submitted by Overland Park Convention Center
Farm-to-table advocate and culinary visionary Chef David Ruiz—2024 IFPA Chef of the Year, James Beard Blended Burger winner, and Food Network’s It’s CompliPlated champion—shines a national spotlight on Overland Park
Overland Park, Kan. — The Overland Park Convention Center is proud to announce that Executive Chef David Ruiz has been named one of Meetings Today’s 2025 Trendsetters, a prestigious honor recognizing 20 individuals annually who are transforming the meetings and events industry.
Chef David was selected for his purpose-driven leadership through food, bringing nationally recognized culinary innovation, sustainability, and inclusion to the forefront of large-scale event dining. As the creative force behind OPCC’s zero-waste kitchen and locally sourced menus, Chef David continues to challenge expectations of what convention center cuisine can be.
“David is redefining the food experience at a convention center,” said Brett C. Mitchell, General Manager of the Overland Park Convention Center. “His commitment to community, sustainability, and culinary excellence leaves a lasting impression on each and every guest who walks through our doors.”
A James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Project Grand Prize Winner, Food Network’s It’s CompliPlated champion, and 2024 IFPA Fine Dining Chef of the Year, Chef David is also a passionate mentor and advocate for sustainability in the culinary industry.
“To be recognized by an industry-leading publication like Meetings Today—especially as a chef in a space traditionally focused on planners and producers—is an incredible honor,” said Ruiz. “I’m proud to represent the power of food in shaping memorable event experiences, and grateful to the OPCC team for championing a culinary vision rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and bold flavor.”
Read the full feature in Meetings Today: https://www.meetingstoday.com/articles/145336/2025-meetings-trendsetters-stoking-fire-events-industry
Learn more about Chef David Ruiz: https://opconventioncenter.com/chef/
About the Overland Park Convention Center
The award-winning Overland Park Convention Center opened in November of 2002 on a 26-acre site in the heart of Overland Park, the largest suburban city in the Kansas City metropolitan and the second largest city in Kansas. Adorned with over sixty original works of are and equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems, the 245,000 square floor complex features a 60,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall that connects to the 25,000 sq. ft. Edwin C. Eilert Ballroom and 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space. Natural light radiates throughout the unusually spacious (44,000 sq. ft.) pre-function and registration areas. Among the convention centers many awards, the most recent include: 2024 – 2020 Top 25 Centers of Excellence in North America, EXHIBITOR Magazine; 2024 – 2018 Prime Site Award, Facilities & Destinations Magazine; 2024 – 2002 Best Meeting & Conference Facility, Ingram’s Magazine; 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America, EXHIBITOR Magazine; 2022 Best Small Convention Center in North America, EXHIBITOR Magazine; 2021 Best On-Site Support & Customer Service in North America, EXHIBITOR Magazine; 2020 Best Small Convention Center in North America, EXHIBITOR Magazine; 2019 Best Convention Centers in North America, Business View Magazine
