Les Dames d’Escoffier International Introduces LDEI Live Online - A New Virtual Series

Inspiring Insights and Expertise for the Hospitality, Food, and Beverage Industries

New York, NY (January 8, 2025) ​ – Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a renowned global organization of women leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, announces the launch of LDEI Live Online, an innovative virtual series kicking off on January 13, 2025. Designed to inspire, educate, and connect, this series will act as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, offering unparalleled access to the expertise and insights of LDEI members.

Featuring engaging talks, insightful presentations, and practical industry resources, LDEI Live Online is designed to empower individuals at all stages of their careers, from seasoned professionals to emerging talent. This virtual series creates an inclusive space for connection, growth, and innovation, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.

“We’re excited to introduce LDEI Live Online, open to both our members and the wider community. This series goes beyond knowledge-sharing; it’s about building a vibrant, inclusive community where ideas flow, connections are made, and innovation thrives. I hope you can join us on January 13th!” said Sheila Crye, LDEI Chair of the Online Committee and Chapter Board Liaison. 

The inaugural LDEI Live Online session, How to Retire – The CliffsNotes Edition, will feature retirement expert Christine Benz. She will offer key insights on retirement planning, covering guaranteed income sources like Social Security, strategies for a balanced portfolio, creating a long-term care plan, and key considerations for women in retirement. Christine Benz is Morningstar's Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning and the author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. A frequent co-host of The Long View podcast, she has been named to Barron’s list of the 100 most influential women in finance in 2020 and 2021.

The session will take place on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and is open to both LDEI members and the public. Members can attend for free, with a suggested donation to LDEI, while public admission is available for a fee of $10. ​ Visit HERE to register now. 

On February 4, 2025, Dame Pam Williams of Ecole Chocolat, with over 40 years of experience in the fine chocolate industry, will share her expertise on what defines exceptional chocolate during the session Savoring & Saving Fine Chocolate. Covering the journey from blossom to bar, discussions will cover chocolate flavors, ingredients, and the cultural influences shaping the world’s favorite confections. Visit HERE to register now. 

Looking ahead, LDEI is thrilled to announce a dynamic lineup of expert-led webinars each month covering a wide range of topics. Upcoming sessions will dive deep into exciting discussions with industry leaders on subjects such as the art of chocolate, meal planning with the Mediterranean diet, entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry, stories from culinary legends, and more. These engaging webinars aim to provide valuable insights and inspire members to explore new areas of expertise while fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse food and beverage world.

For more information about Les Dames d'Escoffier International and upcoming LDEI Live Online sessions, visit www.ldeiliveonline.com.

WHEN:

How to Retire – The CliffsNotes Edition

January 13, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET 

Register here

Savoring & Saving Fine Chocolate

February 4, 2025

2:00 PM ET

Register here

PRESS KIT

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About Les Dames d’Escoffier International

LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the fields of food, beverage, and hospitality. The organization’s 2,600 members in 40 chapters in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Italy provide leadership, educational opportunities, and philanthropy. Since its founding in 1985, LDEI chapters have raised and donated more than $10 million to educational, community non-profits, and philanthropic organizations. For more information, visit www.ldei.org and follow LDEI on Instagram @lesdamesintl and Facebook @LDEIdamesdescoffier.

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