72nd Annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration:
The Industry Night Not to Be Missed

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 5:30pm CDT

For over seven decades, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association has honored inspirational operators from across foodservice with our annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards. It is our continuing privilege to host the best of the best at the industry’s longest-standing celebration. 
    

 

In May, join hundreds of leaders from across the food-away-from-home ecosystem in the Great Hall at Chicago's historic Union Station as we induct a new cohort of remarkable industry icons into the pantheon of the Gold & Silver Plate Society.   

It will be an evening combining tradition and innovation as we host industry luminaries, share great food and drink, and hear all about the incredible careers of this year’s Silver Plate honorees from their professional mentors.

To top off the evening, the winner of the 2026 Gold Plate will be revealed – always a highpoint of the celebration!   

 

 

 

Event Details 

Chicago Union Station: Great Hall
500 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60661

Date/Time:
Saturday, May 16, 2026
5:30pm CDT

The Evening's Programming:
5:30-6:30p – Cocktail Hour 
6:30-8:30p – Dinner & Awards Program 
8:30p – Dessert Lounge

Attire: Formal Attire

Tables & Ticket Cost 

Table (8 seats): $6,295

Individual Ticket: $695

GSP Society Members and Food Leadership Council Operator Members: Complimentary ticket for themselves and a significant other

Please note: IFMA The Food Away from Home Association reviews all requests for complimentary operator member tickets to ensure that they adhere to standards established by the Board of Directors. The Association reserves the right to request additional information and may decline any non-qualified operator member ticket.

Cancellation/Transfer Policy

Due to high-demand and reserved seating, this event is non-refundable. Questions about payment or to pay via invoice: Contact Sandra Sierra at sandra@IFMAworld.com.

Selection Process 

Every year, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association puts out a call and receives a large slate of nominations from its membership and the industry for Silver Plate Awards. This year, we made revisions to the form, simplifying the process – and resulting in a larger number of candidates!

Education Foundation
Our Education Foundation is committed to giving support to qualified culinary, marketing, supply chain, and food science students. The Education Foundation distributes 100% of its contributions for ongoing growth of the food-away-from-home industry to promote the next generation of leaders.
Gold & Silver Plate Society
Society members, comprised of past Gold and Silver Plate winners, gather annually at the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration in Chicago. During this time members welcome a new class of award recipients in addition to reconnecting with past winners.