Food industry organizations offer a slew of opportunities for positive exposure for your business, including networking, continuing education and opportunities to give back to the culinary community. In addition to members of the food and beverage society who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other food and beverage industry association members, including businesses and government organizations that support the gigantic food and beverage industry.

Affiliation with beverage associations and food organizations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests, while you support the industry. Membership in food manufacturer organizations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional food industry associations offer even more chances to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Use your membership in food and drink associations in a number of different ways.

1. Expand your network through food associations

2. Support the industry by participating in food and beverage organizations

3. Stand out as a leader in food and drink organizations

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in a food and beverage industry association

Beverage organizations and food associations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At these food and beverage industry association events, as well as though various committees in which you could participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work with the food and beverage industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of new business opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: While many food and beverage industry organizations are very specific in the types of products and businesses they support, the American Wholesale Marketers Association is geared more toward retailers and the groups that provide their products. The Association of Food Industries is one of the many food associations that supports members in free trade and following the U. S. trade laws and changes that affect the industry.

Show your interest by joining food and drink associations

Especially if you hope to do business with any food and beverage companies in any capacity, you will want to express your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in beverage organizations and food associations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Food Industry Suppliers Association is a broad network of food and beverage and personal use companies interested in distribution and processing issues that affect the food and beverage industry. One of the more narrowly focused beverage associations is the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, whose primary interest is the growing beer industry.

Set yourself up as an industry expert in food and beverage organizations

To stand out as an expert and further your own business interests, you need to be recognized by your peers. Most food and beverage industry organizations present opportunities to impress your peers through speaking engagements, training seminars and writing opportunities. Start in a committee and volunteer to speak or write for the group until you develop a reputation that other members of the group recognize.

I recommend: Within one of the non-profit food associations, such as the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade appreciates volunteers and often rewards them with high profile positions where they can show their expertise. The Snack Food Association, on the other hand, can provide an international platform to show your stuff.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a committee in your food organizations to develop closer relationships with others who could provide helpful to your career in the culinary arts business.