The Experience
Here’s why you should attend CMI:
Mongers
Bump elbows with your current and future coworkers and cheese idols! Re-kindle your inspiration for selling and service! This is THE event for casual networking in NYC surrounding the Fancy Food Show. If you’re considering advancing your career in food, or wondering how to stay involved in cheese, COME TO CMI. Watch. Learn. Compete. You belong here!
Makers
Hear the voice of the people in real time! Get special insight on product perception, ground-level selling, what’s working in retail, and how to best speak the language of our current generation of sellers.
Food Lovers
Taste new products, interact with makers and sellers of your current and new favorites, and soak-in the energy of the most fun and inspired community in specialty food!
Media
CHEESE PULLS. SEXY CHEESE. FUNKY STUFF. RAD BITES. QUIRKY CHARACTERS. Get your social squad here, stat!
The 10 Preliminary Challenges are scored, and the 6 Finalists who will publicly compete are announced to the audience at the start of the event.
The Finals
The Finals consist of 5 events held on-stage for the public.
Challenge 11: Mic Control
Contestants have 60 seconds to introduce themselves.
Challenge 12: Trivia
Contestants answer 6 questions on stage, using a marker board to record responses before simultaneously revealing to the audience for scoring.
Challenge 13: Pair It
Contestants have 1 minute to detail their ideal pairing for a select Goose Island beer.
Challenge 14: Cut It
Contestants have 1 minute to produce as many perfect .25lb as possible. Points are only awarded for perfect cuts.
Challenge 15: Wrap It
Contestants have 1 minute to wrap a selection of 5 assorted small-format cheeses in Formaticum Cheese Paper.