Restaurant associations bring together passionate professionals who have common experiences. They offer support, networking opportunities and career development tools to advance your career. Association members can come from any sector of the restaurant industry from food preparation or suppliers to educators.

Professional restaurant organizations hook you up with tools—like workshops, meetings and seminars—that assist you in identifying emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas about food industry statistics, new products, legislation, crop markets, customer demographics, mergers, market trends and competitors. As a result, your professional development is enhanced. Consider the following:

1. Join restaurant associations to network and build on your professional knowledge.

2. Evaluate restaurant trade organizations that have different membership levels.

3. Make the most of career development opportunities.

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

Join professional restaurant organizations to make the most of meet-and-greet opportunities

Restaurant trade organizations vary from specialized groups to large, international associations aimed at every sector of the field. Members have a common goal: to promote and advance the restaurant industry.

I recommend: International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) is a professional association that provides development, networking and continuing education opportunities for professionals in all areas of culinary education. IACP's online member forums allow you to talk with peers about issues of concern. American Beverage Institute (ABI) is an association for restaurant operators that serve alcohol. It focuses on legislative programs and education to fight unfair laws. Register for events and meetings online via email.

Pay annual dues to belong to foodservice organizations

Restaurant organizations charge different dues depending on your membership level. Many have a tiered structure with associate, professional and student membership options.

I recommend: The Food Institute is a restaurant professional organization that spans the entire food distribution system, from seed companies to grocery store chains. Register for annual membership or e-subscription. Dietary Managers Association (DMA) is a national association of foodservice that offers resources, continuing education, professional development, employment services for members and certification programs. Register for active, association, supplier or student membership.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining restaurant professional organizations

When you join foodservice organizations, you have access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, online databases, statistical data, courses and seminars. Use these tools to increase your skill level and enhance your professional career.

I recommend: American School Food Service Association (ASFSA) is a nonprofit foodservice association dedicated to enhancing and protecting children's health and well-being through education and school meals. Search the online jobbank for free or post jobs for a monthly fee. Healthcare Food Service Management (HFM) members are non-contract healthcare foodservice operators and suppliers. Use the jobbank to post an opening. Your opening is listed on the company homepage and the newsletter.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to restaurant professional associations so several employees can benefit.