You ask, "Is there a cheese conference in town?" Me: "You Cheddar Brie-leave it!" 󾍇... http://t.co/hBMLq6CeSO

— The Rind (@The_Rind) July 30, 2014

In the spirit of Explanatory Journalism (which is apparently, the new hot thing), here's everything you need to know about the cheese convention at the Convention center.

1. So, what is it?

American Cheese Society's Conference & Competition is holding their 31st annual get together from July 29 to Aug. 1. The theme this year is Celebrating the American Cheese Plate.

2. Where are people visitng from?

Attendees represent many states, including Wisconsin, Vermont, Texas, New York, Maine and Minnesota, as well as from Canada, Australia, France, New Zealand, Belgium, England and South Korea. (Via Mark Anderson in Sac Biz Journal.)

3. Can I go?

Members of the public can attend the Festival of Cheese on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. for $60. At that event, guests will find an amazing assortment of cheeses and can sample incredible accompaniments ranging from crackers to charcuterie, preserves to chocolate -- plus wine and craft beer for guests to sample.

There's also a Cheese Sale on Aug. 2, which offers the chance to purchase artisan cheeses at incredible prices from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4. But how will I benefit if I don't want to go to the actual convention?

To celebrate the American Cheese Society in #Sacramento, we are doing a late night happy hour from 10-close all week long. #midnightsnacks

— Block Butcher Bar (@Block916) July 30, 2014

Restaurants are offering cheese-themed specials week. Block Butcher Bar's doing a late night happy hour every day this week, and other restaurants like Aioli, Broderick, Capitol Dime, Ella, Esquire Grill, The Firehouse, Formoli's, The Grange, Hock Farm, Hook & Ladder, La Trattoria Bohemia, Magpie, Mulvaney's, One Speed, The Press, Red Rabbit, Revolution Wines, Ten 22, The Waterboy, de Vere's and Lucca have partnered with a cheese maker to put on a special dish or menu. Sactown Mag has a good curated list of some of the specials, or you can see them all here.

5. Where can I learn more?

Here's their press release or visit the American Cheese Society's Web site.

More News:

Cheesy delights take over Sacramento eateries as cheese conference comes to town - The 2014 American Cheese Society Conference has wheeled into Sacramento and local restaurants are taking note, with special menu items and cheese plates only available this week. Here are a few of our favorites. Featuring Ambrosia Cafe, The Cultured & The Cured, Mulvaney's B&L, The Rind and LowBrau. Tori Mascucci Cummins in Sactown Mag.

American Cheese Society conference and thousands of cheeses headed for Sacramento - The biggest celebration all week is the Festival of Cheese on Friday, Aug. 1. There will be tables and tables and tables covered in cheese of all kinds, ready to be tossed in your mouths until you explode. Pace yourself. There are literally more than 1,700 cheeses, including the winners of the week’s big cheese competition. Plus other food, because you probably can’t eat just cheese for hours, and wine. Attendees can also purchase “cheese grab bags” on their way out with a variety of surprise cheeses. The festival runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sacramento Convention Center (1400 J Street) and costs $60 at the door. Janelle Bitker in Sac News & Review.

Cheese Conference Comes to Town - Cheese aficionados, take note: a conference showcasing your favorite nibble is coming to town on Tuesday, July 29. The American Cheese Society will bring together 1,000 industry leaders at the Sacramento Convention Center through Friday, Aug. 1 to “celebrate, collaborate, learn from one another, and sample great products.” Kira O'Donnell in Sac Mag.