Speakers 2027
The education opportunities at Cater+Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.
Jerry Edwards, CPCE, President, Chef Jerry Edwards
Jerry Edwards CPCE Managing Partner of the Manor Tavern Group and founder of Chef's Expressions at the Manor. Chef Jerry Edwards is past National President of NACE, National Association for Catering and Events, serving an unprecedented three terms as President. He is famous for his monthly wine dinners that have grown to over 120 attendees per month. Each dinner is a 5 or 6 course culinary experience that is specially prepared to pair perfectly with the wines that have been chosen for the evening. Besides having built one of the most successful Catering organizations in his region, Jerry has traveled the world, training and assisting Caterers, Chefs and Event Planners to animate their guest's culinary experience. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Hospitality and has served in many hospitality organizations over the years.
From 1992-2006, Jerry served on the National Board of NACE and he culminated his tenure as the National President in 2004. In 2007, Jerry was inducted into the NACE "Hall of Fame" an honor bestowed to only 10 other members in NACE's 65 year history. His most treasured accomplishment was receiving The Industry ICON Award in 2015. He was the first National Catering member of the Year for NACE in 1992 and 1993 and was also named Caterer of the Year by "The Academy of Tourism and Travel" and "Catering Magazine". Jerry was nominated as Industry Leader of the Year by The National Academy Foundation and in 2010 he was honored by his local NACE chapter as Caterer of the Year. He has won over 50 industry competitions including three ACF Gold Medals, the prestigious "Best Chef" for the Meals on Wheels Culinary Extravaganza, The Crystal Toque Award, The Nation's Capitol and Baltimore "Iron Chef" competition and most recently the Mid Atlantic Taste of Elegance competition.
His catering company, Chef's Expressions, has won National Caterer of the Year twice in its 43 year history. Jerry has been a contributing writer for several national magazines including Catersource, Special Events and Catering. His recipes and accomplishments have been seen in the following National Magazines, such as Food Arts, Special Events, Catering, Catersource, Culinary Trends, Restaurants and Institutions, Restaurant Hospitality and CHEF Magazine. He has presented seminars and motivational speeches to the following organizations: Catersource The Special Event National Association of Catering and Events American Institute of Wine and Food National Restaurant Association Jerry published his first book in 2024 "Seasons of Taste".
His second book "Seasons of the Grape", was released in Summer 2026 showcasing seasonal cooking and wine pairings from his travels to wine growing regions around the globe. Jerry is past Chair of The American Institute of Wine and Food. He is very active in many charities for children's issues, social causes and adult diseases. Jerry is the current spokesperson for Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. Each year he spearheads a Chef's Dinner that has raised over $200,000. Other charities and activities close to his heart are: The St. Vincent's Center for Children, AIWF "Days of Taste" program, The National Academy Foundation for High School Hospitality Students Annual Awards Gala, The American Heart Association, Poverty Solutions, The Greater Baltimore Learning Center, The Academy of Tourism and Hospitality, The American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis, The Baltimore Zoo, The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Since his career in catering consulting and administration has taken off he finds peace and solitude in his farm kitchen where he creates wine dinners for both family and friends featuring foods raised in his restaurant's garden and on local farms in his surrounding area.