About Us
NACE is the oldest and largest professional association that addresses all aspects of the catering and events 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.
JOIN NACE
Membership in NACE gives you access to a vibrant peer and business network, ongoing education, partner benefits, and timely information on trends and innovative approaches that give you a competitive edge.
Our membership rates are highly competitive and tailored to your career stage. All NACE memberships are individual. Dues include national and one or two local chapter memberships, except for Corporate members, who receive access to three secondary chapters at no extra cost. To learn more about your local chapter, visit our chapter directory.
To join, apply online to submit your NACE membership application. If you need assistance or need an invoice to send a check, please contact membership@nace.net.
While NACE membership belongs to the individual, if membership is paid by a company, the company may transfer the time remaining on the membership from one employee to another, as a courtesy. The employee who is replaced also keeps their remaining membership time or 90 days whichever is greater. The new member will be assigned a new member ID and the same value of time. This offer applies to professional memberships and corporate memberships only, Transfer is allowed one time only each year.
Please contact membership@nace.net to submit your request for membership transfer.
THE NACE MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of NACE is “To be the premier resource and community for catering and event professionals.”
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.
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 b est 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.
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.
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 industry press.
Awards Include:
Best Event Production
Catered Event of the Year
Best Themed Food & Beverage Presentation
Chapter Program of the Year (NACE Chapters only)
Best NACE Chapter Fund Raising Event (NACE Chapters only)
Spirit of NACE Award
Chapter Community Service Award (NACE Chapters only)
Chapter of the Year Awards (membership under 100; 100 & over)
Caterer Member of the Year
Affiliate Member of the Year
Now It's Your Turn - If you believe in your career and the events industry; 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 our customers.
