When is the conference?
The conference will be held from Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 7, 2024. The conference will begin on Sunday, June 2 with registration and refreshments typically around 12 - 2 p.m., followed by the Welcome and Opening Remarks in the UMass Campus Center Auditorium, located on the 1st floor the the UMass Campus Center. The conference will conclude Friday, June 7, around 4:30 p.m. after the conclusion of the ACF team competition. We are in the process of updating the schedule so keep in mind that these times and locations are subject to change. Please check the conference website for the latest updates!

Where is the conference?
All morning sessions, breakfasts, and lunches through Tuesday, June 4, will be held in the UMass Campus Center. Complimentary parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage. On Monday and Tuesday afternoon sessions will likely be held at the Worcester Dining Commons. Worcester is across the street from the Campus Center so parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage. On Wednesday and Thursday, breakfasts, lunches, and all sessions will likely be held in Worcester Dining Commons, as will the ACF competition on Friday. Note workshops could be held in Hampshire Dining Commons, in which case we will provide complimentary surface lot parking in nearby Lot 33: updates will be provided as the schedule is finalized. Please note shuttles will also be available from the Campus Center and Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst to/from key points on and around campus. Is this your first time on campus? Click here to view a campus map! 

How do I get there?
The Amherst area is accessible by car, plane, train, and bus. 

• By car: click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location to the Campus Center Parking Garage located at 91 Campus Center Way in Amherst, MA 01003 (complimentary parking passes will be provided upon your arrival).
• By plane: book a flight into Bradley International Airport (BDL, located about 45 miles from campus in Windsor Locks, CT) or Logan International Airport (BOS, located about 95 miles from campus in Boston, MA), making sure to also book transportation services from the airport to campus (Valley Transporter, Seemo Shuttle, Enterprise Bradley Airport, Enterprise Logan Airport).
• By train: book Amtrak rail service to "Northampton, MA (NHT)" or "Springfield, MA (SPG)", making sure to also book transportation services from the train platform to campus (Uber/Lyft, Peter Pan, Valley Transporter).
• By bus: book Peter Pan bus services to "Amherst UMass, MA" and walk from the drop-off location (Haigis Mall) to the Campus Center (click here to view a campus map) OR book Greyhound bus services to "Northampton (e), MA", making sure to also book transportation services from the bus terminal to campus (Uber/Lyft, PVTA bus, Valley Transporter)

Click the "Traveling to Campus" tab above for additional details.

Who should attend?
This conference is open to chefs, dietitians, food service managers, educators, and trade people, regardless of affiliation.

How do I register?
Click "Register Now" above! You will then be brought to the login page for this event. If you attended this conference before, or attended another event with us, sign-in to the account you created previously. If you are a first-time attendee, create an account using your email address and a password of your choice by clicking the "Don't Have an Account? Sign up" button. If you need any assistance completing your registration or if you'd like to register a large group of attendees, please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.   

What area hotels offer lodging near campus?
The "Lodging" tab above contains all the information you need to make a reservation and receive special group rates at both Hotel UMass and Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst, the two area hotels we recommend most for attendees. To receive the special discounted rates at either hotel you must identify yourself as part of the conference (use the link above for Hotel UMass; reference the UMass Chef Conference at the Courtyard by Marriott). The discounted group rates at these hotels are only available until the first week of May (or until space fills!) so be sure to make your reservations early. Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements and submitting lodging and registration payments separately, but we are more than happy to assist you in planning your visit: contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu if you need any assistance!

Are there lodging options on-campus?
Hotel UMass is located in the Campus Center, just an elevator ride away from many conference sessions and events, offering unbeatable convenience for our conference attendees: click here to learn more and to complete a reservation, with rates from $189.00 - $289.00/room/night plus applicable fees. We are also offering on-campus lodging in the North Apartments for $340.00/person for the nights of Sunday, June 2, through Thursday, June 6, checking-out Friday June 7. North is located a 10 - 15 minute walk from most conference activities and is comprised of air-conditioned, apartment style suites, each with four individual bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, and a shared living room/kitchen. The lockable bedrooms have a twin bed, desk, and dresser, along with a linen pack containing two flat sheets, a blanket, a pillow with case, and two towels. The kitchen has a stove-top oven, full-sized refrigerator with freezer, and microwave, but cookware and silverware are not provided. Note while North is a comfortable and affordable option for our summer guests, these are residence halls occupied by students during the academic year: please contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102 if you'd like to further discuss if this option would work for you before completing your reservation! Additional details can be found on the "Lodging" tab above. North Apartment reservations can be made during the conference registration process, including entering any special housing/accommodation needs and requested suitemates (guests will be housed with other conference attendees based on the indicated suitemate requests and provided gender). 

What is the dress code for the conference? What should I bring?

• A chef hat will be provided for you and must be worn at all times in the teaching kitchens. Hair must be entirely covered by the hat and long hair will need to be tied back and completely covered underneath the hat. Fringes and bangs should not be visible from the front of the hat. 
• Aprons and side towels will be provided and must be worn at all times. 
• A long-sleeved chef jacket must be worn. Please bring your own chef jacket. 
• Shoes should be leather, with no open toes or high heels and must have non-slip soles. Cotton socks are advised, and no nylon hosiery is allowed.
• Full-length black pants and/or chef pants must be worn while in the kitchen. 
• Jewelry is not permitted except for one ring and one wristwatch. 
• During times when you are not in the kitchen, casual business attire should be worn.
• The clambake is a more relaxed dinner.
• UMass will provide aprons, gloves, side towels, and some knives.
• Participants are encouraged to bring their culinary tool kits, knives and a camera. Please check with your airline for knife transportation details and/or restrictions.

What does the registration fee cover?
The full-week registration fee covers most meals (all breakfasts, lunches and dinners Monday through Thursday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Friday). Daily rates include meals on the day(s) you register to attend. In addition, all attendees will receive access to all conference events/workshops on the day(s) they select to attend, the conference bag and binder, and all recipes from the conference. The registration fee does not include lodging.

What type of recognition will attendees receive?
All attendees will receive a certificate of participation with the number of American Culinary Federation credits (28 - 30). Participants may also apply for UMass continuing education credits (3 - 4) and/or American Dietetic Association credits: to apply for these credits please visit the "Professional Credits" page or see below for additional details. The winning teams of the ACF competition will also receive ACF medals.

Are credits available?
American Culinary Federation will approve between 28 - 30 credits for the full conference toward the initial or recertification application for ACF certification. This does not include any competitions. If you are a member of the ACF wishing to receive credits, after the completion of the conference you must either email a scanned certificate of participation to certify@acfchefs.net or mail a copy of the certificate to Certification, American Culinary Federation Inc., 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine FL 32095 (note all participants will receive a certificate of participation after the conclusion of the event). UMass Continuing Education will approve between 3 - 4 credits for participants to receive up to 5 CEUs. To receive these credits, you must fill out a form (paper copies will be available at the conference registration desk) and mail it, along with a check to cover the $12.00 registration fee, to the UMass Continuing Education office July 12, 2024. Additional details will be available on-site. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding credits, please contact Dianne Sutherland at diannes@umass.edu.

What is the ACF Team Competition?
During the conference we will be hosting a Team Competition sanctioned by ACF. The competition is classified as a Category W Market Basket Competition for teams of four, judged by eight ACF-certified judges. A mandatory meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon, with the competition running on Friday (beginning around 6 a.m., concluding with awards and medals presented around 2:30 p.m. and final farewells around 3:30 p.m.). If you select to participate, please be sure to make your travel arrangements after these times.

All teams will be provided with the necessary equipment for the competition. Each team will be required to prepare a three-course menu of appetizer/entrée/dessert for 4 servings and one buffet platter for 10 servings, plus one plated serving for the judges. Of the 4 servings to be prepared, 2 will be for the judges for tasting, one will be for a photo/critique/press, and one for the team.

There will be a mandatory meeting on the afternoon of Thursday, June 6 (typically around 3 p.m.). During this meeting we will go over the rules and order of the teams, and teams will be given the market basket containing a selection of materials. Teams will then have one hour to submit a menu to the competition proctor and set up their speed racks. No substitutions of items in the basket can be made. On Friday, each team will be allowed three hours of cooking time (2 hours for plated and 1 hour for buffet) and a 30-minute plating window (15 minutes for plating and 15 minutes for critique). It is expected that all teams will be dressed in full professional chef's whites, including hat, apron, scarf, and kitchen towels during the competition, especially in consideration of the exposure to the trade and press that may be on-site to cover the competition. Click here for full details. 

You may elect to register as an individual competitor and we will assign you to a team, or you may register as a team of four. If you already have 1 - 3 teammates, please enter their names on the competition section of the registration page to be assigned to the same team. If you do not provide any specific teammate requests we will randomly assign you to a team with other attendees (inquire at registration for your team assignment). Only one team from each school/organization will be able to compete. The competition is limited and typically fills, so register early! Once space has filled, the competition section of the registration page will be updated and you will be able to add yourself to the waitlist.

What is there to do during any free time?
There are many attractions to visit while in the area! Both Amherst and nearby Northampton boast walkable downtowns filled with unique shops, delicious restaurants, and entertainment venues. For those interested in getting outside, travel just a few minutes from campus to get to beautiful walking or hiking trails. We are also close to the Yankee Candle Village, Historic Deerfield, Basketball Hall of Fame, and Six Flags New England. Visit Explore Western Mass and Visit Hampshire County or contact us for additional information!

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

For the full conference schedule and descriptions of all the workshops, nutrition sessions, leadership symposium and more, please click here.  The 2024 Chef Culinary Conference schedule is still being finalized but is likely to follow the general schedule below: updates will be posted here once available. 

Day 1 - Sunday, June 2, 2024
12:00PM - Registration
3:00 - 3:15PM - Welcome Remarks
3:15 - 4:00PM - General Session I
4:30 - 4:30PM - General Session II
4:30 - 4:45PM - Refreshment Break
4:45 - 5:05PM - General Session III
5:05 - 5:20PM - Industry Presentation
5:20 - 5:40PM - General Session IV
5:40 - 6:00PM - Refreshment Break
6:00 - 6:20PM - General Session V
6:30 - 7:30PM - Reception and Tournament of Champions
8:00PM - Networking at the UPub

Day 2 - Monday, June 3, 2024
7:30 - 8:30AM - Breakfast and Registration 
8:30 - 8:40AM - Welcome Remarks
8:40 - 9:10AM - General Session VI
9:10 - 9:25AM - Industry Presentation 
9:25 - 9:55AM - General Session VII
9:55 - 10:20AM - General Session VIII
10:20 - 10:35AM - Industry Presentation
10:35 - 11:05AM - General Session IX
11:05 - 11:20AM - Refreshment Break
11:20 - 11:50AM - General Session X
11:50AM - 12:05PM - Industry Presentation
12:05 - 1:05PM - C-Suite Panel 
1:15 - 2:15PM - Lunch
3:00 - 6:00PM - 8 Hands-on Concurring Workshops
3:00 - 3:45PM - Concurring Nutrition Session I
4:00 - 4:45PM - Concurring Nutrition Session II
5:00 - 6:00PM - Concurring Nutrition Session III
7:00 - 9:00PM - Evening Dinner and Tournament of Champions Finale
9:00PM - Networking in the UPub 

Day 3 - Tuesday, June 4, 2024
7:30 - 8:30AM - Breakfast and Registration 
8:30 - 9:00AM - General Session XII
9:00 - 9:30AM - General Session XIII
9:30 - 10:00AM - Industry Presentation 
10:00 - 10:15AM - Refreshment Break
10:15 - 10:40AM - Culinary Demonstration I
10:40 - 11:10AM - General Session XIV
11:10 - 11:20AM - Industry Presentation 
11:20 - 11:35AM - Refreshment Break
11:35AM - 12:00PM - General Session XV
12:00 - 1:00PM - Directors Panel
1:00 - 3:00PM - Industry Showcase 
2:30 - 6:00PM - 8-Hands on Concurring Workshops
2:30 - 3:15PM - Concurring Nutrition Session IV
3:25 - 4:10PM - Concurring Nutrition Session V
4:20 - 5:05PM - Concurring Nutrition Session VI
5:15 - 6:00PM - Concurring Nutrition Session: Round Table Discussion
7:00 - 9:00PM -  Clambake
9:00PM - Networking in the UPub

Day 4 - Wednesday, June 5, 2024
7:30 - 8:30AM - Breakfast and Registration 
8:30 - 9:30AM - Student Panel
9:30 - 9:40AM - Industry Presentation
10:00AM - 4:00PM - Leadership Symposium 
10:00AM - 3:00PM - Hands-on Workshops Conducted by Johnson and Wales University Chefs
6:00 - 6:30PM - Reception
6:30 - 8:30PM - Grand Banquet
8:30PM - Networking at the UPub 

Day 5 - Thursday, June 6, 2024
7:30 - 8:30AM - Breakfast and Registration 
8:30AM - General Session XVI
9:00AM - Industry Presentation
9:20AM - Group Photo 
9:45AM - 2:30PM - Hands-on Workshops Conducted by Johnson and Wales University Chefs
3:00 - 5:00PM - ACF Sanctioned Team Competition Briefing
5:00PM - Dinner on Your Own
8:30PM - Networking at the UPub

Day 6 - Friday, June 7, 2024
7:00AM - ACF Sanctioned Team Competition 
3:00PM - Awards and Medals Presentation 

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Conference Location
All morning sessions, breakfasts and lunches through Tuesday, June 4, will be held in the UMass Campus Center. Complimentary parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage. Afternoon sessions will be held at the Worcester and/or Hampshire Dining Commons. Worcester is across the street from the Campus Center so parking will be available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, but for events in Hampshire complimentary surface lot parking will be available nearby in Lot 33 (additional details and passes will be provided at registration). On Wednesday and Thursday breakfasts and all sessions will be held in either Worcester and/or Hampshire Dining Commons, as will the ACF competition on Friday. Please note shuttles will also be available from the Campus Center and Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst to/from key campus locations. Is this your first time on campus? Click here to view a campus map! 

Additional arrival details will be sent as the conference approaches, and you may also check the conference website for the latest details and schedules.  

Parking
Complimentary parking is available for all attendees at the Campus Center Parking Garage. Depending on the location of workshops, complimentary surface lot parking may also be provided for Lot 33 (complete arrival details will be sent as the conference approaches with pertinent parking related updates). To avoid any potential ticketing and/or towing, please be sure to follow the instructions below and obtain all necessary parking passes when you check in at the on-site registration desk.

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday:
If you are planning to drive to campus on Sunday, Monday and/or Tuesday, please park in the Campus Center Parking. For GPS purposes, the garage is located at 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA, 01003. Click here to obtain turn-by-turn directions from your location. 

Campus Center Way is off of Commonwealth Avenue, across the street from the Mullins Center. After turning onto Campus Center Way stay to the left to go up the hill. You will see the garage entrance towards the top of the hill on your right. After taking an entry ticket proceed down to Level 2 of the garage, following signs to the Hotel/Concourse entrance, and enter the Campus Center using the marked walkway near the Parking Services office. If you prefer, you may park on any level of the garage and use the outdoor campus walkways to get to the Campus Center (if you are unfamiliar with campus, we encourage you to take a look at a picture of the Campus Center or consult a campus map before your arrival). Park and take your garage gate ticket inside with you. Once you enter the Campus Center, follow the signs directing you through the 2nd floor concourse and down the escalators to the Conference Registration desk. At registration you will be provided with your conference materials and a parking pass for the Campus Center Parking Garage. As you leave each day, but before you get to your car, stop at one of the garage pay stations (located on levels 2, 3 and 4). Insert your gate ticket and, when prompted, scan the parking coupon you received at registration. This will validate your parking at no charge and the pay station will return your gate ticket. Return to your car, drive to the garage exit, and enter your now validated gate ticket into the exit kiosk to raise the gate. Repeat this process as you leave each day. Please note you will only have 15 minutes to exit once you validate your parking pass so please only complete this process as you leave for the day.   

Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday:
If you are planning to drive to campus on Wednesday, Thursday and/or Friday, the most convenient parking option will depend on which of our Dining Commons is used for workshops. If we utilize Worcester DC, park in the Campus Center Parking Garage following the instructions above. If we utilize Hampshire DC, please park in Lot 33. Lot 33 is the large surface lot located on University Drive, across the street from the Southwest Residential Area. Click here to obtain directions to Lot 33, or click here to view a campus map (Lot 33 is located in box B5). Be sure to obtain a parking pass for this lot at the registration desk! Additional details will be provided at registration and emailed to attendees prior to their arrival. 

Accessible Parking:
Attendees with a valid state-issued reserved accessible license plate or placard may park in any marked Handicap Space or any nonrestricted, nonreserved space or lot, at no charge, as long as your plate or placard is clearly displayed at all times during your stay. To locate reserved accessible parking, visit the UMass Parking Map and search for "Accessible Spaces" in the box in the upper left side of the page. Accessible spaces are marked with a blue circle. In the Campus Center, reserved accessible spaces are located on level 2, nearest to the Campus Center entrance.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

The conference will begin on Sunday, June 2, in the UMass Campus Center and will conclude Friday, June 7, after the ACF Competition held at the Dining Commons (around 4:30 p.m.). Registration will be held in the UMass Campus Center on Sunday, June 2, from 12 - 6 p.m., on Monday, June 3, from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., and on Tuesday, June 4, from 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please aim to arrive during these registration times and, especially for those participating in the ACF competition, please plan to stay through the 4:30 p.m. conclusion of events on Friday afternoon.

Driving to Campus   
From the South, via I-91 North
Travelers have a choice of two routes:

• Take Exit 25 in Northampton: From the exit ramp, stay in the right lane to take the first rotary exit, turning right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. At these lights turn onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill - you will see the garage entrance on your right. 
• Take Exit 36 in Deerfield: At the stop sign at the top of the ramp, turn right (north) onto Routes U.S. 5/10/116, and immediately turn right again at the traffic lights onto Route 116 South. Follow Route 116 South for eight miles to the UMass exit. Turn left at the stop sign onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. At these lights turn onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill - you will see the garage entrance on your right.

From the North, via I-91 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Turn right onto North Pleasant Street. Stay on North Pleasant Street (you will need to turn left twice to remain on North Pleasant Street, - follow signs to the UMass Campus). As you enter campus you will come to a set of lights. Stay to the left to turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. Follow Massachusetts Avenue through campus until you come to a set of lights. At the lights take a right onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and go up the hill. You will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right.

From the North, via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.

From the East or West, via I-90
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

• Off Exit 63 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.
• Off Exit 54 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.
• Off Exit 49 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass. 
• Off Exit 45 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 25 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

Traveling by Plane
If you are traveling to Amherst by plane, the closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (near Hartford). This airport is approximately 45 miles (about a 50 minute drive) from the UMass campus. From Bradley attendees will need to book a shuttle service or rent a car to get to campus (see the transportation options below). 

Attendees may find additional flight options into Logan International Airport in Boston, located approximately 95 miles (about a 2 - 2.5 hour drive) from the UMass campus. While more flight options are typically available into Logan, please remember to account for extra travel time to campus. Please also be sure to organize transportation to/from the airport to campus in advance of your arrival. From Logan attendees may book one of the shuttle services below, rent a car, or travel by Peter Pan Bus. Click here for Peter Pan bus ticket purchase details and scheduling. To ensure appropriate bus service to/from campus please select "Boston (Logan Airport), MA" as your "From:" destination and "Amherst UMass, MA" as your "To:" destination. 

Transportation Services 
Shuttle services and/or rental cars should be arranged prior to your travel. Please note there are no standing shuttles that run each day between Bradley/Logan and the UMass campus so additional arrangements must be made in advance.

• Valley Transporter, 413-253-1350
• Seemo Shuttle, 413-586-1120 
• Exclusive Car Service, 877-695-4665 or 413-534-3505
• Bluebird Transportation, 413-221-4512
• Enterprise

Traveling by Bus
Amherst and the surrounding area are serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). The most convenient service is offered by Peter Pan, so when possible those traveling by bus should book a Peter Pan bus ticket using "Amherst UMass, MA" as the destination (note the "Amherst Center, MA" stop is in downtown Amherst and will require additional travel to arrive on campus). Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Northampton, MA, located about a 20 minute drive from campus. From Northampton attendees should plan to travel to campus via a taxi service, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus.

Traveling by Train
Amtrak provides passenger rail service to nearby Northampton, MA, located a 20 minute drive from the UMass campus, and Springfield, MA, located a 30 minute drive from the UMass campus. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit Amtrak's website and select "Northampton, MA (NHT)" or "Springfield, MA (SPG)" as your arrival destination.

If you take a train to Northampton, MA, you will then need to take either a bus or taxi to the UMass campus. Both PVTA and Peter Pan buses service the area, but the bus stops are not located at the train platform and will require about a 7 minute walk. If you prefer, you may use one of the many local taxi services or Uber/Lyft. We encourage you to carefully plan your trip - including bus or taxi services - prior to your arrival as the Northampton train platform is not a train station and phone access, area maps, bus schedules, and bus tickets will not be available once you arrive. If you decide to take a train out of Northampton, remember to purchase your return ticket online prior to arriving at the platform. The train platform is located at 170 Pleasant Street in Northampton, MA.

If you take a train to Springfield, MA, we recommend booking a shuttle service, such as Valley Transporter, to get you from Springfield to Amherst. Bus services, including Peter Pan, are also available, but will require about a 15 minute walk from the train station to the bus stop. The train will arrive at the Springfield station building, located at 66 Lyman Street in Springfield, MA. This station building does have a waiting room, ticket office, quik-trak kiosk, and payphone, but we do still encourage you to plan your trip, including services from the train station to campus, prior to your arrival.

Getting Around Campus & the Area
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15 - 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5 - 10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more.

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar and Enterprise to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including Uber, Lyft, Taxi Express, Tik Tak Taxi (413-256-4500) and Celebrity Cab (413-253-7330). There are also a number of bicycle rentals around campus, including Laughing Dog Bicycles, and Hampshire Bicycle Exchange. 

The conference also provides complimentary shuttles for our attendees. These shuttles run from the Campus Center to the Dining Commons, and continue on to the Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst located on Route 9 in Hadley, MA. Additional details will be available as the conference approaches and a full shuttle schedule will be provided to you upon arrival.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Amherst and the surrounding area are full of many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. The independently operated Hotel UMass is located right in the heart of campus just an elevator ride away from many conference sessions and events, while a variety of hotel chains offer their familiar comforts a short 5 - 10 minute drive from campus on Route 9/Russell Street in neighboring Hadley. We recommend attendees stay at either Hotel UMass or Courtyard by Marriott as there will be shuttle service to the conference to/from these 2 hotels, but you may click here or see below for a full listing of area lodging options.

Conference registration fees do not include lodging, so please be sure to make your own hotel arrangements. Because the summer is a busy time of year in the area we recommend booking your room as early as possible!

Hotel UMass (on-campus)
$189 - $289 per room, per night (plus applicable fees)
Rated the best hotel in Amherst and seated in the center of the picturesque UMass Amherst campus, Hotel UMass blends a tranquil countryside escape with the bustling energy of campus life, making it your ideal destination when staying in the area. Located in the Campus Center just an elevator ride from meeting spaces and amenities, including the University Store and several dining options, Hotel UMass offers unbeatable convenience for a discounted conference rate of $189.00 - $289.00/night (plus applicable fees, currently 6% plus $1.00 per room, per night). 

Space fills fast and this discounted rate will expire on May 3, 2024, so early reservations are strongly encouraged. To complete a reservation, click on www.hotelumass.com. You will be directed to the Chef Conference hotel room reservation page. The default date is the start of the conference, but you can change the date to your arrival date if different. Enter the number of nights,  number of guests and click on "Book Now". A new page will load and you will get a list of rooms available for you to select from with the discounted rate already applied. Click on "Book Now" to select your room, a new window will open to put in all your information and take your payment. Note reservations are available online only: if you call to complete a reservation you will be directed to book online. However, if you wish to stay outside of the dates reserved by the conference, please call the hotel front desk for further assistance (413-549-6000). 

Note: payment for your stay at Hotel UMass must be made separately from your registration payment.

North Apartments (on-campus)
$340 per person; check-in Sunday, June 2, check-out Friday, June 7 (5 nights, linen included)
Located on campus within a 10 - 15 minute walk of conference activities, the air-conditioned North Apartments are a very popular and convenient housing option for our summer guests. A single-occupancy bedroom can be reserved during the conference registration process for $340.00/person for the nights of Sunday, June 2, through Thursday, June 6, checking-out Friday, June 7. If you wish to stay outside of these dates please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu to inquire about availability. 

Each North Apartment consists of four single occupancy bedrooms, two bathrooms, a common living area and a kitchen, accommodating a total of 4 guests. Each lockable bedroom is furnished with a twin bed, desk, chair, and bureau. A linen pack containing two flat sheets, a pillow with case, two towels and a thin blanket is included. The kitchen has a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and stove-top oven. If you are interested in preparing some of your meals in the suite, you should bring supplies or purchase some upon your arrival: silverware, cookware and plates are not provided. Toiletries are also not included.  Complimentary parking will be available in Lot 44, a large surface lot located adjacent to the North Residential Area. Those who stay in North will be housed in an apartment with other conference attendees: guests can enter specific suitemate requests during the registration process or can provide their gender to be assigned to a gender specific suite. If you have any additional housing requests, including accessibility needs, please enter those during registration so we can best accommodate you! Note: cancellations received by May 24, 2024, will be assessed a one-night cancellation fee; cancellations after May 24, 2024, will be ineligible for a refund.

Check-in will likely begin around 12PM on Sunday, June 2, with check-out likely by 2PM on Friday, June 7. Check-in and check-out will be available right in the lobby of your assigned building, which will be sent closer to the conference start date.

If you wish to learn more about the North Apartments please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.

Courtyard by Marriott
The Courtyard by Marriott Hadley Amherst located in nearby Hadley, MA, is a quick five minute drive from the UMass campus. The conference will also be arranging shuttle service from this hotel to the UMass Amherst campus. A block of discounted rooms has been held for conference attendees. Complete your reservation online or by calling the hotel at 413-256-5454. Identify yourself as being affiliated with the UMass Chef Conference to receive the discounted rate and book early as space is limited!

Additional Area Accommodations
We strongly recommend attendees stay at Hotel UMass or the Courtyard by Marriott if possible: both hotels are very convenient options, and both are serviced by conference shuttle services to make your visit here a breeze. However, if space has filled or you prefer to stay elsewhere, the Amherst area is filled with many other hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. A variety of hotel chains offer their familiar comforts just a short 5 - 10 minute drive from the UMass Campus on Route 9/Russell Street in neighboring Hadley, while charming independent inns and B&Bs dot the area, offering a true taste of Pioneer Valley living. Below are some popular lodging options, including the estimated drive time to the Campus Center. Looking for something a little more unique? Click here for more options courtesy of the Five College Area Bed and Breakfast Association. 

AMHERST

• Hotel UMass: rated the best hotel in Amherst and the most convenient lodging option for our campus guests; 91 Campus Center Way, Amherst; click here to book now. (on-campus). Discounted conference rate available. 
• Allen House Inn: award winning historical Victorian bed and breakfast; 599 Main Street, Amherst; click here or call 413-253-5000 (9 minutes)
• Amherst Airbnb: over 8,000 guest reviews for places to stay in Amherst with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars; click here for available rooms and homes
• Black Walnut Inn: ranked #1 of 14 Amherst B&B and Inns; 1184 North Pleasant Street, Amherst; click here or call 413-549-5649 (8 minutes)
• Inn on Boltwood: a historic Amherst hotel with 49 unique guest rooms; 30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst; click here or call 413-256-8200 (10 minutes)
• University Lodge: a budget friendly motel just 1,000 feet from campus; 345 North Pleasant Street, Amherst; click here or call 413-256-8111 (6 minutes)
  

HADLEY

• Courtyard Marriott: centrally located hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and a newly renovated lobby with evening bar service and dinner menu; 423 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-256-5454 (8 minutes). Discounted conference rate available.
• Hampton Inn: provides a mix of value, comfort and convenience, with free hot breakfast, indoor pool and fitness center; 24 Bay Road, Hadley; click here or call 413-586-4851 (16 minutes)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton: offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites (including kitchenettes) and free hot breakfast; 340 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-387-0583 (15 minutes)
• Howard Johnson by Wyndham: conveniently located and pet friendly hotel with free continental breakfast, fitness center, and outdoor pool; 401 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-586-0114 (10 minutes)
• Comfort Inn & Suites: indoor hot tub, oversized vehicle parking, business center; 400 Russell Street, Hadley; click here or call 413-341-1556 (12 minutes)
  

DEERFIELD

• Deerfield Inn: historic hotel with excellent restaurant and tavern; 81 Old Main Street, Deerfield MA; click here or call 413-774-5587 (27 minutes)
• Red Roof PLUS+: easily accessible budget hotel with indoor pool close to Deerfield attractions; 9 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield; click here or call 937-328-1610 (19 minutes)
  

NORTHAMPTON

• Fairfield Inn and Suites: new state-of-the-art hotel located a short walk to downtown Northampton; 115A Conz Street, Northampton; click here or call 413-587-9800 (22 minutes)
• Hotel Northampton: historic hotel in downtown Northampton with two award-winning restaurants; 36 King Street, Northampton; click here or call 800-547-3529 (22 minutes)
• The Ellery: colonial-style hotel in downtown Northampton with newly renovated rooms and lobby; 259 Elm Street, Northampton; click here or call 413-584-7660 (25 minutes)
• Quality Inn & Suites: a well-appointed and conveniently located hotel with free hot breakfast, indoor heated pool, and fitness center; click here or call 413-341-1461 (21 minutes)

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Local Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to get you from campus to amenities and attractions in the surrounding area. Amherst center, with local shops, restaurants, and small convenience stores, is a 15-20 minute walk or 5 minute drive from campus. If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located on University Drive and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley, about a 5-10 minute trip from campus by car or bus. Retailers include CVS, Big Y, Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Marshalls, and more.

Local buses, operated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, run regularly between Amherst center and the University, with additional services traveling throughout the Pioneer Valley, including Northampton, Springfield, and Greenfield. If you'd rather take a car, UMass has partnered with Zipcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car to bring on-demand car sharing services right to campus. The area is also serviced by a variety of cab companies, including Uber, Lyft, Celebrity Cab Company call (413) 253-7330 and Taxi Express. A variety of bike rental options are also available, weather permitting, including Laughing Dog Bicycles call (413) 253-7722, Hampshire Bicycle Exchange, and ValleyBike Share.

Dining
Looking to head off-campus for a meal? There are so many wonderful and convenient options! Downtown Amherst, located about a 5 minute drive/20 minute walk from campus, has many unique restaurants, with fare ranging from Thai, Chinese, Italian, American, Indian and more. Some longstanding downtown favorites include Antonio's Pizza by the slice, Bueno Y Sano, and Johnny's Tavern. About 5 minutes in the other direction, heading down University Drive, you will find some more popular local spots including The Hangar Pub and Grill and Ginger Garden. Travel just a bit further (7 - 10 minutes from campus) and you will reach the Route 9/Russell Street area of Hadley, which is replete with familiar chains and fast-food spots including Friendly's, Panera, Chili's, Wendy's, Chipotle, Texas Roadhouse and more. Have a little more time on your hands? Visit downtown Northampton, about a 25 minute drive from campus, to explore the many restaurants and shops that make up this artistic, academic and countercultural hub. Click the links below for some more information on off-campus dining options, and be sure to take a look at the bus services offered by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to help you get where you need to go! 

For more information visit:
Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce: http://www.amherstarea.com/list/category/restaurants-281
Visit Hampshire County: https://visithampshirecounty.com/eat/restaurants/

Shopping
If you find you need to visit a grocery store, large retail store, or pharmacy during your stay, numerous options are located 5 - 10 minutes from campus in downtown Amherst, as well as on University Drive in Amherst and Russell Street (also known as Route 9) in neighboring Hadley. These locations are also serviced by PVTA buses.

Downtown Amherst

Amherst Shopping Center - retail/grocery stores and dining, including Big Y, Dunkin Donuts, CVS and Goodwill. Located at 181 University Drive in Amherst, MA.

Hampshire Mall - retail/grocery stores, dining, and entertainment, including Target, Trader Joe's, J. C. Penney, Cinemark, Pinz Bowling, Interskate 91, LaserBlast, and Planet Fitness Gym. Located at 367 Russell Street in Hadley, MA.

Campus Farms Mall - retail/grocery stores and dining, including TJ Maxx, Super Stop & Shop, Dollar Tree, Liquors 44, and Johnny's Roadside Diner. Located at 440-454 Russell Street in Hadley, MA.

Mountain Farms Mall - retail/grocery stores and dining, including Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, 110 Grill, Old Navy, Panera Bread and Whole Foods Market. Located at 335 Russell Street in Hadley, MA

Area Attractions
Amherst is known for its rural charm and big city appeal. With many restaurants, bars and local shops, visitors get lost exploring our downtown. Located just a few minutes drive from the campus, it is a convenient and popular destination. 

The city of Northampton is a blend of historic, contemporary, intellectual, artsy, athletic and entrepreneurial. With cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, museums, rivers, parks and spas, Northampton is a place to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of budget.

The Emily Dickinson Homestead, located right in downtown Amherst, was mentioned frequently in her intensely idiosyncratic and strikingly modern poetry. Devoted Dickinson readers visit the Homestead and The Evergreens, the Italianate home built next door by Emily's brother Austin Dickinson, to walk today where Emily walked and to see what Emily saw.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, looks to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books, just a short 15 minute drive from campus. Founded by Eric Carle and his wife Barbara, the Museum is for visitors of all ages: children and families, teachers and librarians, scholars, and everyone interested in the art of the picture book.

The Yiddish Book Center is a nonprofit organization working to tell the whole Jewish story by rescuing, translating, and disseminating Yiddish books and presenting innovative educational programs that broaden understanding of modern Jewish identity. The Yiddish Book Center is located on the Hampshire College campus, about a 15 minute drive from UMass.

The Amherst College Beneski Museum of Natural History, located about 5 minutes from the UMass campus, is one of New England’s largest natural history museums, boasting three floors of exhibits with more than 1,700 specimens on display, and tens of thousands of specimens available for use by scholars and researchers from across campus and around the world. 

Yankee Candle, located about 15 minutes away in South Deerfield, offers an enchanting mix of shopping and entertainment. You'll find 400,000 candles in over 200 different famous Yankee scents, but there are more than just candles at this flagship Village Store. It's a unique, entertaining world of New England charm, fairy tale fantasies, and hands-on, interactive candle making that's fun for every age.

Historic Deerfield is an authentic 18th-century New England village. Tour beautifully restored museum houses with period architecture and furnishings, see Yankee ingenuity at work in demonstrations of colonial-era trades, and explore the world-famous collection of early American crafts, ceramics, furniture, textiles and metalwork. 

The Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens is a 14,400 square foot facility that includes a 4,000 sq. ft. glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation, about a 20 minute drive from campus in neighboring South Deerfield.

Home to more than three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history, the Basketball Hall of Fame stirs the spirits of basketball fans everywhere. Hundreds of interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics, shooting contests and enough basketball history to impress the world’s most avid sports fans. 

The Springfield Museums grant visitors access to the Springfield Science Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Springfield History and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and Museum, all under a single admission. The museums are located in the heart of downtown Springfield, about a 40 minute drive from UMass.

Six Flags New England is home to many rides and attractions, from pulse-pounding roller coasters to gentler options for the youngest of thrill seekers. With some of the fastest, tallest, wildest, most gut-wrenching rides in the country (including a few record breakers), as well as family rides, kid rides, entertaining shows and the Hurricane Harbor Water Park, Six Flags New England has fun for everyone.

Interested in learning about more things to do in the Pioneer Valley? Click here!

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

UMass Dining
"America's Most Awarded Dining Program," UMass Dining, invites you to join our table! Our summer guests can find UMass Dining at every corner of campus. With dining commons, retail cafes, food trucks, and more, we welcome you to enjoy all that the UMass Dining experience has to offer. Note: registration includes meals.

Dining Commons
Served all-you-care-to-eat style, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m each day in our award winning Dining Commons. At each meal you will find a variety of cuisines, often including sushi, pho noodles, create-your-own stir-fry, pizza, dim sum brunch, pasta and salad bars, deli sandwiches, American fare, Halal dining, vegan and vegetarian options, a range of desserts, ice cream, and more. Daily menus will be available as your stay approaches on the UMass Dining website. Guests can pay for each meal by cash or card right at the Dining Commons entrance.

Campus Center Eateries
The Blue Wall, located in the Campus Center, is one of the most popular and convenient dining options on campus. The Blue Wall has 10 different stations served a-la-carte. Offerings include pizza, salads, wraps, deli sandwiches, sushi, burgers, burritos, gelato, and more, ensuring that the Blue Wall has something to satisfy every craving. Harvest Market, located on the main concourse of the Campus Center, is a full service market serving healthy, sustainable, and delicious fare for our on the go customers. The hot bar often features Indian, Ethiopian, traditional American, and many other world cuisines, and the salad bar is always stocked with in-season ingredients and freshly prepared composed salads. Additional highlights include a Chobani yogurt bar, all natural and organic snacks, local cheeses and deli meats, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, and a made-to-order juice and smoothie bar. Need a quick pick-me-up or caffeine fix? People's Organic Coffee, located on the main concourse of the Campus Center across from Harvest Market, serves People's Organic Fair Trade coffees, as well as a variety of specialty coffee beverages, organic teas, locally baked pastries, fresh cookies, salads and paninis.

The Commonwealth Restaurant
We proudly welcome you to join us at The Commonwealth. Located on the top floor of the  Worcester Dining Commons, our elegantly modern restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere featuring beautiful views of campus. Come be waited on by delightful and diligent staff while enjoying our delicious, fresh, local, and sustainable menu.

Food Trucks
Our food trucks, Baby Berk and Baby Berk 2, are great options for a quick and convenient meal. Serving freshly prepared food truck fare, including burgers, wasabi steak tacos, grilled cheeses, tater tots and sweet potato fries, you are sure to leave satisfied. Check out @UMassBabyBerk and @UMassBabyBerk2 on Twitter to find daily schedules and location updates, and look for the trucks around campus during your stay!

On-Campus Attractions
You don't need to travel far to find something to do - there are numerous attractions located right here on campus! 

The UMass Fine Arts Center seeks to engage audiences in the arts, embrace diversity, and uphold the highest standards for arts education. Comprehensive in scope, the Center offers the region's only mix of classical music, dance, theater, jazz, Broadway, special events, and gallery exhibitions. The Fine Arts Center is also home to the University Museum of Contemporary Arts.

The Mullins Center, our state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility, hosts diverse events from hockey and basketball to concerts and popular touring performance groups. 

The Augusta Savage Gallery, located in New Africa House, is a multicultural and multi-arts facility that seeks to promote artistic works from a broad spectrum of cultures

The Durfee Conservatory and Garden, established in 1867, is a historic plant conservatory that offers a sanctuary of calm and serenity among the hustle and bustle of campus.

The Rausch Mineral Gallery, located in the Department of Geosciences in the Morrill Science Center, includes more than 250 large mineral specimens from around the world from the mineral collection of the late Dr. Marvin Rausch.

Fitness Centers
Day passes to the UMass Recreation Center are available for our conference guests. Contact us at registration@umass.edu for additional information, or for those staying at Hotel UMass inquire at check-in. 

Libraries
The W.E.B. Du Bois Library and the Science and Engineering Library offer technology and space to work for our community guests, including printing/copying services, collections, and book stacks.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please contact UMass Conference Services at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8AM - 4PM ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

For General Conference Related Questions:
Visit the conference website or contact Laura Snyder (413-545-6529, lauras@umass.edu). 

For Registration and Payment Related Questions:
Contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.