Embassy Chef Challenge 2025

Event Details

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025

Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location: Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Washington, D.C.

About the Event

Culinary Diplomacy is at its finest with Embassy Chef Challenge. This annual event brings together chefs from participating embassies to showcase the flavors of their homelands and compete to win coveted honors like Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Best Beverage. 

This year, Embassy Chef Challenge took center stage at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium right here in Washington, D.C. An absolutely stunning space, the auditorium hosted over 30 embassies, plus hungry guests, celebrity chefs, and media personalities. The event was hosted by chef and podcast host Spike Mendelsohn and was judged by Leonor T. Adkins, Chef Eric Adepong, Tim Ebner, Chef Francis Otoo, and Tierney Plumb of Eater magazine. 

The award recipients: 

• Judge’s Choice: Peru

• People’s Choice: The Philippines

• Best Beverage: Ukraine

Scope of Services

Project Management

• Provided project management services, including the use of web-based project management software, throughout the entire event production process for the elements we supported. The software included a comprehensive timeline of deliverables from contract ratification through planning and implementation, ensuring that the schedule of events and programs was carried out within the expected timeframe.

• Reported on all project updates and scheduled and managed meetings with the LRA team.

• Delivered additional project management support, including but not limited to: stakeholder updates, quality control reports, hiring of additional vendors and contractors, as agreed.

Venue Logistics Preparation

• Prepared for on-site event management and on-the-ground support, including defining lead roles. This included roles in logistics, production, programming, attendee experience, speaker experience, and more.

• Created and managed updates to the overall event timeline to ensure that event flow was logical and ran smoothly.

• Coordinated production schedules and overall floor plans for all event spaces.

• Leveraged industry relationships to support beneficial contract negotiations with selected vendors as needed.

Event Theme, Creative Direction, and Identity

• Collaborated with LRA and EventsDC to develop: Event theme, timeline, tone, and guest experience, as well as concepts and event flow.

• Recommended vendors and provided direction on all stylistic elements, including: Artwork, décor, lighting, A/V, and branding

• Ensured consistency in identity and visual impact.

• Managed updates to the event timeline to ensure a smooth, logical flow.

Budget Management & Tracking

• Created, managed, and tracked event budgets with input and oversight from LRA.

• Tracked payment deadlines and communicated all vendor invoicing and payment needs to EventsDC.

• Continually updated EventsDC regarding the budget and expenses.

Visual Identity Development & Execution

• Designed and produced digital and printed program assets, event collateral, and promotional materials.

• Enhanced the event schedule with innovative logistical solutions and creative space utilization.

• Worked with LRA to shape the overall atmosphere, tone, and design elements.

• Ensured all branding, creative, and production elements aligned seamlessly with the event vision.

Vendor Management

• Provided vendor recommendations to EventsDC upon request.

• Worked alongside production partners and LRA to deliver on the event vision.

• Proposed and executed a cohesive event design, leveraging vendor relationships to maximize impact.

• Oversaw approved vendors, including audiovisual, lighting, staging, scenery, entertainment, graphic design, security, accessibility, rentals, catering, photography, on-site staffing, and others to refine the event’s look, feel, and attendee experience.

Registration & Check-In

• Worked with EventsDC’s ticketing software to manage and staff on-site check-in, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees.

VIP/Talent Support

• Liaised with talent/VIP staff and agents to meet all hospitality and performance needs.

Hospitality & F&B Management

• Supported food and beverage selections as needed.

• Coordinated with selected F&B vendors to secure agreements.

• Oversaw: menu selection and staffing and equipment requirements

• Compiled finalized menu and vendor details for program inclusion.

• Coordinated food, beverage, and alcohol vendors while ensuring that the event complied with all applicable laws and regulations.

On-Site Logistics Management

• Coordinated production schedules and overall floor plans for all event spaces.

• Managed the day-of-event timeline to ensure that event flow was logical and ran smoothly.

• Delivered full day-of technical production support.

• Acted as the primary liaison for venues, vendors, and on-site teams, ensuring seamless coordination.

• Managed and oversaw load-in and set-up of décor, stage sets, and other elements for activations and installations.

• Took charge during critical moments, swiftly resolving challenges to maintain event success.

On-Site Technical Production & Show Direction

• Oversaw full show production, technical direction, and stage and floor management.

• Managed all day-of technical production services, including rehearsal management, lead-up tasks, and advanced planning.

• Arranged for necessary technical requirements, including sound, lighting, stage management, video, graphics, and more.

Post-Event Project Management

• Communicated with LRA to ensure all event contracts were closed out.

• Provided recommendations on future plans.

• Hosted/attended the final post-event meeting with all project stakeholders.

• Closed out the project across all areas of work.

Participating Embassies

Sponsorships & Brand Activations

Giant Food
Casamigos
Premium Distributors of DC
Chateau Ste Michelle
Liquid Light

Vendors

Stratus Firm
LRA
Events DC
Design Foundry
Ridgewells
Showcall
4Wall
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
MJ Valet
Capitol Prompting