July 22–26, 2011
Gaylord Texan
Dallas

2011 ACF National Convention

Attendees of the 2011 ACF National Convention, hosted by the Texas Chefs Association, found the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” to be true during this year’s national event in Dallas, July 22–26. ACF was proud to offer more hands-on workshops, new educational sessions and unique competitions for the more than 1,200 attendees to enjoy.

The trade show featured more than 100 exhibitors, and included numerous live competitions, both ACF classics and a few new ones, including USDA’s Recipes for Healthy Kids national cook-off. At this year’s General Session, Michael Ty, CEC, AAC, ACF national president, delivered his annual address, plus chefs Kevan Vetter and Brad Barnes, CMC, CCA, AAC, hosted an entertaining cooking demonstration on flavor layering. The last half of General Session concluded Monday and featured a keynote address by Sam Kass, White House assistant chef and senior policy adviser for healthy food initiatives, who encouraged chefs to join the fight against childhood obesity through community involvement and by volunteering with the Chefs Move to Schools program. Four hundred guests attended the American Academy of Chefs Dinner, which recognized the Academy’s annual award winners and inductees.

A sincere thank-you to our sponsors and exhibitors whose support was instrumental to our success.

Congratulations to all the competition winners and award recipients and honorees for their outstanding contributions and for a job well done.

Experience the Power of Connection with our day-by-day diary, video clips and photos. View the photo slideshow and order pictures (password: acf2011) from Michael Israel’s performance at the President’s Grand Ball on July 26th, 2011!