ACF Today, Vol. IV, No. 12
June 132, 2006


Special edition . . . 2006 ACF National Convention

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) invites you to attend ACF's 56th Annual National Convention from July 14-17 in the historical city of Philadelphia. Taking place at the Philadelphia Marriott and the Philadelphia Convention Center, this year's convention, Proclaim Liberty, promises to be one of the best ever!

  • Reserve your Room Today and Receive a Discounted Rate
  • Receive a Free Trade Show Coupon
  • Ride Amtrak and Receive a 10% Discount
  • Limited Spots Available for the American Academy of Chefs Reception
  • Enjoy the Finest in Cuisine from ACF Certified Master Chefs
  • Attend the 2006 Chapter Leadership Training Seminar
  • Be a Part of the Chef & Child Foundation Live and Silent Auctions at the Icebreaker Opening Reception
  • Deadline for Cold-Food Salon Extended
  • Get your Culinary Book Signed by ACF's Top Chefs
  • ACF Thanks the Sponsors of the 56th ACF national convention


Reserve your Room Today and Receive a Discounted Rate

The downtown Philadelphia Marriott is located in the heart of the business district and within walking distance to some of Philadelphia's best restaurants and shopping, as well as some of the nation's best historical venues. A special rate of $156 per night for ACF is in effect until June 22, so take full advantage and reserve your room today by calling the Marriott at 800-228-9290 or 212-625-2900. Visit the ACF Web site at www.acfchefs.org to learn more about the convention's exciting activities.

Receive a Free Trade Show Coupon

The Trade Show has become one of the world's finest gatherings of culinarians and showcases hundreds of foodservice exhibitors providing information on the latest food trends, cooking techniques, high-tech kitchen gadgetry and food samplings. The Trade Show is also home to ACF's culinary competitions which determine the la crème de la crème. Register online at for a complimentary admission pass for you to the Trade Show for Saturday, July 15 or Sunday, July 16.

Ride Amtrak and Receive a 10% Discount

Amtrak, a nationwide rail network serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states, is offering a 10% discount off the lowest available fare to Philadelphia. Book your reservations by calling Amtrak at 800-872-7245. You may also visit the Amtrak Web site at www.amtrak.com for more information or call Lockie Robbins at 800-221-3915, ext. 105 or Sandra Gardner at 800-352-2572. Please refer to the convention fare code X95I-953 when making your reservation.

Limited Spots Available for the American Academy of Chefs Reception

American Academy of Chefs (AAC) members are invited to attend the 35th annual AAC induction reception and dinner on Saturday, July 15, at the Philadelphia Marriott. Space is limited as there are less than 100 tickets available. If you have received an invitation and would like to purchase a ticket, please contact Heidi Cramb, ACF membership director or Kristy Begley, ACF membership manager at (800) 624-9458 as soon as possible.

If you have already purchased tickets, make sure to check in at the AAC dinner registration desk, located on the fifth floor to receive your table assignment. The dinner registration desk will be open on Friday, July 14 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 from 9a.m. - 3 p.m.

Enjoy the Finest in Cuisine from ACF Certified Master Chefs

ACF is pleased to announce the first Certified Master Chefs dinner at the ACF 2006 National Convention in Philadelphia, on Sunday, July 16th. The dinner will consist of master chefs working with junior ACF members to create tasting plates that will entice and excite even the most discriminating palate.

Take this unique opportunity to meet and talk with Lawrence McFadden, CMC, Steve Jilleba, CMC, CCE, AAC, Brad Barnes, CMC, CCA, AAC, William Franklin, CMC, AAC, and Chris Northmore, CMPC, as well as other master chefs about food while enjoying the many dishes. The networking, cooking and tasting will make this a wonderful inaugural event. The cost of the dinner is $100 per person. To sign up for this event and other convention activities, please fill out an online registration form. The online registration deadline is June 30.

Attend the 2006 Chapter Leadership Training Seminar

The 2006 chapter leadership training will be held at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2006. This exciting seminar will provide training for all chapter leaders on membership recruitment, retention and effective marketing strategies. In addition, the workshop will include chapter best practices, current trends, common chapter issues and benchmarks in the membership area.

Stephen Carey, Ph.D., CAE, president and chief executive officer of Association Management and Marketing Resources (AMMR), will be the presenter. He has led more than 100 major nonprofit trainings around the United States since his appointment with AMMR in 1991.

Whether you are a new or long time officer, this training will provide you with invaluable resources for you and your chapter. Please consider joining us for this momentous event at the national convention. This educational seminar is a great way to gather proven ideas and professional tips to increase membership value and provide marketing and fundraising ideas.

Be a part of the Chef & Child Foundation Live and Silent Auctions at the Icebreaker Opening Reception.

The Chef & Child Foundation (CCF) will present a live and silent auction at the national convention and ACF wants you to be part of it! On Friday, July 14, the live auction will occur during the ice breaker opening reception. The event will include themed tasting stations, appearances by beloved historical figures and a live auction with select high-ticket items to get the crowd excited. The silent auction will run the following two days, with final bids due on Sunday night, July 16.

Please consider asking your resources to make an in-kind donation to benefit the auction. Items such as vacation packages, cooking equipment, autographed memorabilia (from celebrity chefs, sports figures, film and TV), catered dinner parties, sporting tickets, gift certificates and much more is needed to make the event a success. No donation is too big or too small; as CCF appreciates any help you can give the foundation. All donations are tax-deductible, as well.

Please email Lisa Alessandro, APR at lalessandro@acfchefs.netfor a donation form. The donation confirmation deadline is June 16, 2006, and donations are due to the ACF national office no later than June 23. She will confirm your donation, provide a receipt and arrange for item delivery, either to the office or directly to the winning bidder. Your donation is what helps the Chef & Child Foundation better the lives of children across America!

Deadline for Cold-Food Salon Extended

The ACF Cold-Food Salon, sponsored by The Art Institutes, at the 2006 ACF national convention in Philadelphia has expanded one of its categories. Fruit/vegetable carving has been included in this year's competition. The deadline for this competition has been extended to June 30, 2006. This competition is open to both professionals and students. First place winners from each category will receive a $500 cash prize, and all entries are eligible for ACF competition medals.

Entry forms may be completed online at https://www.secure-online.com/acf/2006Salon.cfm. If you have any questions, or for additional information, contact the ACF events management department at (800) 624-9458.

Get your Culinary Book Signed by ACF's Top Chefs

During the national convention in Philadelphia, don't miss out on the chance to have your book signed by ACF's most beloved chefs. Please mark the following on your convention schedule.

Friday, July 14th from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Fourth Floor
Taste and Tales of a Chef: A Culinary Journey with Mr. A (Prentice Hall, 2006), by Joseph Amendola, CEPC, CCE, AAC, HOF
Taste and Tales of a Chef: Stories and Recipes (Prentice Hall, 2003), by Frederic H. Sonnenschmidt, CMC, AAC
So You Want to be a Chef (Wiley, 2005), by Bard Barnes, CMC, CCA, AAC
Baking Fundamentals (Prentice Hall, 2006), by Noble Masi, CEPC, AAC, HOF

Monday, July 17th from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Fourth Floor
Private Club Cuisine (Wiley, 2006), by Edward Leonard, CMC, AAC
Professional Charcuterie: Sausage Making Curing, Terrines, and Pate (Wiley, 1996), by John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, AAC

ACF Sincerely Thanks the Sponsors of the 56th ACF National Convention!


Diamond
Custom Culinary, Inc.
Nestlé FoodServices
R.L. Schreiber, Inc.

Grand Platinum
Chef Designs
Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Unilever Foodsolutions

Gold
Chef Macrina Fine Cooking Spirits
Johnson & Wales University
Splenda®
The Art Institutes

Silver
Beef Information Center
Butterball Farms, Inc.

Bronze
American Lamb Board
Barber Foods
Boggiatto Garden Hearts
Chef's Hat, Inc.
Cres Cor
GFF, Inc./Girard's Dressings
NewChef Fashion, Inc.
Mexican Shrimp Council
Sweet Street Desserts
The Cheesecake Factory Bakery Incorporated
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Contributor
Canada Cutlery, Inc.
Prentice Hall
RC Fine Foods
Schulstad Royal Danish Pastry

Donor
J.R. Simplot
Mind's Eye Resource Management, LLC
United Egg Producers


©2007 American Culinary Federation

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