Toast the Industry at IFMA’s 69th Annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration

Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 5:30pm CDT

Join the party as IFMA recognizes inspirational operators from across all segments of foodservice! The IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Awards honor the best of the best at the industry’s longest-standing celebration. 

Leaders from across the food-away-from-home industry will gather at Chicago's historic Union Station to induct nine new legends into the esteemed Gold & Silver Plate Society of winners.   

We’ve refreshed some elements of our traditional program and will take full advantage of the remarkable venue, but the focus will always be on spotlighting the incredible careers of this year’s Silver Plate Winners. And, of course, announcing the industry’s most prestigious award—the coveted IFMA Gold Plate.

 

Event Details

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

This year’s celebration will take place at Chicago’s historic, and newly renovated Union Station. Opened in 1925, it is one of Chicago's most iconic structures, reflecting the city's strong architectural heritage. The station has a Beaux-Arts facade, massive Corinthian columns, marble floors, and a dramatic Great Hall. Holding our Celebration at Union Station means more space for our event!  

Date/Time:
Saturday, May 20, 2023
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: Black-Tie Optional

Table & Ticket Cost

Table of 10: $5,795

Companies purchasing full tables will be recognized at the event. 

Individual Ticket: $695

Invited Operator Guests*: Complimentary; please choose “Operator Invited Guest” during the checkout process.

 

*IFMA reviews all operator tickets for approval to ensure that they adhere to standards established by the Board of Directors. IFMA reserves the right to request additional information and may decline any non-qualified operator 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.

 

The Process for Selecting Winners

Every year, IFMA 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!  

 

  • Nominations are sent to a pre-screen jury comprised of past Gold & Silver Plate winners, who are all members of the Gold & Silver Plate Society.   

  • The pre-screen jury narrows the nominations down to finalists in each category for the full jury to review. 

  • The full jury is comprised of past winners, chief editors from the nation’s leading foodservice trade publications, and industry experts. The 2023 jury met in person in January to select the Silver Plate winners.    

  • After the selection of the Silver Plate class, the jury votes by secret ballot to choose one individual from the class to receive the Gold Plate Award. Only the auditor – BDO– is aware of who has won the Gold Plate. The rest of us find out when we celebrate together in May!