Culinary students and apprentices across the UK and Ireland are being given a 70% discount on day passes for the biggest global event for chefs, which is being held in Wales in May.
Passes for the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16-19 are available for just £60 a day instead of the standard 220 GBP.
It’s a once in a generation opportunity to attend the event which is coming to the UK for the first time in its 98-year history. It’s the only global event being held in Wales this year.
The congress brings together chefs, educators and hospitality professionals from more than 100 countries for four days of learning, networking and global culinary exchange.
The programme features keynote speakers including Marco Pierre White, Tom Phillips and Sian Wyn Owen, alongside educational sessions, the Global Chefs Challenge finals and an international trade exhibition.
Culinary educators will be invited to join the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum:
Redesigning the Culinary Curriculum: What Must Change by 2030 on Sunday, May 17 from 11.50am to 12.30pm.
Worldchefs and the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), which is hosting the event, are sending out invitations to colleges and schools. Students and apprentices can access the special rate day pass at: miceconciergeme.com/wce2026/dpdr .
For more information about the Worldchefs Congress & Expo, visit: www.worldchefscongress.org .
The 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, themed ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’, is expected to attracted around 800 chefs worldwide to Wales and provides a huge opportunity to showcase hospitality and food and drink business in the UK and Ireland.
All the Home Nations – CAW, The British Culinary Federation, Federation of Chefs Scotland, The Panel of Chefs Ireland – are contributing to the event.
“This is golden opportunity to engage face to face with some of the most influential chefs from around the globe and watch the world’s top chefs competing the Global Chefs Challenge finals,” said Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president.
“Students, apprentices and educator will hear insights from experts, have a chance to take part in immersive workshops to spark new ideas for their career.”
Team Wales - the CAW, ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort - has worked tirelessly since 1999 to secure the Worldchefs Congress & Expo. Even King Charles supported the bid whilst he was HRH The Prince of Wales.
Picture caption:
Culinary Association of Wales president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, outside ICC Wales.
