The ICCA Culinary Immersions have become one of the most popular educational events of the year with the exception of the ICCA Annual Summit. ICCA Culinary Immersions offer members a chance to be immersed into a culinary region to learn about trends and unique products and menu items. They happen only two times a year and the event is free for ICCA members and potential members. All you need to do is provide your transportation to Kansas City; all airport transfers, rooms, and meals are paid for by the ICCA. The event is limited to only 15 members so act quickly if you want to attend this unique educational program. Here is the exciting agenda we have created for the ICCA Culinary Immersion Kansas City. The event includes round-table discussions with the top chefs in the city plus touring a lamb farm, cheese plant and sausage manufacturer. The finale is at the American Royal Barbecue, the opening event of the historic American Royal and the season finale for the competitive barbecue circuit. Spreading over 25 acres in Kansas City’s Stockyards District, and with over 550 teams competing in four meat categories, The Royal is the largest barbecue contest in the world. Combine this with a barbecue-related trade expo, this four-day food festival is truly the World Series of Barbecue®! We will tour the grounds and meet the popular competitors as well as have a “round-table” with critically acclaimed author and food critic, Simon Majumdar and Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ, last year’s World BBQ Champion!