The 2026 IACC Global Copper Skillet Global Finale was held at the IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange, April 20 – 22, 2026 at Windrose on Hudson, Ossining, New York.
Chefs from across the globe will have competed in regional heats to compete in the coveted IACC Global Copper Skillet Final
2026 Winners
Junior Winner
Chester Fernandez
Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre
Canada
About the Competition
IACC recognises the vital role that foodservice plays in conference venue operations. As a result, IACC stages a Annual Copper Skillet Global Chef of the Year Competition.
This competition is designed to highlight the artistry and skills of IACC-member conference venue chefs from around the world and to honour their contributions to our shared goal of providing an outstanding conference experience.
Competition Categories
There are two categories of entry, a senior category (28 years of age and older) and a junior category (under 28 years). Both categories compete in the same cook-off, with the same competition rules.
Heats and Finals
Chefs will first participate in their country competition and winners will then go straight to the Global Final . There are currently three chapters, Americas, Europe and Australia Asia Pacific).
Rules and Competition Details
Chefs will be required to create an entrée using contents from a Mystery Basket. The entrée will consist of two proteins, plus items from the attached pantry list and the chef will present two identical plates, one for judging and one for viewing by the audience.
An independent panel of judges evaluate the entrées according to set criteria. The champion Junior and Champion Senior chef of each heat, will progress to the next competition, right up to the Global Copper Skillet Final at the IACC-Americas Annual Conference.
In all competition heats, each chef will use the ingredients from the Mystery Basket plus provided pantry items to prepare a dish that is functional for service at a conference venue.
Details of country and chapter cook-off dates as well as the global final can be found on the IACC Events Page.
If you require further information on entering a Copper Skillet Competition or to express interest in advertising at one of these events, please email info@iacconline.org.
