This International Chefs Day, we’re celebrating the creativity and care chefs bring to events. Marcy Pease, Director of Events at Prestige, shares how great food connects people.  

At each event, cuisine does more than fill the schedule. It tells a story. From locally inspired dishes to artfully plated entrées, every bite becomes an opportunity to connect, reflect, and create shared memories. 

“Food sets the tone for the event,” says Marcy. “It’s often the moment when people relax, engage, and have real conversations that spark collaboration.” 

Why International Chefs Day Matters to Event Planners 

International Chefs Day honors the culinary professionals who transform ingredients into experiences that spark joy. 

For event planners, it’s also a reminder of how essential chefs are to crafting memorable meetings and conferences. A great chef doesn’t just prepare meals. They help create the mood of an event. 

Marcy knows this firsthand. She oversees the event experience for Prestige’s major programs, including Networking Events, Regional Summits, four Prestige incentive trips, and our annual Partner Conference. 

“Every event has its own personality,” she explains. “For example, the Summits are all about connection and regional flavor, so we love when the menu reflects that sense of place with something local, something authentic.” 

Collaboration Between Chefs and Event Teams 

The best culinary experiences come from collaboration. By giving chefs creative freedom, events can gain an authentic, locally inspired flavor that resonates with attendees. 

“We listen to the chefs and give them room to showcase their creativity, and it always shines through,” she notes, “They know what’s fresh, what tells the story of their region, and how to bring that to life for our guests.” 

From elevated receptions under the stars to casual networking events that start new partnerships, every detail matters. Marcy collaborates closely with venues and their chefs to ensure each experience flows seamlessly and that attendees leave delighted. 

During the Prestige Midwest Summit in Tucson, the Loews Ventana Canyon culinary team went above and beyond for two guests with severe food allergies. 

“They created custom plates for each person so they could enjoy a safe and equally beautiful dining experience,” Marcy recalls, “Our partners are so good. They truly care about our guests.” 

The same care extended throughout the event, from clearly labeled menu selections to thoughtful extras like a customized amenity lounge stocked with allergy-friendly snacks. 

“One of our hotel partners personally made a trip to Whole Foods to pick up special items,” Marcy says, “We want our attendees to know they’re cared for and can fully enjoy every part of the event.” 

Thoughtful touches like these elevate events and create experiences guests remember long after they leave. 

More Than a Meal 

From colorful grazing tables at Loews Atlanta Hotel to Southwest-inspired bites at the Arizona Biltmore, each menu for Prestige events in 2025 reflected the creativity of the chefs and the spirit of the destination. 

Even coffee breaks and dessert displays became moments of joy. 

“Food, and the people who create it, have a way of bringing everyone together,” says Marcy. “Even a quick coffee break can turn into a meaningful connection.” 

On International Chefs Day, we celebrate the chefs and culinary partners whose creativity transforms events into unforgettable experiences. Ultimately, what Marcy loves most is seeing attendees connect – not just with the food, but with one another. 

Ready to create your next unforgettable event? Contact your Prestige sales partner today! 

Looking for more insight? Check out our education webinar, Understanding Food and Beverage Trends, for best practices on planning meals that impress guests without stretching your budget.