The Global Association of Christian Hospitality Professionals (GACHP)

The Annual Food Service & Hospitality Ministry Conference for 2021   has been cancelled.

A decision made by our Board to authorize the cancellation of the 2021 GACHP Hospitality Conference has been made. The leadership team has prayed over this decision and looked at multiple options to keep the Conference in 2021 but there are just still too many unknowns at this time and everyone’s safety is our top priority.

We realize you all will have questions about this decision. So, allow us to address some of those here:

Why is GACHP cancelling instead of rescheduling? As we’ve been clarifying the focus of CORD & GACHP mission, we’ve been asking whether it’s in everyone’s best interest to keep maintaining a conference during COVID the wisest way forward in terms of safety and stewardship. We believe our focus must be on the overall safety of those who would attend and the sustainability as a small non-profit. Our goal every year is to Inspire & Equip you in your ministry role and though we need that more than ever we must be realistic.

Was the coronavirus still a factor in this decision? The simple answer is yes, especially as it relates to timing. Buncombe and Hendersonville Counties, N.C., authorities still have a limit on gatherings of no more than 50. With to many unknown factors in play we would rather be safe than sorry.

Is it possible to stay engaged without an annual conference? Yes, we have already been doing digital meetings since April so we can all stay connected, and help each other through unique time in ministry. Look for information in your email box for zoom meetings that cover topics like: How to reopen during and after a pandemic, Box-lunches, Catering in COVID-19, Cleaning, and more. We have been partnering with some of our past Break-out Teachers and they have been teaching their classes through zoom sessions as well. If you are not getting the links please let us know and if you would like the recorded video’s of past meetings we are happy to share.

What will happen to CORD and GACHP for future events. Due to the coronavirus restrictions in North Carolina and across the nation, churches, schools, camps and conference centers have suspended hosting large events until further notice. We will adjust our dates as appropriate based on guidance from government and health authorities. We know conferences and events will look different due to COVID-19, both in the short and long terms. The CORD & GACHP team is developing plans and making adjustments to enable us to host events safely and effectively once restrictions are eased, and we see what our new normal looks like. Our goal is to be back hosting state chapter meetings in the spring and our annual conference in the summer of 2022.