- Following the success of its first edition, MEG is taking the next step and reaffirming the need to create forums such as this one, which will take place at the Alicante Chamber of Commerce on 10 and 11 May, to foster networking and analyse the sector from a women’s perspective.
- During the conference, in addition to interesting panels with an international and forward-looking perspective, there will be networking opportunities between attendees and speakers; and as a new feature, this edition will kick off with the ‘MEG Circle’, a gathering for conversation and connection among members.
The Salón Gourmets has once again provided the setting for the presentation of a new milestone for the Women in Gastronomy association: the announcement of the 2nd MEG Congress, which will take place in Alicante on 10 and 11 May under the slogan: “The strength of what unites us”. Following the success of its first edition—which brought together 200 attendees, 33 speakers, institutions, companies, media and professionals from across the gastronomic value chain, as well as the support of more than 25 organisations, brands and public and private institutions—the focus and slogan have changed, and “shifts from defining who we are to understanding the value of what we are capable of building together”, as expressed by María José San Román, president of the association, at this event at the Madrid trade fair where the association received an award for its support of extra virgin olive oil.
The Alicante-born chef, winner of the 2022 Gold Medal for Fine Arts, added that this second edition is “a leap towards a gastronomy that is more connected, more international and more aware of its real impact on the economy, culture and society”. The panels will discuss how gastronomy connects Europe with Latin America, Africa and Asia; how it generates opportunities, partnerships and new models of collaboration; and how bridges are built that transcend borders. Because the future of the sector, according to San Román, lies there, “and we want women not only to be part of that future… but to lead it”.
María Jiménez Latorre, chef, teacher, communicator and, furthermore, vice-president of Mujeres en Gastronomía, added to María José’s remarks that MEG had spent years building a solid network, connecting talent across different cities, fostering meetings, conversations and collaborations, but that the first congress did something different: “it gave it shape, it gave it visibility, it gave it scale. And that is what has changed. We have moved from a network that existed to a network that takes action”. Jiménez Latorre was tasked with announcing the most significant new feature of this year’s event: the ‘MEG Circle’, an exclusive private gathering for members to converse and connect, serving as a prelude to the conference. “If there’s one thing we’re clear about, it’s that everything that happens on the outside begins on the inside. And this is a recognition of that network that already exists, of that constant, generous work that we have built together”.
The questions to be addressed at the 2nd MEG Congress
The Vice-President herself also gave a preview of what the MEG 2026 Congress will entail, which will seek to address questions regarding the connection between cultures, markets and regions through gastronomy; the development of projects that operate across different countries and contexts; and tackling one of the sector’s greatest challenges: who will work in the restaurants of the future… and which models do we need to transform to make this viable? There will also be discussion on how the global food system is being redefined; the role played by origin, sustainability and regulation in this regard; what makes a gastronomic project competitive today; the role of technology, data and access to capital… And of course, who sets the rules of the game?; and how women are beginning to occupy these spaces with real impact.
In addition to these fascinating discussions, there will be a networking lunch and dinner; the presentation of the MEG 2026 Awards; and opportunities for direct dialogue with the audience. The Madrid-based chef concluded her speech with a highly inspiring message: “If we learnt anything last year, it is that MEG’s true strength lies not only in individual talent… but in what happens when that talent connects. And that is, precisely, the strength of what unites us”. The session was rounded off by the attending members themselves, who shared their products, services and personal experiences, led by the co-chair of MEG Madrid, Marisol Baixauli Borja.
Tickets for the 2nd MEG Congress are now on sale via a direct link to Eventbrite on their website, priced at €50 for Monday 11th (including lunch); and €110 for both days, including dinner on Sunday 10th.
About WOMEN IN GASTRONOMY
Women in Gastronomy was founded in October 2018 during an informal meeting in Alicante with the aim of achieving equality and raising the profile of female talent in all aspects of the food industry, from production to preparation and distribution… It is a collaborative movement that seeks to boost the visibility of women in gastronomy. It currently comprises around 600 official members who pay a nominal annual fee to make forums such as this one possible. It enjoys the sponsorship and ongoing support of Mahou San Miguel, Solán de Cabras and Gaviota. Also collaborating on this congress are Alimentos de España, the Valencian Regional Government, Alicante City Council, the Costa Blanca Tourist Board, Sabor a Málaga – the promotional brand of the Málaga Provincial Council – and the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting this upcoming event. Thermomix, Negrini, Nespresso, Bacalao el Barquero, La Brújula, Viena la Baguette, Huevos Coren, AOVE IGP Jaén, ARA, Esatur and Caterideas, amongst others, are also helping to make this congress possible, as is the Salón Gourmets, which has helped raise the profile of this event from Madrid.
Source: AIRES NEWS Comunicación