CHICAGO — The U.S. qualifier for the World Chocolate Masters will be held at the International Bakery Industry Exposition, which is to be held Sept. 26-29 in Las Vegas.

During the qualifier contestants will make a large chocolate showpiece, a chocolate pastry, two different pralines and a gastronomic chocolate dessert. A professional jury will judge the creations, and the winner will be given the title of National Chocolate Master 2011, receive national and international press, a prize package and more. The winner also will go on to the next final of the World Chocolate Masters to compete with 20 other winners from around the world to compete for the World Chocolate Master 2011 title.