Join fellow IACC US members for an exciting afternoon at the IACC US Copper Skillet Cook-Off Competition, hosted at the beautiful Virginia Guesthouse, Charlottesville, Virginia.

This is a fantastic opportunity for junior and senior chefs alike to compete for the coveted US Copper Skillet title and earn the chance to progress to the Global Finals taking place in Spring 2027.

The IACC Copper Skillet Competition is far more than just a cook-off. It is an exceptional professional development experience, designed to challenge chefs at every stage of their career. From honing culinary skills under pressure to showcasing creativity, technique and innovation, the competition provides a unique platform for chefs to demonstrate the high standards and culinary excellence that define their host venue.

Competing in the theater of Copper Skillet is an incredible experience, with talented IACC US member chefs going head-to-head in a live culinary challenge using quality ingredients and working in front of professional judges and industry peers. It is an opportunity not only to test and refine their craft but also to gain invaluable feedback from respected culinary professionals.

Beyond the competition itself, participating chefs will also have the opportunity to engage in education, networking and curated study tours of culinary-interest locations and product experiences before and after the cook-off. These additional experiences make Copper Skillet a truly enriching journey, combining competition, learning and inspiration in equal measure.

This is an unforgettable celebration of IACC’s culinary excellence, community spirit and commitment to developing the next generation of culinary talent, while shining a spotlight on the outstanding food and beverage offer across IACC member venues.

As Felix Maietta, IACC Americas Copper Skillet volunteer and judge, explains “The beauty of the IACC Copper Skillet Competition is that it is the perfect stage for chefs at any point in their journey. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or stepping into competition cooking for the very first time, it offers an incredible opportunity to challenge yourself, learn and grow. I have been immensely proud to see chefs who entered for the first time go on to achieve remarkable results, not only for themselves but also for their venues. That is what makes Copper Skillet so special — it creates confidence, inspires excellence and opens doors.”

For any questions or interest in rates for overnight guest rooms at the hotel, please email Kate Bacon kbacon@iacconline.org