GENERAL INFORMATION
What is MAD7?
It is the seventh edition of the MAD Symposium, a gathering that brings together hundreds of chefs, sommeliers, servers, bartenders, baristas, bakers, producers, and writers together beneath a big red circus tent in Copenhagen for two days of ideas, inspiration and connection. It’s also really, really fun.
What is this year’s theme?
Build to Last – it asks questions about how we ensure our planet, our communities, our industry, and we ourselves thrive over the long term.
Who are the speakers?
It’s a secret! But past editions have included a lot of speakers from the food world that you’ve probably heard of, such as Ferran Adrià, Diana Kennedy, Alain Ducasse, Dan Barber, José Andrés, David Chang, Kamilla Seidler, Michel Bras, Madhur Jaffrey, Jonathan Gold. As well as lots of other inspiring folks, including Dan Giusti on fixing school lunch, Vandana Shiva on protecting seeds and soil, and Ron Finley on vegetable gardening as a form of resistance.
What else makes MAD different?
These aren’t the canned speeches you’ve heard before; speakers say the things they wouldn’t dare say elsewhere. That means there are always surprises… and provocations.
TICKETING
How do I attend?
Applications for ticket purchase can done here. The deadline for completed applications is January 9, 2025.
Why do I have to apply?
Even a giant circus tent has its limits. Because we unfortunately don’t have room at MAD7 for everyone who wants to attend, we use the application to make sure we get an engaged audience made up of a mix of people from different backgrounds and at different points in their career.
Can anyone apply?
Applications are open to anyone, but because Symposium is designed for the hospitality industry, applicants who are working in food and drink will have a strong advantage.
When will I know if I secured a ticket?
Tickets will be issued on a rolling basis from January 31st, and all applicants will receive an answer by the end of February, even if you weren’t successful this time. Note: if you receive a ticket, you will have 7 days to purchase it, after which the ticket will be canceled and given to someone else. Tickets are not transferable.
I got a ticket, can I purchase a +1?
In short, no. There’s generally a big demand for tickets to the Symposium, hence why we ask everyone who wishes to attend to apply. Allowing purchasing of +1 tickets (like for partners or friends) that haven’t actually applied wouldn’t be fair to all the other applicants. However, if you require special assistance to attend Symposium, please write to us at: symposium@madfeed.co.
I missed the application date, can I join the waitlist?
Unfortunately, no. The waitlist is currently reserved for all of the unsuccessful applicants who applied before the application deadline.
How much are tickets and what’s included in the price?
Tickets are 5,340 DKK and include full access to both days of talks, breakfast and lunch during the symposium, snacks and drinks, and other celebrations. Travel to Symposium and accommodation in Copenhagen are not included.
I’m a line cook/server/barista making 35,000 euros a year. Is financial aid available?
We offer a limited number of scholarships and financial assistance programs to support industry professionals who can’t afford the ticket price. Details regarding scholarship applications and funding support will be announced in February.
THE EVENT
Will there be a chance to meet and hang out with other attendees?
Yes! Symposium is designed to encourage connection and dialogue. There will be breakout sessions, shared meals, and social events where attendees can interact with speakers and fellow participants.
Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Have you ever tried to feed 700 people at once? Meals at Symposium are always a highlight of the experience, but given the logistics, we unfortunately cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.
Will photographers/videographers be shooting the event?
Yes. If you are attending MAD7, please note that you give permission for MAD to take photos and video during your attendance, which can be used in connection with PR, coverage on social media, and general promotion of the Symposium. If you are attending and do not wish to be included in any media collateral, please reach out to us immediately via the email address below.
You haven’t answered my question!
For any other questions, please write us at symposium@madfeed.co.