Kalahari Resorts & Conventions returns as Presenting Sponsor for the February 24–25 competition, with judge and volunteer registration now open.
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation (VRLTAF) is excited to announce that the 2027 Virginia ProStart Invitational (VPSI) will take place February 24–25, 2027, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Spotsylvania, Virginia.
Each year, VPSI brings together talented high school students from across the Commonwealth to put their culinary, restaurant management, and hospitality skills to the test. Through fast-paced competition and interaction with industry professionals, students have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in the classroom while gaining valuable experience and competing for the opportunity to represent Virginia on the national stage.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions will return as the event’s Presenting Sponsor for 2027, continuing its support of Virginia’s next generation of hospitality professionals after debuting in the role at the 2026 Invitational.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions for continuing to invest in Virginia’s future hospitality professionals,” says Eric Terry, President of VRLTA. “What began with their support as Presenting Sponsor has quickly grown into an exciting partnership, and we couldn’t ask for a better setting for the 2027 Invitational. We can’t wait to welcome Virginia’s talented culinary and hospitality students to a world-class venue that represents so much of what makes this industry special.”
At the heart of VPSI are the Culinary and Management Competitions, which challenge students to demonstrate the technical skills, creativity, teamwork, and professionalism needed to succeed in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Culinary teams are tasked with preparing a three-course meal in just 60 minutes without access to running water or electricity, while Management teams develop an original restaurant concept and present their business plan to a panel of industry professionals.
Also returning for the third consecutive year are VPSI’s three individual competitions: Cake Decorating, Chicken Fabrication, and Napkin Folding. These competitions provide even more students with the opportunity to step into the spotlight and demonstrate specialized culinary and hospitality skills.
“Watching the Virginia ProStart Invitational grow year after year has been incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Jai Girard, Director of Education and Workforce for VRLTA. “As the program continues to evolve, having a venue that can accommodate everything VPSI has become is incredibly exciting. Kalahari gives us the space to showcase the full scope of our competitions, and we’re looking forward to making 2027 our most dynamic Invitational yet.”
Judges and Volunteers Needed
With preparations for the 2027 Invitational underway, registration is now open for industry professionals interested in serving as judges or volunteers during the two-day event.
Judges and volunteers play an important role in creating a meaningful experience for participating students, offering their time and industry expertise while getting a firsthand look at the talent preparing to enter Virginia’s hospitality workforce.
Those interested in joining us as a judge or volunteer can learn more and register here.
The Virginia ProStart program helps prepare students for careers in hospitality through industry-recognized credentials, hands-on learning, and connections with restaurant and hospitality professionals. The program serves as an important component of Virginia’s hospitality workforce pipeline, helping students translate classroom education into real-world skills and career opportunities.