ACS Returns to Louisville in 2026

This summer, Louisville will become the center of the American cheese world.

The American Cheese Society (ACS) Annual Conference is the largest educational and networking event dedicated to American-made cheeses. And this year it is being hosted in Louisville, KY on July 7-10.

Founded in 1983, ACS was created to support a growing movement of small-scale cheesemakers who were reviving traditional methods and building a distinctly American cheese culture. What began as a small gathering of passionate producers has grown into a national organization representing thousands of members across the industry.

At its core, ACS exists to elevate standards, foster education, and build community. The annual conference reflects that mission in action.

What Happens at the ACS Conference?

The ACS Annual Conference is much more than a trade show. It is several days of:

Educational seminars and technical sessions covering topics like food safety, affinage, herd management, retail strategy, and sensory evaluation
Panels and discussions about the future of American cheesemaking
Networking events connecting producers, mongers, distributors, chefs, and journalists
The renowned ACS Judging & Competition, where thousands of cheeses are evaluated by trained judges in a blind tasting process

The competition in particular is one of the most rigorous and respected in the country. Medals earned at ACS are meaningful markers of quality and craftsmanship. For many small creameries, simply participating is an achievement but earning recognition can be transformative.

Beyond awards, however, the conference is about something deeper. It is a rare moment when cheesemakers step away from their make rooms and aging caves to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that sustain this industry. For small producers especially, that sense of community is invaluable.

A Return to Louisville

This will not be the first time Louisville has hosted the American Cheese Society. The conference was previously held here in 2001, during a pivotal era for American artisan cheese.

In the early 2000s, the domestic cheese movement was still gaining national recognition. Many of today’s respected creameries were in their early years, defining what American artisan cheese could be. Hosting ACS in Louisville at that time helped spotlight Kentuckiana’s own food culture and craftsmanship at a time when the bourbon industry was starting to pick up steam.

Judy remembers hosting a luncheon for ACS board members at the farm when the conference was last held in Louisville. At some point during the gathering, the goats managed to escape their pen. What followed was a full-group effort heading out into the mud to help wrangle the goats. It was, in many ways, a perfect snapshot of the American cheese community at that time. Small, scrappy, hands-on, and entirely unpretentious. The lines between producer, board member, and friend were blurry. Everyone pitched in.

25 years later, we’re thrilled to be at the center of the excitement again in this new generation of cheesemaking. The American artisan cheese community has grown in sophistication, diversity, and reach — but we continue to get our hands dirty and have a great time. Louisville, a city known for its hospitality, culinary talent, and bourbon, is once again an ideal gathering place for this special event.

For Capriole, it feels especially meaningful. Farmers markets, local restaurants, and regional partnerships have always been part of our story. To welcome cheesemakers from across the country to our own backyard is a full-circle moment.

A New Chapter for Capriole and ACS

This year’s conference carries added significance for us. Capriole’s very own Sam Schad has was elected to the ACS Board of Directors last year.

“I am humbled and grateful to be put in this position. With this platform, I hope to be a voice for the many small creameries that make the American Cheese Society unique and special.”
— Sam Schad

ACS has always relied on working cheesemakers and industry professionals to guide its direction. Sam’s commitment to small-scale production and thoughtful craft aligns deeply with the organization’s mission. His formal education in finance also brings value to the board. We are proud to see him following in Judy’s footsteps and representing not just Capriole, but the broader community of artisan producers who shape American cheese every day.

As the American Cheese Society returns to Louisville, we look forward to reconnecting with longtime colleagues, meeting new makers, and celebrating how far American artisan cheese has come since that first conference in 1983.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on conference-week happenings, including events that will be open to the public. We can’t wait to share this moment with you!