Skip to the content 
Shortlisted Destinations Announced for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026
- The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) has released the shortlisted countries moving forward in the bidding process to host the 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo.
- National Chef Associations representing Worldchefs’ international membership of more than 100 countries were invited to submit a bid to host the 2026 event. With eight applications received, Budapest, Hungary, Rimini, Italy, and Newport, Wales have been shortlisted.
- The Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a major international event for the global culinary community, providing a unique opportunity for countries to showcase their cuisines and chef talent, boost tourism, and build future trade links.
Paris, 10 of October 2022 – The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) has announced the shortlisted countries moving forward in the bidding process to host the 2026 Worldchefs Congress & Expo.
Since 1928, the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo has united a global community of chefs and cross-industry innovators to explore the past, present, and future of the culinary profession. The major international event captures the interest of the global culinary community, providing a unique opportunity for countries to showcase their cuisines and chef talent, boost tourism, and build future trade links.
National Chef Associations representing Worldchefs’ international membership of more than 100 countries were invited to submit a bid to host the Worldchefs Congress & Expo in cooperation with their national tourism and convention bureau. Eight applications were received, and the three shortlisted destinations for the Worldchefs Congress 2026 bid include:
- Budapest, Hungary
- Rimini, Italy
- Newport, Wales
The Bidding Committees of these respective countries will submit a Bid Application to Worldchefs headquarters in Paris by 30 October 2022, marking the next step in the process. The winning bid will be determined by a vote by Worldchefs’ members in January 2023.
“The Congress is an important event for all chefs from across the globe, and the remarkable host cities and cultures bring so much to the program,” says Worldchefs Congress Committee Chairman Andy Cuthbert. “Our sincere appreciations to all the applicants and congratulations to the shortlisted destinations.”
Worldchefs Congress & Expo has been organized in 39 cities around the world throughout its 94-year industry-shaping history. The four-day forum brings together delegates from across the five continents to network and expand their professional bonds. The unique program delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the hospitality industry, impactful educational programs including the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, specialized events designed to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge culinary competition, an international trade exhibition, and diverse activities to enhance both personal and professional networks.
To learn more about the bidding process and requirements for Worldchefs Congress & Expo destinations, visit https://worldchefs.org/congress-bidding/.
– END –
ABOUT WORLDCHEFS
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a dynamic global network of 110 chef associations worldwide. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries 91 years of history since its founding at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier. Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.
Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:
Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Hospitality Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality;
Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world through their online community platform and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;
Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
For more information about Worldchefs, visit us at www.worldchefs.org.
