THIS is NACE
A Strong, Vibrant Community: With more than 45 chapters, NACE members come together to share ideas, best practices, and create lasting relationships. One chapter membership is included with national membership.

An Essential Resource: NACE is THE essential resource for education, best practices and effective business solutions you need to succeed in this fast-paced industry. NACE offers unique continuing education opportunities and resources to help grow your business.


Why NACE?
In a world where margins are slimmer and expectations are grander than ever before, catering and event professionals must keep current on trends, produce creative ideas and continually build upon their network of innovative professionals to remain successful and competitive.

No matter your career path, with NACE you can: 

  • Build your professional network

  • Learn new trends and skills from industry professionals

  • Meet with potential employers

  • Showcase your talents at events and awards

  • Access job postings, career tips and resources

  • Explore scholarship opportunities through the foundation of NACE

  • Connect with other students in your area

  • Earn the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) credential

  • Train and educate other professionals

  • Support your colleagues and community

  • Serve as an example of excellence in the field

NACE Membership Options
NACE offers a variety of membership types to fit your needs and level of experience.
Dues include a national and one local chapter membership. Memberships are renewable annually based on anniversary date with a one month grace period.  Memberships are non-refundable.


Professional  $415 / yr                                        

This membership is for individuals only.

Professional Members are individuals currently employed, self-employed, or supplying to the catering, event or hospitality industries. Professors and teachers of accredited, college-level courses relating to the catering, special events, and hospitality industries may also join. Professional members may vote in chapter and NACE national elections, hold any office for which they meet the required criteria and serve on committees. Professional members will be assigned to a chapter in their geographic area or, if no chapter exists in their location, the member will be considered a member-at-large.

Corporate  $315 / yr

This membership category is available to catering and event professionals who are employed by businesses with three or more NACE members at the same business address. There must be three or more members at the company at all times. Annual Individual Corporate Membership Dues: $315; $945 annually for three required memberships. To join, use this downloadable form to submit your NACE membership application for each individual. Email the completed form to membership@nace.net.

Legacy  $220 / yr  (email membership@nace.net for eligibility)

Legacy Membership allows dedicated NACE members to receive a a special dues rate and recognition for years of membership and dedication to the catering and events profession. To be eligible, members must be a current member in good standing for a minimum of 15 years and must be 60 years of age or older. This membership requires a special application, contact membership@nace.net. Applicants must provide proof of age (driver's license or passport) during the application process. Annual Membership Dues: $220.

Non-profit  $330 / yr (proof of non-profit status required)

This membership is for individuals only.

Non-Profit membership is available to individual catering and event professionals who are employed by certain non-profit organizations. To qualify the non-profit employer must be an IRS recognized 501(c)3, 501(c)4, 501(c)5 or 501(c)6 organization. Applicants will be required to provide proof of the employer's non-profit status.

Student  $55 / yr (proof of enrollment required)

This membership is for individuals only.

Student membership is available to individuals enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in an accredited college or university hospitality undergraduate program. Applicants must provide proof of current enrollment during the application and renewal process.

Young Professional  $255 / yr (26 years and under, copy of ID required)

This membership is for individuals only.

Young Professional membership is available to individual catering and event professionals who are 18-26 years of age who are employed or self-employed in the industry. Applicants will be required to provide a driver's license or passport for age verification purposes.

Retired Membership $55 / yr

Retired Membership is for long-time NACE members who are fully retired and wish to continue to show their dedication and alliance with NACE. To receive this rate, you must be fully retired (receiving no income from full time, part time or occasional work or consulting), must be a member for a minimum of 15 years and a current Legacy Member. Annual dues are $55. This membership requires a special application, contact membership@nace.net. Annual Membership Dues: $55.


The Fine Print…

  • All NACE memberships are individual and held specifically in the name of the member.

  • Memberships are inclusive of a national membership and one local chapter membership. Additional local chapter membership is available at $50 each.

  • If no chapter exists near the member, the member will be considered "at-large."

  • Memberships are non-refundable.

  • Student members may serve on committees, but they may not vote, hold office or serve on the Board of Directors.

Replacement Membership:
While NACE membership belongs to whomever pays the membership dues, if a membership is paid by a company, the company may choose to transfer the time remaining on the membership from one employee to another. The employee who is replaced is considered to be a prospective member (but keeps their original id#) and the new member will be assigned a new profile # with all of the time from the original member.  There must be at least 90 days remaining on the original membership (does not include 30 day grace period) to qualify for the transfer.  Applies to professional memberships and corporate memberships only. To request a replacement, please complete the Membership Replacement Form.