General Questions

Who attends ACF events?

Chefs from all fields including pastry, restaurants, research, corporate, education and more gather with their peers and suppliers at our regional conferences and national convention. ACF events are open to ACF members at a discounted rate. Non-members are invited to attend as well.

When and where are the ACF events?

ACF events are held across the United States. Visit the Events page for a listing of upcoming events.

Why should I attend?

As an attendee of an ACF event you are provided with the latest information on culinary innovations, networking opportunities for building strategic businesses partnerships, educational seminars and demos, trade shows and social functions. Most of these functions are applicable towards continuing education hours.

Conference Dress Code Policy

Our Commitment to Professionalism:
At the ACF, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture defined by professionalism, respect, and collaboration. Our dress code policy is designed to reflect these values while ensuring a positive and polished image for our conference.

General Conference Attire
Professional Chef’s Uniform or Business Casual as the Baseline: Embracing this dress code as our baseline allows for a comfortable yet professional environment. We encourage members to express their individual styles while adhering to the following guidelines:

  • Tops: Professional Chef Coats, either short sleeve or long sleeve, collared shirts, blouses, polo shirts, golf shirts, sweaters, knit shirts
  • Bottoms: Dress pants, Kakhis, capri pants, skirts.
  • Footwear: Professional shoes, clogs, loafers, sandals, open toe shoes, casual low heel, open back shoes (i.e. mules, sling backs)

President’s Ball
Business Professional or Black-tie with a goal to maintain an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

American Academy of Chefs Dinner

Black-tie events with a strict dress code to maintain an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, adherence to the dress code is crucial for maintaining the desired atmosphere at a formal black-tie event.
For Men:
  • Black tuxedo or evening tailcoat.
  • White dress shirt with a wing collar or turndown collar.
  • Black bow tie.
  • Black patent leather shoes.
  • Black dress socks.
  • Optional: Cummerbund or waistcoat (vest).

For Women:
  • Full-length evening gown or a chic cocktail dress.
  • Elegant accessories, such as statement jewelry and a clutch.
  • Formal heels or dressy sandals.
  • Hairstyle and makeup should be polished.

 

Are there any AAC functions during the events?

An American Academy of Chefs (AAC) dinner as well as members meetings are held at the events. Please visit the AAC page for details.

I was photographed/videotaped at an event—how will you use the photo/video?

By registering for any ACF in-person event, you authorize ACF the right to photograph and/or videotape you, and to use the photographs/video in all formats and media for any purpose, including but not limited to education, marketing and trade. Registrants hold harmless and release ACF from all claims arising out of the use of photographs/video, including without limitation all claims for compensation, libel, invasion of privacy or violation of copyright ownership.

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