Q: What is IACP? And what is its mission?

A: IACP is a worldwide forum for the development and exchange of information, knowledge, and inspiration within the professional food and beverage community. Since its inception in 1978 as a small group of cooking school owners and instructors, IACP has served to connect culinary professionals with the people, places, and knowledge they need to succeed. Now with nearly 3,000 members from 32 countries, IACP is the only culinary organization of its kind, serving professionals across the globe and from all walks of culinary life. Read more about IACP's illustrious past and major milestones over the years.

Q: Who belongs to IACP?

A: Culinary professionals from every discipline - food writers, chefs, restaurateurs, stylists, food producers, you name it! Further, you'll find professionals at all stages of their careers, from those just starting out to some of the industry's most renowned veterans, including founding members Jacques Pépin and Anne Willan. Our diverse membership is the core strength and benefit of belonging to IACP. There's no shortage of expertise within our ranks, and you'll always find members eager and available to lend knowledge and advice.

Q: What are the requirements for membership in IACP?

A: The only requirement is that your primary source of income come from a food-related business - unless you're just starting out and qualify as an Emerging Professional, or are a retired IACP member who qualifies for Emeritus membership.

Q: What are the benefits of membership?

A: There are many, not the least of which is networking with our 3,000 talented members! IACP offers an array of educational experiences to facilitate learning and growth year-round, including interest sections; a monthly Speaker Series; Certified Culinary Professional (CCP) credentialing; Annual Conference, regional, and local events; and a prestigious annual awards program that recognizes the most accomplished in the industry. But career growth isn't the only benefit of joining IACP. Many would say that developing lasting friendships – the type that come from shared memories around the table - is the best part of being a member.

Q: How much does membership cost?

A: We have six membership levels, and costs vary with level:

• Professional: $230 annual dues/$50 initiation fee*
• Emerging Professional: $85 annual dues/no initiation fee
• Cooking School: $370 annual dues/$50 initiation fee
• Small Business: $430 annual dues/$50 initiation fee
• Corporate: $1,005 annual dues/$100 initiation fee
• Emeritus: $110 annual dues/no initiation fee

Benefits vary with each level as well. Click on the links above for more details.

* All initiation fees are one-time provided your membership does not lapse more than a year.

Q: Are mailing lists available to members?

A: Yes. Members can order mailing lists in electronic format or on labels. Mailing lists do not include phone numbers or email addresses. Allow 5 to 10 days for processing. Labels can be overnighted at the member's expense. Interested? View and print an order form here.

Q: I just joined IACP a few months ago. Why am I receiving an invoice already?

A: The IACP annual dues cycle runs from July 1 through June 30. Members are billed annually rather than on the anniversary date of their joining, which means that all members have a common expiration date of June 30 after their first full year of membership. Your initial payment entitles you to one full year of membership. The amount on your invoice is a prorated amount that represents the dues for the months following your expiration date through June 30. Payment of this invoice will get you properly positioned in our annual dues cycle.

Q: Why do renewal notices get sent in May when my membership does not expire until June 30?

A: IACP, like many other associations, has found throughout the years that more people retain their membership when multiple notices are sent. A higher retention equates to a stronger organization and the ability to continue providing the benefits that members have come to rely on. Notices also get lost in the general shuffle or mail, or returned to Headquarters due to changes of address. The additional notices serve as reminders to ensure that your membership remains active and you don't miss out on any of the many IACP benefits available throughout the year.

Q: I just renewed my dues a few months ago. Why am I receiving an invoice already?

A: The IACP annual dues cycle runs from July 1 through June 30. Invoices are sent at the beginning of May to remind you to submit your dues by June 30. While IACP accepts renewals after the due date, if your membership lapses more than one year, you will be considered a new member and an initiation fee will be applied to your annual dues. 

Q: Why am I required to pay another initiation fee if my membership has lapsed for a year or more?

A: There are additional administrative tasks required to reactivate a lapsed account, such as reopening or setting up new profiles on the website and in our membership database. The fee helps cover these costs, and also encourages members to stay current to avoid a lapse in benefits. If you have additional questions, contact IACP Member Services at membership@iacp.com.

Q: Will I be notified when my new member application or renewal form is received?

A: Yes. If you join or renew online, you receive immediate confirmation electronically. If you have an email address on file with Headquarters and submit your payment by mail or fax, you will get an email confirming the receipt of your payment within 2 to 3 business days. All new and renewing members, including those without email addresses on file, will receive a  letter including a new member ID card approximately 10 to 14 business days after Headquarters receives your payment.

Q: Can I change my membership level?

A: Yes. You can change your membership level at any time during the year. Simply contact Member Services at membership@iacp.com. Click here to review the benefits associated with each level before you call.

Q: How do I change my member profile or contact information?

A: We encourage you to carefully review the information on your invoice and in the online member directory. If your address, phone number, email address, or other contact information changes, or if you would like to change other aspects of your profile, you can make changes online or contact Member Services at membership@iacp.com at any time.

IACP Member Services can also be reached by calling (646) 358-4957 or (866) 358-4951 and selecting the appropriate extension.