Gastronomy Is More Than Food. It's the Complete Experience.
At the USSGA, gastronomy is the convergence of Food & Beverage, Culture, Hospitality, and Tourism. While each can stand alone, it is their convergence that creates the ultimate Spanish gastronomic experience
A consumer doesn't travel to Spain simply to eat. They travel because they want the complete experience — walking through Madrid, Seville, Valencia, or Barcelona. Staying in a beautiful hotel. Listening to Spanish music. Visiting historic landmarks. Drinking Rioja or Cava. Enjoying a meal in a centuries-old restaurant.
The combination of Food & Beverage + Culture + Hospitality + Tourism is what creates the gastronomic experience. That is what makes the USSGA different — and it is the only consumer-facing platform in the United States to bring all four together under one umbrella.
When These Four Come Together — They Create Gastronomy
Food & Beverage
Spanish cuisine, wine, olive oil, chefs, restaurants, culinary traditions.
Culture
Music, art, history, architecture, traditions, festivals, flamenco.
Hospitality
Restaurants, hotels, resorts, bars, culinary experiences, and service.
Tourism
Destinations, regions, travel experiences, culinary tourism.
Why We're Different
We Are Not Competing.
We Are Enhancing.
USSGA does not replace tourism organizations, cultural institutes, wine councils, or restaurant associations. We bring them together through consumer experiences that promote Spanish gastronomy in its fullest form.
The USSGA is the only consumer-facing platform that actively works across all four sectors of gastronomy simultaneously: Food & Drink, Hospitality, Culture, and Tourism.
The result is opportunities that naturally cross over from one sector to another. A consumer may discover a restaurant through the hospitality sector, become interested in a region of Spain through its cuisine, and ultimately be inspired to travel there. At the same time, they are learning about Spanish culture, wine, products, and traditions.
Calendar
Upcoming Culinary Events & Competitions
A full season of culinary excellence, cultural celebration, and professional networking across the United States.
Membership Benefits 2026/27
Experience More Through
Spanish Gastronomy
As a member of the United States / Spain Gastronomy Association (USSGA), you gain access to exclusive experiences, valuable connections, educational opportunities, and member-only benefits designed to help you discover, experience, and engage with Spanish gastronomy.
Food & Drink
Access to exclusive wine, food, and pairing events
Invitations to chef demonstrations and culinary experiences
Early access and discounted tickets to USSGA events
Restaurant Week and special dining promotions
Product tastings featuring Spanish imports
TOURISM & CULTURE
Featured placement in USSGA promotional campaigns
Access to Tourism and Culture activities
Co-branded marketing and event opportunities
Discount specific tours and cultural destinations
Sponsorship & Hospitality Activations
Branded activations at flagship USSGA events
VIP hospitality access and hosting opportunities
Exclusive sponsor recognition across all platforms
Custom activation packages for your brand
Media & Content Platform
Feature coverage on USSGA digital channels
Inclusion in newsletters and press releases
Access to USSGA content library and media assets
Storytelling opportunities for your brand or restaurant
Networking & Industry Events
Invitations to exclusive member-only networking events
Access to the USSGA professional directory
Connections with chefs, importers, and hospitality leaders
Participation in trade missions and industry roundtables
Leadership
Founder & Advisory
Board Members
A dedicated team of culinary industry leaders and cultural ambassadors united by a shared passion for Spanish gastronomy and excellence.
Mario R. Pi
President / CEO
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30+ years producing consumer events, festivals, and trade shows
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Founder of the Miami Seafood Festival & U.S. Paella Championship
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Leads strategic vision, partnerships, and organizational growth
Andres Sintas
Vice President
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Business development and strategic advisor
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Partnership and sponsorship development
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Industry and stakeholder relations
Sean Foster
Vice President, Marketing
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Branding, marketing, and communications
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Creative development and audience engagement
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Promotional strategy and content development
Maria & Diego De Larosa
Directors, U.S. Paella Championship
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Culinary leadership and competition management
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Chef recruitment, judging, and programming
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Ambassador of Spanish culinary traditions and paella culture
Membership 2026/27
Become an Architect of
Spanish Culinary Culture
We are the leading platform promoting gastronomy, hospitality, wine, tourism, and culinary culture in the United States from Spain.
Consumer / Foodie
$99
per year
For food lovers and enthusiasts of great cuisine who want more access to the culinary world
2 Complimentary Combo Tickets to the Miami Seafood Festival & US Paella Championships
Exclusive Members Only Culinary Experiences
Food & Wine Discovery
Discounts and Savings to all sorts of events
Connect with Chefs, Restaurants, & Hospitality Professionals
Most popular
chef / business
$395
per year
For culinary, buisness professionals and chefs.
2 Complimentary Combo Tickets to the Miami Seafood Festival & US Paella Championship - January 30-31, 2027
Professional network with key players
Competition eligibility
Promotion your business through the USSGA platforms
Networking, Networking, Networking
Contact Us
Join the USSGA Today
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Get a deeper understanding of the USSGA's vision, our unique positioning in the market, and why we're redefining gastronomy in America.