About Us

NACE is the oldest and largest professional association that addresses all aspects of the catering industry. Through the collective efforts of members, local chapters, committees and the Foundation of NACE, NACE is at the forefront of the issues that directly affect you and your business.

From practical tips that you can use to provide better service to your clients, to recognition and marketing programs that enhance the credibility and professionalism of the field, NACE is on the cutting edge. From educational programs to standards, to ethics, to legislative monitoring, NACE leads the way.

NACE Chapters: Your involvement begins at home

When you join NACE, you instantly become part of a local chapter. NACE has over 40 chapters offering monthly meetings that feature nationally renown speakers, educational programs, idea sharing and networking. There is a chapter fee to attend local events.

Through Chapter involvement, you'll have an opportunity to work on community service projects and voice your opinion about issues that affect you locally and nationally. And the NACE Executive Committee and national headquarters listen and respond to the needs, concerns and suggestions of local chapters. Your chapter involvement is at the very heart of what NACE is all about -- learning sharing and growing.

If you believe in your career and the catering profession; if you believe in the value of education, networking, information and resources; if you believe that individuals can accomplish more together than alone, NACE is for you. By working together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish for our profession, our employers and ourselves.

NACE Educational Conference
A highlight of NACE is the Educational Conference held each summer. It is the largest event in the world dedicated exclusively to the professional caterer and industry suppliers. Nationally recognized speakers and catering professionals present a comprehensive educational program. Exciting social events showcase the best and brightest in menu planning, food preparation, service, presentation and decorations. Equally important are the contacts you develop with your peers and the ongoing networking resources that you take home.

Certification
In addition to the training and educational opportunities available at the chapter and national levels, NACE members may demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and integrity by earning the designation and of Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE). NACE members who achieve CPCE status represent the best in the catering profession. Details about CPCE criteria, study materials, test dates and locations, and exam fees are available from NACE national headquarters.

Annual Membership Directory
On an annual basis, NACE provides its members with a powerful national networking tool -- a compilation of membership information arranged in three sections: alphabetically by chapter, alphabetically by up to three specialties and cross-referenced by last name. In addition, members may also request member roster updates, at no charge, throughout their membership year.

Leadership Training
Because local chapters are the essence of NACE, the association invests time and money to ensure that chapter leaders are trained to perform their duties. Each January, NACE conducts a Leadership Conference, where chapter presidents, and other local leaders join the NACE Executive Committee for three days of training and educational sessions.

The Foundation of NACE
In 1985, NACE created the Foundation of NACE to further the association's positive impact in educating future catering professionals at the university level. The Foundation awards grants to established catering courses and degree programs in college curricula. Recent recipients of NACE Foundation grants are Florida International University, University of Nevada at Las Vegas and Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston. Through the Foundation, NACE is helping universities and colleges recognize the importance of culinary degrees.

For more information about the Foundation, visit its website.

Awards Program
NACE established an annual awards program to honor its members' highest achievements and outstanding contributions to the catering profession. Winners are recognized at a gala awards ceremony held during the Educational Conference, as well as through articles in Catering Solutions and industry press releases.

Awards include:
Catered Event of the Year (on-premise)
Catered Event of the Year (off-premise)
Affiliate Member of the Year
Chapter Community Service Award
Chapter of the Year