The 2017 hospitality conference "Teaching Traditions: 20 Years of Apicius Innovation" celebrated the 20th anniversary of Apicius and addressed the three cornerstones of the Apicius educational mission:

• Understanding Tradition for implementing Innovation
• Cultural Diversity
• Community Engagement

On March 18, 2017, hospitality educators and professionals gathered in Corso Tintori 21 to present panels on hospitality innovation from diverse perspectives. Keynote speaker Ona Ashley from Johnson County Community College was joined by the Vice Mayor of Florence Cristina Giachi, Florence Chamber of Commerce rep Rita Pelagotti, and Leonardo Bandinelli from Confindustria Toscana for opening remarks to kick off the full-day event.

ACF Fiorentina nutritionist Cristian Petri and Apicius Executive Chef Andrea Trapani discussed research trends in sport nutrition, followed by chefs Simone Cipriani (Essenziale restaurant) and Ilaria Di Marzio who explained the constant evolution of culinary and pastry arts. After a tasting panel featuring Italian producers and Apicius culinary students, web communicator Sonia Peronaci, pharmacologist and UNIFI researcher Domenico Pellegrini, pastry chef Paolo Sacchetti from Prato, and sommelier Marco Tonelli rounded out the second half of the conference. The final highlight of the day put Apicius wine studies student in the spotlight as they guided the audience through a structured blind tasting.

The full conference program can be downloaded for a complete overview of the event.

The next Apicius hospitality conference will be held on March 17, 2018. Further information on the event and upcoming coverages may be directed to .