IACP’s Mission

To provide access, education and mentorship to culinary professionals around the globe.

Welcome to the International Association of Culinary Professionals, a vibrant, member-driven organization of talented culinary professionals. The IACP community celebrates and upholds diversity. It is a crossroads where members meet to share experiences and expertise, advice and support, in ways that can lead to unparalleled growth and professional success.

History: In 1978, a group of cooking school owners and instructors, including Bill Rice and Nathalie Dupree, came together for mutual professional support. They created the International Association of Culinary Professionals (formerly named the Association of Cooking Schools), and in the process, they laid a foundation for food culture in America and beyond. Early members included Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, and Anne Willan, among many others.

Through the decades, IACP’s membership has expanded to include cookbook authors, food writers, photographers, stylists, bloggers, editors, publishers, digital media experts, nutritionists, chefs, restaurateurs, culinary tour operators, artisan food producers, academics, and more. As the multidisciplinary nature of our dynamic community continues to evolve, our member categories and organization continues to grow.

Membership: Whether you’re new to the business or a culinary veteran, an IACP membership is an essential tool for staying connected, competitive, and empowered in today’s culinary world. Core membership comes with a host of exciting benefits including access to our online member directory, a video learning library of archived recordings from IACP conferences and webinars, plus discounted tickets to IACP events. Whether you choose a monthly or annual payment, your membership will auto-renew so you can always stay connected with your peers and mentors. Find the membership tier that best suits you. Become a member today!

Access: Active members have the option to set up a personal profile in our online Member Directory. Use the directory to network with other IACP members or find collaborators to help support your next big project. Each year, IACP hosts an in-person conference or summit which is a great place to meet other culinary professionals in the food & beverage space. We also host the annual IACP Awards Ceremony celebrating cookbook authors, food writers, digital content creators, food photographers and stylists from around the world. Get a chance to network with some of the best creative minds in the industry. See our list of 2023 IACP Award Winners.

Education: IACP helps members develop and strengthen their professional skills with year-round programming. This includes monthly webinars like IACP TALKS and in-person events at our annual conference or summit. Learn from the biggest names in the industry from Toni Tipton-Martin to Ruth Reichl, Tejal Rao, Pierre Thiam, Julia Turshen, and countless others. Members also have access to our video archives. Find conference and webinar recordings in our Learning Library, a benefit exclusive to IACP members.

Mentorship: Join one of our Professional Interest Sections to network and meet like minded culinary colleagues at monthly meetings online. This is free to all members. Groups include: Cooking Schools and Teachers, Food & Health Experts, and Food Writers, Editors and Publishers.

Sponsorship: IACP works directly with some of the most prestigious food and kitchen companies in the world, helping connect outstanding brands with key players in the food media and cooking space. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email nancy@iacp.com.

IACP Staff & Advisors

IACP Board of Directors

The IACP is governed by a Board of Directors. Board members are recruited by a nominating committee and approved by vote of the general membership. The Board consists of seven members — three officers and four at-large directors.

Directors serve two-year terms unless they have been elected by the Board to serve as one of three officers: Secretary-Treasurer, Chair, and Past Chair. The Board is primarily responsible for setting IACP strategy, budgeting, and ensuring that plans for achieving the organization’s strategic and financial goals are in place. To chart progress toward these objectives, the Board meets six times per year with staff.

While Board members serve on a volunteer basis, they are available year-round to help you make the most of your membership. Please do not hesitate to forward them questions, comments, or feedback at any time.