James Beard Foundation’s Response to COVID-19
ISSUE
In-person industry programs and events were a primary source of revenue and a substantial portion of JBF's calendar before COVID-19. Prior to COVID-19, JBF hosted around 200 events a year at the Beard House, as well as events in other venues in the New York City area and across the country. That included the national dining tour Taste America presented by Capital One®, the annual Gala Dinner and Auction, and Friends of James Beard Benefit® dinners.
INNOVATION
JBF is currently offering virtual events and programming, which includes the Open for Good industry resource hub, ongoing webinar series, and a redesigned Taste America, which was converted from a national event series into a virtual event.
OUTCOME
Over 530 users have accessed and utilized the Open For Good Portal resource hub to help their businesses adapt to ongoing COVID- 19 restrictions. The James Beard Foundation Webinar Series has produced over 141 webinars and 99 archived recordings, with over 21,000 registrants over the series. A Virtual Taste America event successfully sold over 1,000 tickets nationwide, with an additional 361 plays of the broadcast recording. Combined, these resources have accessed restaurateurs and chefs across the United States and provided them with useful tools to aid them in remaining open, adapting to COVID-19 restrictions, and supporting their staff and customers.
