Five Reasons to Attend ACE in 2025
The ANFP Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) is the premier conference for foodservice professionals. ACE is designed for CDM, CFPPs, ANFP leaders, industry stakeholders, and corporate partners.
Spend four engaging and motivational days participating in education sessions, networking events, and the can't-miss expo featuring a wide variety of foodservice vendors.
1. Network with Your Fellow Foodservice Professionals
One of the best benefits of an in-person conference is the opportunity to meet or reconnect with your industry peers! Come to ACE ready to meet with like-minded individuals who uniquely understand your workplace trials and day-to-day experiences.
2. Gain Continuing Education to Nurture Your Career
To maintain the Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP) credential, you must earn 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years. Attending ACE gives you the opportunity to earn CE hours! Foodservice is an ever-evolving industry, and education plays a primary role in helping you stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends.
3. Expand Your Connections with Expo Vendors
The Expo at ACE hosts a number of exhibitors that cover a wide array of foodservice industry companies and organizations. The Expo Hall will be full of innovative products and services. You will have the opportunity to sample, test, and evaluate the latest technology in foodservice. Whether you are happy with your current vendors or are interested in seeing what other opportunities are available, the Expo is the perfect event to meet face-to-face with the companies whose products and services you may use every day!
4. Gather Knowledge to Implement and Impress
To attend ACE, your supervisor may prefer a written request for your professional development. We took care of that for you with our Letter to Your Supervisor template. Simply fill in all applicable information including your supervisor’s name and the education sessions that you are specifically interested in (the schedule will be available in the coming months). Feel free to customize and edit this document to your specific preference, but this should serve as a place to start!
5. Enjoy Some Much-Deserved Time Away!
We know that CDM, CFPPs and other non-commercial foodservice professionals work in stressful and demanding environments. This year’s ACE is the perfect opportunity to engage in professional development, but also to take some time for yourself! Fun ACE events like the Honors Gala are the perfect opportunity to leave your stress behind and take some time with yourself and your ANFP friends. You can also take advantage of the Mall of America and nearby Minneapolis to return to your facility feeling refreshed, recharged, and armed with useful knowledge to continue navigating workplace changes.