As some industries have had to cancel or postpone certain conventions, the culinary industry appears to be thriving during this weakened economy.

The International Association of Culinary Professionals opened its annual convention in Denver today, drawing more than 800 culinary professionals, food journalists and authors, the Denver Business Journal reports.

According to the conference's website, there will be opportunities for people to meet national chefs, network and pitch specific cookbooks, suggesting there are different avenues within the culinary arts for people to walk down.

It was also recently reported that the recession may have caused the interest in the culinary arts to increase.

Several major grocery stores told the Associated Press that they've seen sales increase because more people are cooking, either casually at home or because they were taking a cooking class.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that because of population growth and the growing need within the food industry, the employment of chefs, cooks and food preparation workers is expected to increase by 11 percent over the 2006-16 decade, leading to approximately 351,000 new jobs arising in that time period.