#FOOD: TERROIR SYMPOSIUM RETURNS MAY 27-31, 2026

Terroir Symposium returns to Alberta May 27–31, 2026, for its 20th anniversary, marking two decades as Canada’s most influential gathering of chefs, creators, producers, and food-world thinkers. This milestone edition invites the industry and its community to come together under the theme The Joy of Food — a celebration of the flavours, traditions, and voices that have shaped how we cook, eat, and connect.

For the first time, the 2026 program expands across two cities, beginning with workshops and dining events in Edmonton (May 27–29) before continuing in Calgary (May 28–31) with signature dinners, a VIP opening reception, and the main Symposium Day at the Calgary Central Library.

For 20 years, Terroir Symposium has been where ideas launch, collaborations spark, and lasting relationships are built. If you want to be part of the conversations defining the future of hospitality, this is the room to be in. Tickets available HERE.

Since its inaugural gathering in 2006, Terroir has been the launchpad for culinary visionaries and cultural storytellers. Past participants include Fergus Henderson, Daniel Boulud, Albert Adrià, and David Chang, alongside Canada’s own Matty Matheson and many other luminaries who have come together to exchange ideas, experiment with flavours, and share the stories behind their craft.

“These gatherings spark collaborations and influence Canada’s food and hospitality scene for years afterward,” says Arlene Stein, founder of Terroir Hospitality.

“Terroir Symposium convenes the people who move the industry forward — global icons you recognize instantly, and the quiet leaders whose influence is deep, decisive, and impossible to ignore. We don’t just spotlight fame — we celebrate visionaries and the creative leaders whose work is reshaping the industry from the ground up.”

Featured Symposium Speakers

Sunday, May 31, 2026
Calgary Central Library
This year’s lineup brings together a thoughtful mix of longtime collaborators and new voices spanning generations, geographies, and disciplines within the food world.

Confirmed speakers include:

Alex Chen – Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Vancouver
Amanda Cohen – Dirt Candy, New York
Benedikt Gudgeirsson – Iceland Butcher Team
Bettina Schormann – Bardō, Hamilton
BLVCK SVM – Culinary-inspired rapper and creator, Chicago
Chet Sharma – BiBi, London
Daniele Uditi – Pizzana, Los Angeles
Jason Bangerter – Langdon Hall, Ontario
JP McMahon – Aniar, Ireland
Kate Colley – Hospitality PR professional, Vancouver
Ned Bell – Culinary Director of Planetary Health; Ocean Wise ambassador
Peter McKenna – The Gannet, Glasgow
Peter Pilarski – Digital strategist, Alberta
Shane Harper – Chef de Farm, Pearl Morissette
Warren Barr & Lily Verney-Downey – Pluvio Restaurant + Rooms, Ucluelet

Additional presenters and guests will be announced in the coming weeks, with a special focus on voices from Calgary and Edmonton’s restaurant communities.

Signature Experiences Across Alberta
Beyond the stage, Terroir 2026 will feature immersive culinary programming designed to connect, inspire, and celebrate the hospitality community.

Highlights include:
Signature Dining Series across Calgary and Edmonton restaurants including
River Café, Rouge, Teatro, Oxbow, Pizza Letty, SAIT, Paperbirch, and RGE RD.

VIP Opening Reception

May 29, 2026

Safari Lodge at the Calgary Zoo’s Wilder Institute.

Once Upon a Brunch
A celebratory gathering bringing chefs, producers, and guests together in a relaxed setting.

Hands-On Workshops
Interactive sessions designed to explore craft, storytelling, and innovation across food, beverage, and hospitality.

The flagship Symposium Day takes place May 31 at the Calgary Central Library, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, writers, producers, and industry leaders for a full day of talks, panels, and discussion.

Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets for Terroir Symposium 2026 — including Symposium passes, VIP experiences, and select events — are now available HERE.

Why Terroir 2026

• Learn directly from global leaders and innovators
• Build meaningful connections across hospitality, media, and food culture
• Experience unforgettable dinners, workshops, and curated events
• Celebrate 20 years of culinary creativity and influence

ABOUT TERROIR
The Canadian Terroir Symposium brings together innovative people from the field of hospitality. The flagship event attracts professionals who are serious about the business of hospitality and those looking to constantly develop and refine their careers through professional development workshops, presentations, dinners, and tastings.

About Food Tourism Strategies
With more than 30 years of culinary, hospitality, and tourism industry experience, Food Tourism Strategies is invested in growing culinary tourism in Canada. From strategic development to signature events and industry workshops, FTS works to enhance the visitor experience through the taste of place.