FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Jessica Sigmundsson
Jessica.sigmundsson@nochi.org | 504-484-9535

Leslie Doles
Leslie.doles@nochi.org | 504-442-8983

 

Inaugural Performance Chefs Summit to be held at NOCHI, Tuesday, May 12

The first-of-its-kind gathering will unite culinary innovation and sports performance to shape the future of athlete fueling.

 WHO:                 
Top performance chefs from college athletics and professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB), alongside registered dietitians, sports scientists, and private chefs who work with elite athletes   ​Featured speaker: Anthony Zamora, Vice President of Nutrition, Culinary, and Hospitality for Smith Entertainment Group

WHAT:                
A one-day, solutions-driven convening focused on defining the future of the Performance Chef role and the evolving intersection of culinary, nutrition, and human performance. Programming includes a keynote presentation, expert panels, live demonstrations, and an interactive learning session.

Key Highlights Include:

  • Keynote by Anthony Zamora, RD: “This Is Our Time: Defining the Future of the Performance Chef”
  • Panel discussions on leadership, chef + dietitian collaboration, and athlete performance outcomes
  • Live demonstration on fortified fueling and applied performance nutrition
  • Special featured conversation with UFC champion Royce Gracie
  • Interactive kitchen-based learning session

NOTE: This event is by invitation and not open to the public. Media is invited to attend the sessions.

 

WHEN:               

Tuesday, May 12, 2026;
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (programming)
7:30 PM (evening reception)

WHERE:             
New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute
725 Howard Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130

WHY:                  
Hosted at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), the Performance Chef’s Summit addresses the growing intersection of culinary training and high-performance nutrition. As demand for specialized nutrition rises across collegiate and professional sports, this summit will explore how these professionals are shaping athlete outcomes and organizational systems. Sessions bring together leaders shaping how athletes are fueled, supported, and optimized both on and off the field.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

8:00 – 8:45 AM | Keynote Address
Anthony Zamora presents “This is Our Time: Defining the Future of the Performance Chef,” exploring how the role is expanding from the kitchen to direct impact on athlete performance.

9:15 – 10:00 AM | Session #1: Contract Negotiations & Travel Fueling (Panel)
Industry chefs share real-world insights on navigating contracts, from Olympic teams to pro leagues, and managing nutrition logistics during extended travel.

Panelists: Michael Johnson (LSU), Jesus Raya (Denver Broncos), Teren Green (Independent Sports Catering & Performance Chef), Carl Soloman (CU Boulder), Ben Wolfe, MS, RD (CU Boulder).

10:30 – 11:15 AM | Session #2: Athlete Communication & Fueling (Panel)
A multidisciplinary panel examines how to approach performance nutrition while maintaining healthy relationships with food, drawing from expertise in clinical nutrition and elite sport environments.

Panelists: Jessica Griffith, RD, CSSD, CEDS (University Southern California); Valentina Accardo, MS, RD, LDN (Dartmouth); Jessica Swift-Harrell, RDN, LP, IFNCP; (Howard University, Prince George’s Community College), Hector Martinez (Princeton).

1:05 – 1:20 PM | Special Feature: Q&A
Explore what high-performance professionals can learn from one of sport’s most iconic competitors about, discipline, longevity, recovery, adaptability and sustained excellence.

Featured Guest: Royce Gracie, MMA Pioneer | UFC Champion | Global Icon in Combat Performance

1:20 – 2:05 PM | Session #3: Fortified Fueling (Demo)
Live demonstration showcasing practical applications of performance-focused nutrition strategies.

Panelists: Joel Totoro, RD, CSSD, Sammie Drake, RD

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Session #4: Kitchen Case Study (Experiential Lab)
An immersive, hands-on session translating theory into real kitchen execution.

4:05 – 5:00 PM | Session #5: The Value of an Experienced Performance Chef in Your Organization (Panel)
This session explores how Performance Chefs drive impact beyond food execution by improving athlete outcomes, strengthening collaboration with dietitians, and demonstrating measurable value to leadership while shaping the future of the role.

Panelists: Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS (MLB), Rob Skinner, MS, RD, CSSD, Jamie Meeks, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN (New Orleans Saints); Liz Oba RD, PMP (Thomas Cuisine); Matt Flynn (MyHy); Carly Fancher MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN (Texas A&M).

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