Catering Services Trade Associations

American Culinary Federation (ACF)

The largest professional chefs’ organization in North America; provides certification, education, competitions, and networking for culinarians working in restaurants, hotels, catering, and more.

https://www.acfchefs.org/ Membership: 14,000

Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF)

The authoritative voice for self-operated healthcare and senior dining foodservice; offers benchmarking, education, advocacy, and a strong peer network.

https://healthcarefoodservice.org/ Membership: 1,300

Commercial Food Equipment Service Association (CFESA)

Trade association for commercial food equipment service and parts distributors; known for technician and company certifications, training, and a North American service network.

https://www.cfesa.com/ Membership: 450

Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA)

Association for event service professionals at CVBs, hotels, and convention centers; delivers education, advocacy, and a peer community focused on flawless event execution.

https://espaonline.org/ Membership: 500

Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)

Global society of independent foodservice consultants focused on design, operations, and management; promotes ethics, professionalism, and continuing education.

https://www.fcsi.org/ Membership: 1,300

International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)

Leading association for the exhibitions and business events sector; provides education, advocacy, and the CEM learning program for 12,000+ professionals worldwide.

https://www.iaee.com/ Membership: 12,000

International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)

Global association for venue leaders across arenas, convention centers, stadiums, performing arts centers, and more; offers education, safety standards, and advocacy.

https://www.iavm.org/ Membership: 7,000

International Caterers Association (ICA)

Nonprofit for on- and off‑premise caterers; delivers workshops, webinars, best‑practice sharing, and partnerships with major industry conferences.

https://www.internationalcaterers.org/ Membership: 1,900

International Flight Services Association (IFSA)

Global association advancing onboard (inflight and rail) catering and services; convenes the IFSA EXPO and supports standards, safety, and sustainability.

https://ifsa.aero/ Membership: 110

International Live Events Association (ILEA)

Global community of creative event professionals involved in catering-rich live experiences; offers chapters, education, and networking across 35+ countries.

https://www.ileahub.com/ Membership: 2,000

Leading Caterers of America (LCA)

By‑invitation network of leading caterers in the U.S. and Canada; facilitates peer benchmarking and elevates standards of excellence in catering and hospitality.

https://informaconnect.com/leading-caterers/ Membership: 50

Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry (MAFSI)

North American network of manufacturers’ rep agencies, manufacturers, and associates serving foodservice E&S; provides education, forecasting, and spec‑tracking technology.

https://www.mafsi.org/ Membership: 2,972

Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

The world’s largest meeting and event industry association; connects planners and suppliers through chapters, education, certification, and industry research.

https://www.mpi.org/ Membership: 17,000

National Association for Catering and Events (NACE)

Oldest and largest dedicated catering association with 40+ chapters; offers certification (CPCE), education, and a national community for caterers and event pros.

https://www.nace.net/ Membership: 3,500

National Association of Concessionaires (NAC)

Trade association for the recreational and leisure‑time concessions industry (stadiums, cinemas, attractions, convention centers); provides education, certification, and advocacy.

https://naconline.org/ Membership: 679

National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA)

Organization of mobile food and retail concessionaires, fairs, and festivals across the U.S. and Canada; supplies year‑round benefits, education, and marketplace events.

https://www.nicainc.org/ Membership: 1,150

National Restaurant Association (NRA)

U.S. restaurant industry association; provides advocacy, research, workforce initiatives, and access to the National Restaurant Association Show.

https://restaurant.org/ Membership: 40,000

North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)

Association of commercial foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers; offers advocacy, research, education, and produces The NAFEM Show.

https://www.nafem.org/ Membership: 500

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

Global network for business events strategists; delivers Convening Leaders, professional education, and community programs across four global regions.

https://www.pcma.org/ Membership: 8,200

School Nutrition Association (SNA)

National nonprofit for K‑12 school nutrition professionals (including catering for district events); provides credentialing, education, and advocacy.

https://schoolnutrition.org/ Membership: 50,000