Mumbai was witness to Concoct 2007, the 3 rd National Culinary Conference that was held on 8 and 9 September, 2007 at The Taj Lands End. The biennial event was hosted by the Western India Culinary Association in close association with the nodal body, The Indian Federation of Culinary Associations, while Hospitality First conceptualized and organized the event.

The welcome address delivered by Chef. Manjit.S.Gill, Corporate Executive Chef, ITC Hotels Ltd., and President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations and Chef Vernon Coelho, President, Western India Culinary Association, and Regional Director, Indian Federation of Culinary Association delivered the opening address. They stressed on the fact that it is important to be aware of the tactics essential for survival and to excel in, what is today considered, the world's most exciting and formidable culinary markets- India.

CONCOCT 2007 event included a Conference and a boutique "Chef's Product" trade fair. Here, the industry's most experienced, successful and innovative chefs and food service entrepreneurs presented their business vision and recipe for success.

The future drivers of the New Culinary economy discussed issues like: Tech Chef; Chief Steward; Food Supply chain - How to make it work for you; Slow Food Cooking; Culinary Humiliation or Appreciation - A media view; Employability of Physically challenged; How to be an Internationally certified chef by the global authority on food; Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 - Implications and Challenges; Distress to Destress; Next Gen Chef - Where to Seek?; Our Guest on Us; Building a successful restaurant brand; An Expat chef's view; Japanese Cuisine - An International perspective and Go Organic.

Chef Soundararajan, Secretary, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations presented report "On the year that was" and also made a presentation on how to participate in culinary contests in international level and also on WACS certification programs in the 3^rd national conference.

Leading food writers and culinary brand icons viz Vir Sanghvi, Rashmi Uday Singh, Manjit Gill, Hemant Oberoi, Gev Desai, Rahul Akerkar, Namita Panjabi, Farzana Contractor, Vikram Doctor and Raju Shete shared their experienced views in the panel discussions.

Supporting the event as sponsors were renowned brands such as Tilda Rice , Mrs. Bectors Food Specialities Pvt. Ltd , Bohemian Crystal Co. Ltd , Andy Mannahart Verpacao India Ltd, Baskin Robbins and MaidoIndia.

Over 175 senior chefs from across India attended this culinary symposium that involved the amalgamation of culture and cuisines, along with innovative thoughts and ideas. The next National Culinary Conference will be held in Hyderabad in 2009.