FIT Symposium: Mind, Body, Menu
The future of food is about more than what’s on the plate.
Mind, Body, Menu
November 5-6, 2026
Join chefs, restaurateurs, nutrition experts, educators, food innovators and hospitality leaders for two days of inspiring conversations, hands-on learning and memorable culinary experiences at the 2026 FIT Symposium.
This year’s theme, Mind, Body, Menu, explores the powerful connections between wellness, performance, sustainability and the future of food. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops and culinary demonstrations, attendees will examine how the industry is evolving — and the role each of us plays in shaping what’s next.
What to Expect
Whether you’re a chef, educator, hospitality professional, healthcare practitioner, entrepreneur or student, the FIT Symposium offers fresh perspectives, practical insights and meaningful connections.
At the FIT Symposium, you can expect:
- Inspiring keynote speakers from across the culinary, hospitality and wellness industries
- Dynamic conversations on food, health, hospitality and innovation
- Interactive breakout sessions and hands-on workshops
- Live culinary demonstrations and tastings
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals, educators and students
- Innovation showcases featuring emerging products, technologies and ideas
Topics You’ll Explore
Programming will examine timely issues shaping the future of food and wellness.
You’ll explore topics on:
- Culinary wellness and mental health
- Nutrition and performance
- Fermentation and food science
- Sustainable food systems
- Digital wellness and modern culinary careers
- Hospitality innovation
- Food education and teaching kitchens
- Seafood, agriculture and responsible sourcing
- Culinary craftsmanship and hands-on techniques
Teaching Kitchens and Enhanced Nutrition Education as Transformational Strategies
David Eisenberg
Despite unprecedented advances in medicine, poor nutrition remains a driving force behind many of today’s health challenges. In this plenary, Dr. David Eisenberg explores the evolution of teaching kitchens and how they bring together culinary arts and healthcare to improve health outcomes, encourage behavior change and redefine nutrition education.
Hospitality Without Hangovers
Sam Diminich
The food and hospitality industry is built around celebration, long hours and high-pressure environments, but for Chef Sam Diminich, embracing wellness became a catalyst for personal and professional growth. In this candid session, he shares his journey toward building a healthier, more sustainable career in food and hospitality.
A Rising Tide
Moderator: Jordyn Kastlunger
Panelists: Molly Moran-Ogren, Chelsea Murgo and Jim Boyd
This panel brings together fishermen and industry professionals to explore the challenges of sustaining careers in a traditionally male-dominated and aging commercial fishing industry. The conversation will examine gender bias, workforce inequities, leadership access and the need to attract a new generation while considering how diversity and innovation can strengthen the future of fishing communities and the broader seafood sector.
Fermentation’s New Frontier: Tradition, Wellness, and the Modern Menu
Moderator: Richard Miscovich
Panelists: Sandor Katz
Join fermentation pioneer Sandor Katz in conversation with and Richard Miscovich to explore how ancient preservation techniques have become a defining force in contemporary food culture. From flavor development and culinary creativity to wellness and consumer demand, they’ll examine fermentation’s growing influence on menus and its enduring connection to health, community, and the future of food.
Thursday, November 5
9:20am — Welcome Remarks
Dean Jason Evans
9:30am — Keynote
10am — Innovation Lightning Round 1
10:15am — Sandor Katz in Conversation with Richard Miscovich
Culinary Amphitheater
10:55am — Innovation Lightning Round 2
11:10am — Group Stretch
11:15am — Teaching Kitchens and Enhanced Nutrition Education as Transformational Strategies
David Eisenberg
11:30am — Hospitality Without Hangovers
Sam Diminich
2:45pm — Welcome Back
Dean Jason Evans
2:50pm — The Great Debate: Who Do We Cook For?
Moderator: Alexa Gagosz
3:20pm — Innovation Lightning Round 3
3:10pm — A Rising Tide
Moderator: Jordyn Kastlunger
Panelists: Molly Moran-Ogren, Chelsea Murgo and Jim Boyd
3:40pm — Innovation Lightning Round 4
3:55pm — Break
4:05pm — Presentation 5
4:45pm — Cocktail Reception
Music by Matt Byrnes
5pm — Culinary Club Dine Around
Featuring Culinaria Latina, Pastry Arts and Cooking Asia
Friday, November 6
8:15am — Breakfast
8:45am — Welcome Back Remarks and Workshop Guidance
Dean Jason Evans
9am — Workshops Begin
Workshop details coming soon.
1pm — Lunch
2:30pm — Conference Conclusion
Registration is Open
Reserve your spot today and take advantage of our discounted hotel block as you begin planning your FIT Symposium experience.
Sponsors
Media Sponsor
Platinum Level
Silver Level
Symposium Workshops in Action
