Our Mission & History
IFEC is a membership association
dedicated to improving the overall quality of business-to-business
communication within the foodservice industry and to encouraging high
professional and aesthetic standards among those working in and with the
foodservice media. Its long-term objective is to sponsor educational and
other programs that encourage professional working relationships between
foodservice editors and publicists and the entry of high-caliber
individuals into the field.
Our programs and services are designed to
facilitate open communications between members. Our annual conference
enables members to meet and exchange information on foodservice products,
promotions and trends and to participate in regional foodservice
activities. Our online newsletter and website keep members in touch with
the communications activities of fellow members. Our annual receptions
during the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago in May and the
Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo in
California
in
August bring members together to renew relationships and help us introduce
the association and its benefits to industry guests.
Our
student scholarship program
provides annual grants to deserving students who are preparing for careers
in foodservice communications, with the goal of helping to advance this
specialized field. Our
professional development scholarships are available to qualified IFEC members.
Funds for the scholarships are raised through an annual benefit auction
and private donations.
IFEC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006. It was
founded in
Chicago
in 1956 by a group of foodservice magazine editors and public
relations executives. They organized it as the Institutional Food Editorial
Council. In 1973, at its first international conference held in
Mexico City
, the name was amended to reflect the activities and goals of the
group.
IFEC is governed by a board of directors elected from the membership by
the membership. An executive director who reports to the board manages
day-to-day operations. We depend on voluntary leadership to help plan and
implement programs and services and set goals and objectives. Committees
organized by the board are responsible for overseeing various aspects of
the association’s activities, including the annual conference,
scholarships, membership, financial programs and annual receptions.
How can you get more involved in IFEC? By attending the annual conference
and receptions, by contributing materials to the IFEC newsletter and by
volunteering for committee assignments. Active participation is generally
a stepping-stone to election to a board position and is the best way to
get the most value from your IFEC membership.
Board of Directors
2008 Board of Directors