Speaking to FoodNavigator-USA, Carver said that the association's members were keen on an East Coast location for this year's event, as companies are beginning to free up cash for travel again, following a long period of budgetary caution.
The event included a keynote from Katherine Alford, vice president of the Food Network's test kitchens, which Carver said was intended to bring a link to consumers, as well as give insight into which trends chefs could expect to drive future R&D.
Look out for more information on Alford's keynote speech on FoodNavigator-USA later in the week.