef instructors and get inspired alongside a diverse and driven class of competition chefs, aspiring judges, and influencers in the culinary space.

Learn more about becoming a Worldchefs Certified Judge

Attending a Competition Seminar is one of the required credentials in a Certified Judge application. Keep in mind, all Certified Judges are required to attend a Competition Seminar every five years. These intensive workshops provide key information about current trends, competition rules and judging criteria, to help chefs keep up-to-date and at their best!

Attending applicable Competition Seminars is one part of the process to become a judge, and does not automatically qualify you as a Certified Judge. Applicants must fulfil additional criteria and provide evidence of support in a formal application process. To learn more about the full approval process, visit: www.worldchefs.org/Application-To-Become-A-Judge 

Meet your Seminar Instructor:

Leopold Forsthofer is a celebrated Austrian master confectioner known for his artistry in patisserie and chocolate. Since 1984, he has worked at Vienna’s renowned Kurkonditorei Oberlaa, where he serves as deputy head of the bakery, specializing in intricate decorations and special orders. In 2007, he earned national acclaim by winning the Austrian Chocolate Master title with his creation “Let’s Dance!” at the Patisserie Grand Prix, representing Austria at the World Chocolate Masters in Paris. Forsthofer has also competed internationally with Austria’s national culinary team, winning multiple gold and silver medals. A dedicated educator, he has co-authored influential books such as The Chocolate Bible and Süße Kunst, and is a respected trainer and juror in global competitions. As a member of the Worldchefs Culinary Competition Committee, Forsthofer plays a key role in advancing the pastry arts, combining tradition with innovation to inspire the next generation of confectioners.

Important Information

Date: 9AM – 5PM, 13 October 2025

Location: Paris, France

Registration Fee: 300 €

Note: This seminar is organized exclusively on-site. It will NOT be recorded or streamed for online participation.

The seminar is subjected to cancellation if the minimum number of participants isn’t reached. The registration fee will be fully refunded in such case. Please ensure that you also book cancellable flight and accommodation to Paris.

Certification: A Worldchefs digital badge and certificate will be issued to participants who attend the seminar.

For more information, contact Ajla Dunga at ajla@worldchefs.org.