Retail buyers
For food and drink brands ready for their next shelf, store or distributor.
What mattersTaste, margin, shelf life and dependable supply.
FRESH IDEAS. REAL CONNECTIONS. GOOD FOOD.
Food & beverage trade shows & conferences 2026–2027Good food. Great company.
You bring the flavor. We’ll help you find the right buyers, the right show, and a space they’ll want to gather around, from the first sample to the follow-up order.
01 FULL GUIDES FOR THE BIG SHOWS
Food & beverage trade show guides 2027 35 big food shows. A full guide for each.
Every show below has its own Purple guide: dates, hall and venue rules, booth sizes with all-in prices, key deadlines, travel and a proposal form. Pick a show to open its guide.
Nov 152026Grocery & retailPLMA U.S. Private Label Trade ShowRosemont · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Jan 172027Specialty foodWinter FancyFaireSan Francisco · WestOpen the show guide 
Jan 262027ProcessingInternational Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)Atlanta · SouthOpen the show guide 
Jan 262027Beverages & coffeeUnified Wine & Grape SymposiumSacramento · WestOpen the show guide 
Jan 312027Grocery & retailThe NGA ShowLas Vegas · WestOpen the show guide 
Feb 12027Beverages & coffeeWSWA Access LIVEGrapevine · SouthOpen the show guide 
Feb 112027Restaurants & foodserviceThe NAFEM ShowOrlando · SouthOpen the show guide 
Mar 22027Grocery & retailNatural Products Expo WestAnaheim · WestOpen the show guide 
Mar 72027Restaurants & foodserviceNew York Restaurant ShowNew York · NortheastOpen the show guide 
Mar 72027Specialty foodSeafood Expo North AmericaBoston · NortheastOpen the show guide 
Mar 232027Restaurants & foodserviceBar & Restaurant ExpoLas Vegas · WestOpen the show guide 
Apr 42027ProcessingSNAXPOCharlotte · SouthOpen the show guide 
Apr 52027Beverages & coffeeCraft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo AmericaSan Antonio · SouthOpen the show guide 
Apr 92027Beverages & coffeeWorld of Coffee New OrleansNew Orleans · SouthOpen the show guide 
Apr 122027PackagingPACK EXPO SoutheastAtlanta · SouthOpen the show guide 
Apr 132027Restaurants & foodserviceInternational Pizza ExpoLas Vegas · WestOpen the show guide 
Apr 262027ProcessingPetfood ForumKansas City · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Apr 272027ProcessingInternational Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (iPBS)Rosemont · MidwestOpen the show guide 
May 52027Restaurants & foodserviceThe NAMA ShowNew Orleans · SouthOpen the show guide 
May 112027Beverages & coffeeVinexpo AmericasMiami Beach · SouthOpen the show guide 
May 182027Specialty foodSweets & Snacks ExpoIndianapolis · MidwestOpen the show guide 
May 222027Restaurants & foodserviceNational Restaurant Association ShowChicago · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Jun 62027Specialty foodIDDBAAtlanta · SouthOpen the show guide 
Jul 112027Restaurants & foodserviceTexas Restaurant ShowSan Antonio · SouthOpen the show guide 
Jul 122027IngredientsIFT FIRSTChicago · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Jul 172027ProcessingIAFP Annual MeetingKansas City · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Jul 252027Specialty foodSummer Fancy Food ShowNew York · NortheastOpen the show guide 
Sep 122027Restaurants & foodserviceCalifornia Restaurant ShowAnaheim · WestOpen the show guide 
Sep 142027Grocery & retailNewtopia NowRosemont · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Sep 272027PackagingPACK EXPO Las VegasLas Vegas · WestOpen the show guide 
Oct 52027Grocery & retailNACS ShowAtlanta · SouthOpen the show guide 
Oct 202027Grocery & retailThe Global Produce & Floral ShowAtlanta · SouthOpen the show guide 
Oct 262027ProcessingFood Production Solutions Show (FPSS)Chicago · MidwestOpen the show guide 
Mar 212028PackagingPACK EXPO EastPhiladelphia · NortheastOpen the show guide 
Sep 102028ProcessingInternational Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE)Las Vegas · WestOpen the show guide 02 EVERY GREAT BRAND HAS ITS PEOPLE
Choose the right food trade show audience Find your people. Share your story.
A great show starts with the right crowd. A grocery buyer, a restaurant operator and a food manufacturer evaluate very different things. Choose the people you want to sell to, and we’ll help you narrow the field.
Restaurant teams
For products and services that belong in a busy kitchen or on a great menu.
What mattersYield, preparation, consistency and portion cost.
Product developers
For ingredients, flavors and ideas that make the next great product possible.
What mattersFunction, specifications and a convincing sample.
Production buyers
For equipment and solutions that help food and drink get made, packed and delivered.
What mattersPerformance, compatibility and reliable support.
03 GOOD FOOD DESERVES A GREAT SETTING
Food & beverage trade show booth ideas Your flavor. In full color.
Before the first taste comes the first impression. Here’s real-world inspiration from food brands we’ve built for, and what fits in every booth size.
01 / THE WELCOMEBachoco USA · Purple Exhibits
Easy to notice. Easy to approach.
Distinctive color and a visible service counter give visitors a clear place to start.
02 / THE CONVERSATIONLakeside Foods · Purple Exhibits
Room for a better conversation.
Open seating and inviting materials create space to move beyond the quick introduction.
03 / THE PRODUCTJ&J Snack Foods · Purple Exhibits
Let the product do some talking.
Large product imagery and clear branding make the offer easier to understand from the aisle.
04 PICK YOUR NEXT BIG MOMENT
U.S. food & beverage trade shows & conferences Where will your brand be next?
Explore U.S. food & beverage trade shows and industry conferences & summits, from grocery and specialty food to coffee, spirits, ingredients, processing and packaging. Search, filter, compare and save the ones that feel right for your company.
Every profile includes dates, city and venue, the audience, who exhibits, company fit, what’s good to know before booking, and a direct link to the organizer.
Built around the exhibit floor.
- Floor time
- Usually two to four days on the show floor
- How you exhibit
- Booths from a 10×20 inline to a full island
- Budget
- Higher: space, build, freight, labor and utilities
- Best for
- Launches, sampling at scale and meeting many buyers
Built around sessions and meetings.
- Floor time
- A few hours to two days, often between sessions
- How you exhibit
- Tabletops, sponsor packages, vendor expos or meeting rooms
- Budget
- Lower: compact displays that travel and set up fast
- Best for
- Focused, often senior audiences and testing a new channel
Popular cities
Oct182026Packaging Happening nowPACK EXPO International
Chicago, Illinois · MidwestOctober 18–21, 2026
When & where October 18–21, 2026 · McCormick Place · Chicago, Illinois
Typical audience
Packaging and processing buyers, engineers, operations and procurement teams from food, beverage, and many other manufacturing sectors.
Exhibitor types
Packaging and processing machinery, automation, robotics, containers, materials, printing, coding, and related technology suppliers.
A good choice if…
A strong candidate for suppliers demonstrating packaging or processing solutions that can be tied to a buyer's line performance, capacity, labor, or material goals.
Good to know
The 2026 edition runs October 18–21. For a new exhibitor, attending to scout or planning a later show may be more realistic. Finished food brands are usually attendees sourcing technology, not exhibitors seeking retail orders.
- By the numbers
- 2024: 2,700 exhibitors (record), 1.32M net sq ft, 48,000 attendees. 2026 (Oct 18–21, Chicago) billed at 1.3M net sq ft, 2,600–2,700+ exhibitors.
- Booth & eligibility
- Base rate $34.25/sq ft incl. drayage/material handling; PMMI members get lower tiered rates and priority space selection.
- For new brands
- Emerging Brands Central, introduced 2024: feature for rising brands with free 30-minute sessions with industry experts.
- Co-located with
- Pavilions inside the show, incl. Healthcare Packaging Pavilion.
- Future dates
- PACK EXPO Southeast Apr 12–14, 2027 (Atlanta); PACK EXPO Las Vegas Sept 27–29, 2027; PACK EXPO East Mar 21–23, 2028 (Philadelphia).
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Oct252026Restaurants & foodservice Coming soonFlorida Restaurant Show
Formerly Florida Restaurant & Lodging ShowOrlando, Florida · SouthOctober 25–27, 2026
When & where October 25–27, 2026 · Orange County Convention Center · Orlando, Florida
Typical audience
Restaurant owners and operators plus foodservice and lodging professionals from Florida and the Southeast.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage brands, emerging brands, equipment, distributors and technology providers for restaurants and lodging.
A good choice if…
Consider it if Florida and Southeast restaurant, foodservice and lodging operators are core buyers; co-location with Pizza Tomorrow Summit adds pizzeria traffic.
Good to know
Formerly the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show. Industry-only. The 2026 edition runs October 25–27. Co-located with The Pizza Tomorrow Summit.
Oct282026Ingredients Coming soonSupplySide Global
Formerly SupplySide WestLas Vegas, Nevada · WestExpo: October 28–30, 2026 · Education: October 26–30
When & where Expo: October 28–30, 2026 · Education: October 26–30 · Mandalay Bay · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
R&D, product development, purchasing, supply chain, quality, and brand teams from food, beverage, dietary supplement, and other health and nutrition businesses.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient and flavor suppliers, contract manufacturers, packaging providers, testing laboratories, and technical service companies.
A good choice if…
A useful shortlist for suppliers of functional ingredients, formulation support, testing, or manufacturing capacity seeking relationships with product developers and purchasing teams.
Good to know
This is a supply-chain sourcing event. Finished brands seeking retail placement should not treat it as a grocery buyer show. The 2026 expo runs October 28–30; a new custom exhibit needs its own feasibility check.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Expo Oct 28–30, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas): 20,000+ participants expected, 1,600+ exhibiting companies.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2026: $96–$104/sq ft inline and $99.50–$107.50/sq ft island depending on hall; $1,650 corner premium; turnkey 10x10 packages from $17,400.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Nov22026Restaurants & foodservice Coming soonThe Hospitality Show
Miami Beach, Florida · SouthExpo: November 3–4, 2026 · Event: November 2–4
When & where Expo: November 3–4, 2026 · Event: November 2–4 · Miami Beach Convention Center · Miami Beach, Florida
Typical audience
Hotel owners and operators, third-party management companies, franchisee groups, independent hotels, asset managers and FF&E buyers.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers to hotels across operations, technology, design, food and beverage, and hospitality services.
A good choice if…
Consider it if hotels and their F&B operations are a target channel; buyers here are lodging-focused rather than restaurant-focused.
Good to know
AHLA/Questex show, not a renamed IHMRS (that NYC show became HX, which is no longer held). Free entry is for qualified buyers.
Nov152026Grocery & retail Coming soon Purple guidePLMA U.S. Private Label Trade Show
Rosemont (Chicago area), Illinois · MidwestNovember 15–17, 2026Show guide
When & where November 15–17, 2026 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · Rosemont (Chicago area), Illinois
Typical audience
Store-brand buyers from supermarkets, mass merchants, convenience stores, online retailers, wholesalers and other retail channels.
Exhibitor types
Private-label manufacturers across shelf-stable, fresh, frozen, refrigerated and beverage categories, alongside nonfood suppliers.
A good choice if…
Prioritize it if your business can manufacture retailer-owned products and discuss capacity, specifications, packaging and supply terms.
Good to know
A weaker match if your sole objective is growing your own consumer brand and you do not offer private-label manufacturing.
- By the numbers
- 2025 (Chicago): upwards of 14,000 attendees, 3,000 booths, 1,900+ exhibitors from 63 countries.
- Booth & eligibility
- No prices published (contact PLMA). Open to makers of products for private label retail, plus ingredient, packaging and logistics providers; no membership requirement stated.
- Co-located with
- Sunday 'A Day of Learning' education program before the floor opens. Separate World of Private Label show: May 25–26, 2027, RAI Amsterdam.
- Future dates
- 2026: Nov 15–17, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont (Chicago).
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Dec22026Grocery & retail Coming soonThe New York Produce Show and Conference
New York, New York · NortheastExpo: Dec 3, 2026 · Event: Dec 2–4
When & where Expo: Dec 3, 2026 · Event: Dec 2–4 · Jacob K. Javits Convention Center · New York, New York
Typical audience
Produce buyers from retail, foodservice and wholesale, mainly in the Northeast, plus importers and distributors.
Exhibitor types
Growers, shippers, packers, importers and produce marketers, plus packaging and logistics suppliers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell fresh produce or produce-adjacent products to Northeast retail and foodservice buyers.
Good to know
The trade floor is open one day only (Dec 3). The other days are conferences and tours. Plan booth staffing around the single expo day.
Dec32026Beverages & coffee Coming soonNorth Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo)
Santa Rosa, California · WestDecember 3, 2026
When & where December 3, 2026 · Sonoma County Fairgrounds · Santa Rosa, California
Typical audience
Wine professionals from North Coast wineries and vineyards.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers of products and services for wineries and vineyards.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you serve Sonoma, Napa and North Coast wineries and want a one-day regional show.
Good to know
Single-day event (9 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Jan132027ProcessingFood Northwest Process & Packaging Expo
Formerly NWFPA ExpoPortland, Oregon · WestJanuary 13–14, 2027
When & where January 13–14, 2027 · Oregon Convention Center · Portland, Oregon
Typical audience
Food and beverage processors in the Pacific Northwest, including fresh, frozen, dairy, meat, seafood and beverage plants, plus plant operations staff.
Exhibitor types
Processing and packaging equipment makers, ingredient and service suppliers, and energy, sustainability and plant-services firms.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you serve Northwest food plants and want a regional show with lower costs than national expos.
Good to know
Formerly the NWFPA Expo; the association is now Food Northwest.
Jan172027Specialty food Purple guideWinter FancyFaire
Formerly Winter Fancy Food ShowSan Francisco, California · WestJanuary 17–19, 2027Show guide
When & where January 17–19, 2027 · Moscone Center · San Francisco, California
Typical audience
Specialty-food buyers, retailers, distributors, foodservice professionals, investors and trade media.
Exhibitor types
Emerging and established specialty-food and beverage makers across many product categories.
A good choice if…
Consider it for new-product introductions, buyer feedback and relationship development early in the buying year.
Good to know
Use the current Winter FancyFaire name. The former Winter Fancy Food Show ended after 2025; offsite sampling opportunities need their own planning.
- By the numbers
- 2026 inaugural edition (Jan 11–13, San Diego): 12,000+ industry professionals, 4,000+ buyers, 1,000+ exhibitors (310 first-time), 135,450 sq ft.
- Booth & eligibility
- No booth prices published. Exhibiting is a Tier 2 SFA member benefit; 2027 Space Draw has ended and space is now first-come, first-served.
- Future dates
- 2027: Jan 17–19, Moscone Center, San Francisco. 2028: Jan 23–25, San Francisco. 2029: Jan 14–16, San Diego.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Jan262027Processing Purple guideInternational Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)
Atlanta, Georgia · SouthJanuary 26–28, 2027Show guide
When & where January 26–28, 2027 · Georgia World Congress Center · Atlanta, Georgia
Typical audience
Poultry, egg, meat, and animal food producers and processors; plant, production, technical, safety, and purchasing teams.
Exhibitor types
Processing and packaging equipment, feed ingredients and equipment, animal health, food safety, rendering, and production technology suppliers.
A good choice if…
A focused option for suppliers serving protein processing, poultry production, animal feed, or related plant operations with specific technical applications.
Good to know
The sector mix matters: a feed ingredient supplier and a human-food processing equipment supplier need different halls and target lists. It is not a broad consumer food or grocery retail show.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Jan 27–29, Atlanta): 32,550 registered attendees, 1,375 exhibitors, 662,214 sq ft (largest floor in IPPE history), 9,706 international attendees from 115 countries.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027: $28/sq ft through Sep 30, 2026, then $30/sq ft; $250 per open corner; $500 non-refundable application fee. Membership not required; USPOULTRY, AFIA or Meat Institute members get $2/sq ft off.
- Co-located with
- Combines the International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo and International Meat Expo. Latin American Poultry Summit, Pet Food Conference, International Poultry Scientific Forum and student career programs.
- Future dates
- IPPE 2027: Jan 26–28, 2027, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Jan262027Beverages & coffee Purple guideUnified Wine & Grape Symposium
Sacramento, California · WestExpo: January 27–28, 2027 · Event: January 26–28Show guide
When & where Expo: January 27–28, 2027 · Event: January 26–28 · SAFE Credit Union Convention Center · Sacramento, California
Typical audience
Winemakers, grape growers, winery owners and managers, and vineyard and production staff.
Exhibitor types
Vineyard and winery equipment, barrels, packaging, bottling, lab services, technology and finance providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell to wineries or vineyards and want the largest U.S. wine and grape trade show.
Good to know
Exhibit floor is open only January 27–28.
Jan282027Grocery & retailEast Coast Produce Expo
Miami Beach, Florida · SouthJanuary 28–30, 2027
When & where January 28–30, 2027 · Fontainebleau Miami Beach · Miami Beach, Florida
Typical audience
Retail, wholesale and foodservice produce buyers from the East Coast, plus some national buyers.
Exhibitor types
Produce growers, suppliers, packers and shippers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you want a smaller, buyer-focused produce event that reaches East Coast retail and foodservice sourcing teams.
Good to know
Run by The Packer (Farm Journal). The venue moved from the 2026 edition. Hotel venue limits booth size.
Jan312027Grocery & retail Purple guideThe NGA Show
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestJanuary 31–February 2, 2027 · exhibits February 1–2Show guide
When & where January 31–February 2, 2027 · exhibits February 1–2 · MGM Grand Conference Center · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Independent grocery retailers, wholesalers, grocery leaders, manufacturers and suppliers.
Exhibitor types
Food suppliers and companies providing grocery technology, equipment, services and operational solutions.
A good choice if…
Prioritize it when independent supermarkets and their wholesale networks are a core route to market.
Good to know
A broad grocery-business event, so secure relevant buyer meetings. It is less focused on one food category than a specialist show.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Feb 1–3, MGM Grand, Las Vegas): 3,500+ industry professionals, 350+ exhibitors (about 50 first-time).
- Booth & eligibility
- 10x10 booth: $4,500 members, $5,200 non-members (sponsorship kit with 2027 dates). Membership not required.
- For new brands
- Innovation Start-Up Package: $6,000 for a 10x10 booth plus a 30-minute theater talk/demo; fewer than 30 staff and under 3 years in market.
- Co-located with
- 2026: Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) co-located, incl. its 100th anniversary celebration.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Feb12027Beverages & coffee Purple guideWSWA Access LIVE
Grapevine / Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas · SouthFebruary 1–4, 2027Show guide
When & where February 1–4, 2027 · Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center · Grapevine / Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
Typical audience
Wine and spirits wholesalers, suppliers, on- and off-premise retailers, importers, exporters and industry service providers.
Exhibitor types
Wine and spirits brands and suppliers, plus service providers supporting the beverage-alcohol marketplace.
A good choice if…
Useful when distribution partnerships and meetings across the wine-and-spirits supply chain are your goal, with a defined portfolio, commercial terms and market plan.
Good to know
Registered industry event; badges are required for the exhibit hall and event functions. Booths, suites and tasting opportunities are different purchases. Full event dates do not mean continuous exhibit-floor access.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027 Access HQ 10x10: members $3,700 early / $4,000 / $4,400 late; non-members $4,000 / $4,400 / $4,900. WSWA membership not required; members get lower rates.
- Future dates
- Feb 1–4, 2027, Gaylord Texan, Grapevine TX; Feb 28–Mar 3, 2028, Gaylord Palms, Orlando; Feb 5–8, 2029, Caesars Forum, Las Vegas.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗
Feb112027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideThe NAFEM Show
Orlando, Florida · SouthFebruary 11–13, 2027Show guide
When & where February 11–13, 2027 · Orange County Convention Center · Orlando, Florida
Typical audience
Foodservice operators, equipment dealers and distributors, kitchen consultants, chefs and culinary leaders across restaurant and institutional markets.
Exhibitor types
Commercial foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers.
A good choice if…
A focused option for suppliers whose product improves how a professional kitchen stores, prepares, cooks, holds or serves food.
Good to know
Its equipment-and-supplies focus makes it a lower priority for a packaged-food brand seeking supermarket listings.
- By the numbers
- 2027 (Orlando): about 20,000 foodservice professionals expected.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027: NAFEM members $42/sq ft; non-members $56/sq ft plus $3,500 non-refundable fee and eligibility approval; $300 corner fee.
- For new brands
- WHAT'S HOT! WHAT'S COOL! new product gallery, open to all exhibitors; First-Time Exhibitor Program listed.
- Future dates
- Feb 11–13, 2027, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando; Feb 7–9, 2029, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Mar22027Grocery & retail Purple guideNatural Products Expo West
Anaheim, California · WestMarch 2–5, 2027 · exhibit halls March 3–5Show guide
When & where March 2–5, 2027 · exhibit halls March 3–5 · Anaheim Convention Center · Anaheim, California
Typical audience
Natural, organic and specialty retail buyers, grocery buyers, distributors and the wider consumer-products industry.
Exhibitor types
Natural and organic food and beverage brands, supplements, personal care and other consumer products.
A good choice if…
A strong shortlist candidate for differentiated food and beverage brands ready to expand retail distribution and support wholesale accounts.
Good to know
A broad natural-products show. Bring wholesale pricing, shelf-life and fulfilment answers for your exact category.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Mar 3–6, Anaheim): 66,000+ attendees, 3,200+ exhibitors, 110+ visiting countries.
- Booth & eligibility
- Published 2025 pricing: inline 10x10 $9,384; corner 10x10 $10,929; peninsula $119.58/sq ft; island $122.11/sq ft. New exhibitors pay a non-refundable application fee and pass Standards review.
- For new brands
- 2027 NEXTY Awards: 37 categories; nominations close Dec 2, 2026; brands need not exhibit at Expo West.
- Co-located with
- Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace (certified-organic, outdoor one-day market before the main floor opens).
- Future dates
- Expo West 2027: March 2–5 (exhibit halls March 3–5), Anaheim Convention Center.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Mar42027Specialty foodSouthern Exposure
Orlando, Florida · SouthMarch 4–7, 2027 · exposition March 6
When & where March 4–7, 2027 · exposition March 6 · Orlando World Center Marriott · Orlando, Florida
Typical audience
Produce retail, foodservice and wholesale professionals, suppliers and Southeast Produce Council members.
Exhibitor types
Fresh-produce companies and businesses serving produce sourcing, merchandising and distribution.
A good choice if…
Consider it for produce relationships with Southeast-focused buyers and an event combining networking with a compact exposition.
Good to know
Current SEPC membership is required. Plan staffing around the March 6 exposition day.
Mar72027Beverages & coffeeCoffee Fest New York
New York, New York · NortheastMarch 7–9, 2027
When & where March 7–9, 2027 · Javits Center · New York, New York
Typical audience
Coffee and restaurant professionals, café owners and operators, and serious specialty-coffee startups.
Exhibitor types
Specialty-coffee businesses and suppliers of products and services for cafés.
A good choice if…
Consider it for building café relationships and demonstrating a coffee-service product to businesses reachable through your Northeast sales and distribution coverage.
Good to know
B2B attendance only, including serious industry entrants. It runs beside the New York Restaurant Show, but the organizer explicitly requires separate badges; do not assume shared admission.
Mar72027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideNew York Restaurant Show
Formerly International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New YorkNew York, New York · NortheastMarch 7–9, 2027Show guide
When & where March 7–9, 2027 · Javits Center · New York, New York
Typical audience
Restaurant and foodservice professionals across the Northeast, including owners, operators, chefs and hospitality buyers.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage brands, kitchen equipment, technology and service providers for restaurants and foodservice.
A good choice if…
Consider it if your buyers are independent and multi-unit operators in the Northeast and you sell food, beverage or back-of-house products to restaurants.
Good to know
Formerly the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York; old URL redirects. Industry-only, not open to the public. New Pizza Tomorrow Summit Pavilion added for 2027.
Mar72027Specialty food Purple guideSeafood Expo North America
Boston, Massachusetts · NortheastMarch 7–9, 2027Show guide
When & where March 7–9, 2027 · Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center · Boston, Massachusetts
Typical audience
Seafood buyers from retail, restaurants, catering, foodservice and processing.
Exhibitor types
Fresh, frozen, canned, processed, packaged and value-added seafood suppliers; related processing suppliers participate in the companion event.
A good choice if…
Consider it for seafood supply contracts, value-added seafood launches and retail or foodservice sourcing relationships.
Good to know
Not a general grocery event. Bring a clear species, product format, supply availability and cold-chain story.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (44th edition, Mar 15–17, Boston): 247,915 net sq ft, 1,215 exhibiting companies from 50 countries. 2024: 19,780+ seafood professionals.
- For new brands
- Seafood Excellence Awards: Best New Retail Product and Best New Foodservice Product; 2027 winners announced Mar 7, 2027.
- Co-located with
- Seafood Processing North America (equipment, packaging and services).
- Future dates
- 2027 (45th edition): March 7–9, Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Mar102027Restaurants & foodserviceWisconsin Food & Hospitality Expo
West Allis, Wisconsin · MidwestMarch 10, 2027
When & where March 10, 2027 · Wisconsin State Fair Park · West Allis, Wisconsin
Typical audience
Food, beverage, hospitality and bakery professionals, chiefly Wisconsin restaurant operators sourcing products and services.
Exhibitor types
Restaurant, beverage and bakery vendors offering food, beverage, equipment, services and technology.
A good choice if…
Consider it if Wisconsin and upper-Midwest restaurants, bars and bakeries are target buyers and a one-day regional show fits your budget.
Good to know
Formerly the Midwest Foodservice Expo; Wisconsin Restaurant Association event. One day only (9am–3pm).
Mar212027Restaurants & foodserviceNew England Restaurant & Bar Show
Boston, Massachusetts · NortheastMarch 21–22, 2027
When & where March 21–22, 2027 · Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center · Boston, Massachusetts
Typical audience
Restaurant, bar, retail and foodservice professionals from New England.
Exhibitor types
300+ exhibitors and brands: food and beverage, equipment, supplies and technology for foodservice.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell to independent restaurants, bars and foodservice operators in New England.
Good to know
Regional show, Sunday–Monday. Dates moved earlier than the April 2026 edition.
Mar222027Restaurants & foodserviceCater+Event
Formerly Catersource + The Special EventNew Orleans, Louisiana · SouthMarch 22–25, 2027
When & where March 22–25, 2027 · New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center · New Orleans, Louisiana
Typical audience
Caterers, event producers and planners, venue operators, corporate catering and contract foodservice leaders, chefs and procurement staff.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers to catering and events: food and beverage, bar service, buffet equipment, rentals, AV, décor and business services.
A good choice if…
Consider it if caterers, venues and event producers buy your food, beverage or service products and you want access to off-premise decision-makers.
Good to know
Rebranded from Catersource + The Special Event.
Mar222027Beverages & coffeeWorld Tea Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestExpo: March 23–24, 2027 · Event: March 22–24
When & where Expo: March 23–24, 2027 · Event: March 22–24 · Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Tea professionals and buyers from retail, cafés, hospitality, hotels, wellness outlets and universities, plus new business owners.
Exhibitor types
Tea growers, importers, blenders, brands, teaware and equipment suppliers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell tea or tea-related products to foodservice and retail buyers and want access to the Bar & Restaurant Expo crowd.
Good to know
Still active but co-located with Bar & Restaurant Expo; for 2027 it is a section in the Food & Beverage pavilion. Dates are from the BRE site.
Mar232027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideBar & Restaurant Expo
Formerly Nightclub & Bar ShowLas Vegas, Nevada · WestMarch 23–24, 2027 (expo); full event March 22–24Show guide
When & where March 23–24, 2027 (expo); full event March 22–24 · Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Independent bar and restaurant owners, operators and managers, plus professionals preparing to open a concept.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage brands, equipment and furnishings, restaurant technology, services, supplies and entertainment solutions.
A good choice if…
Useful when your product improves a bar or restaurant menu, guest experience, workflow or profitability and can be shown in a practical service context.
Good to know
Admission is 21+ with ID. Alcohol sampling and food demonstrations require coordination with the exhibitor rules. The expo floor is open for two days, not the full three-day event.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (40th anniversary, Las Vegas): nearly 10,000 attendees per Questex.
- Co-located with
- World Tea Expo co-located in 2026.
- Future dates
- March 22–24, 2027, Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall; expo hall open March 23–24.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗
Apr42027Processing Purple guideSNAXPO
Charlotte, North Carolina · SouthApril 4–6, 2027Show guide
When & where April 4–6, 2027 · Charlotte Convention Center · Charlotte, North Carolina
Typical audience
Snack manufacturers and industry leaders seeking equipment, packaging, ingredient and operational solutions.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers of snack processing equipment, packaging, ingredients and services to snack producers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you supply snack makers (ingredients, co-packing, equipment, packaging); finished snack brands seeking retail buyers may find better fits elsewhere.
Good to know
Built for suppliers to snack makers; finished snack brands seeking retail buyers may find better fits elsewhere.
Apr52027Beverages & coffee Purple guideCraft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America
San Antonio, Texas · SouthApril 5–7, 2027Show guide
When & where April 5–7, 2027 · Henry B. González Convention Center · San Antonio, Texas
Typical audience
Brewers and brewing-business teams, fermentation and distilling professionals; the 2027 event co-locates with CiderCon and its cider-production community.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers of equipment, ingredients, packaging and business services for beverage-alcohol production.
A good choice if…
A strong candidate when selling to producers: show process performance, consistency, packaging capability or operational value to a technical audience.
Good to know
This is primarily a producer-and-supplier opportunity, not a consumer beer festival or a guaranteed route to retail distribution. CiderCon shares the location.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Apr 20–22, Philadelphia): about 7,000 brewing professionals; BrewExpo America had nearly 500 vendors.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027 10x10: $2,700 ($27/sq ft) Brewers Association Supplier members; $3,750 ($37.50/sq ft) nonmembers; $100 per exposed corner; 40% non-refundable deposit. Membership not required.
- Co-located with
- CiderCon (co-locating with CBC 2027 in San Antonio); World Beer Cup awards Apr 7, 2027.
- Future dates
- 2027: April 5–7, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Apr82027Grocery & retailViva Fresh Expo
San Antonio, Texas · SouthApril 8–10, 2027
When & where April 8–10, 2027 · JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa · San Antonio, Texas
Typical audience
Produce retail and foodservice buyers plus growers, shippers and industry partners focused on Texas and Mexico produce trade.
Exhibitor types
Fresh produce growers, shippers and importers, plus packaging, logistics, finance and other produce-industry service providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you grow, ship or import fresh produce through Texas/Mexico corridors and want face time with retail buyers in a smaller, relationship-focused setting.
Good to know
Run by the Texas International Produce Association; a smaller, relationship-focused produce event.
Apr92027Beverages & coffee Purple guideWorld of Coffee New Orleans
Formerly Specialty Coffee Expo (SCA)New Orleans, Louisiana · SouthApril 9–11, 2027Show guide
When & where April 9–11, 2027 · New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center · New Orleans, Louisiana
Typical audience
Specialty-coffee buyers, roasters, café owners and industry professionals across the coffee value chain.
Exhibitor types
Coffee producers and roasters, green-coffee businesses, equipment manufacturers, packaging and coffee-service providers.
A good choice if…
Useful for a coffee-specific launch, sourcing relationship or technical demonstration where specialty-coffee knowledge and product quality matter to the buying conversation.
Good to know
Choose the right format: main-floor booths, Roaster Village and Producer Village have different participation options. It is a specialized coffee opportunity, not a broad food-retail show.
- By the numbers
- Organizer-published figures: 17,000+ attendees from 80+ countries, 650+ exhibitors; 93% attend to buy or source products.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027 10x10 inline $3,550 SCA members / $4,260 nonmembers; corner $4,050 / $4,885; 20x20 island $16,430 / $21,400. Membership not required.
- For new brands
- Best New Product Awards: exhibitors with a 10x10 or larger booth (not Roaster Village; no roasted coffee); $500 fee, or $1,250 with media package.
- Co-located with
- World Coffee Roasting Championship and Coffee Design Awards held at the 2027 show.
- Future dates
- 2027: April 9–11, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Apr122027Packaging Purple guidePACK EXPO Southeast
Atlanta, Georgia · SouthApril 12–14, 2027Show guide
When & where April 12–14, 2027 · Georgia World Congress Center · Hall C · Atlanta, Georgia
Typical audience
Packaging and processing professionals from southeastern U.S. manufacturers and other regions, including food and beverage production teams.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers of packaging and processing technologies, equipment, materials, containers, and supporting services.
A good choice if…
Consider it for equipment or packaging suppliers with Southeast manufacturing accounts, a regional sales team, or customers who can bring technical colleagues to Atlanta.
Good to know
It covers multiple industries. Finished food brands should generally attend to source solutions rather than exhibit for distribution.
Apr132027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideInternational Pizza Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestApril 13–15, 2027 (expo); education April 11–15Show guide
When & where April 13–15, 2027 (expo); education April 11–15 · Las Vegas Convention Center, West Exhibit Hall · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Pizzeria owners, operators and buyers, including independent, chain and franchise businesses.
Exhibitor types
Pizza ingredients, equipment and operational-service suppliers serving pizzerias.
A good choice if…
Prioritize it when your ingredient, oven, packaging or operating solution has a specific pizza-business application that buyers can sample or see demonstrated.
Good to know
The narrow channel can be an advantage, but it is a weak fit for products without a credible pizzeria application. Expo dates differ from the longer education program.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Mar 24–26, Las Vegas): 500+ exhibitors, sold-out floor; 65% of 2025 attendees planned to open a new unit within 12 months.
- Co-located with
- In-show competitions: International Pizza Challenge and World Pizza Games. Pizza Expo Columbus is a separate show (Oct 10–11, 2027).
- Future dates
- April 13–15, 2027 (expo; education April 11–15), Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Apr182027Restaurants & foodserviceNorthwest Food Show
Formerly Northwest Foodservice ShowPortland, Oregon · WestApril 18–19, 2027
When & where April 18–19, 2027 · Portland Expo Center, Hall D · Portland, Oregon
Typical audience
Restaurant, foodservice and hospitality buyers and operators from the Pacific Northwest; attendees must work in the industry.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage suppliers, alcohol producers (Alcohol Pavilion), equipment and service providers to Northwest foodservice.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you want B2B foodservice buyers in Oregon and Washington, including regional craft beverage and specialty food placement.
Good to know
Formerly the Northwest Foodservice Show; run by the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. Trade-only, not open to the public; attendees must be 16 or older.
Apr262027Processing Purple guidePetfood Forum
Kansas City, Missouri · MidwestExpo: April 27–28, 2027 · Event: April 26–28Show guide
When & where Expo: April 27–28, 2027 · Event: April 26–28 · Kansas City Convention Center · Kansas City, Missouri
Typical audience
Pet food professionals in nutrition, R&D, processing, packaging, food safety, QA/QC, purchasing and regulatory compliance.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient and additive suppliers, processing and packaging equipment makers, flexible packaging firms, co-packers and consultants.
A good choice if…
Consider it if your ingredients, equipment or packaging serve pet food manufacturers and you want a dedicated, sector-specific audience.
Good to know
April 26 is a pre-conference day; the expo hall opens April 27. The 2027 exhibitor list is due in January 2027.
Apr272027Processing Purple guideInternational Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (iPBS)
Rosemont, Illinois · MidwestApril 27–29, 2027Show guide
When & where April 27–29, 2027 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · Rosemont, Illinois
Typical audience
Engineers, plant managers and executives who handle and process powders and bulk materials, including food and ingredients.
Exhibitor types
350+ exhibitors: conveying, mixing, size reduction, dust control, packaging and bulk-handling equipment.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell processing or handling equipment for dry ingredients and bulk materials.
Good to know
Multi-industry show (food, chemicals, pharma, minerals), so it is not food-only.
May52027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideThe NAMA Show
New Orleans, Louisiana · SouthMay 5–7, 2027Show guide
When & where May 5–7, 2027 · Ernest N. Morial Convention Center · New Orleans, Louisiana
Typical audience
Vending, micro market, office coffee and convenience services operators, plus distributors and brokers.
Exhibitor types
Snack, beverage and food brands, equipment makers, and payment and technology suppliers selling into convenience services.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell snacks, drinks or fresh food that fits vending, micro markets or office break rooms.
Good to know
Best for snacks, drinks or fresh food that fits vending, micro markets or office break rooms.
May112027Beverages & coffee Purple guideVinexpo Americas
Miami Beach, Florida · SouthMay 11–12, 2027Show guide
When & where May 11–12, 2027 · Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall D · Miami Beach, Florida
Typical audience
Wine and spirits trade buyers, importers, distributors, producers and industry professionals serving the Americas and Caribbean.
Exhibitor types
Wine producers and suppliers; related Be Spirits Miami and The Other Sip Miami formats address spirits, beer, cider and no/low-alcohol products.
A good choice if…
Consider it when you have a credible import, distribution or export plan and want trade conversations across North, Central and South America or the Caribbean.
Good to know
Reserved for wine-and-spirits professionals, associated businesses and journalists; not public and no admission under 21. Spirits, beer, cider and no/low-alcohol products have their own formats (Be Spirits Miami, The Other Sip Miami).
May182027Specialty food Purple guideSweets & Snacks Expo
Indianapolis, Indiana · MidwestMay 18–20, 2027 · Supplier Showcase May 17–18Show guide
When & where May 18–20, 2027 · Supplier Showcase May 17–18 · Indiana Convention Center · Indianapolis, Indiana
Typical audience
Vetted retail customers across trade channels, plus confectionery and snack industry trading partners.
Exhibitor types
Candy, chocolate, snack and frozen-treat brands; the separate Supplier Showcase serves industry suppliers.
A good choice if…
A direct category match for packaged candy and snacks seeking retail listings, assortment reviews and distribution.
Good to know
A general food range may have a weaker fit. The main expo and the Supplier Showcase serve different buyers.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Las Vegas): 17,500 registrants, 1,000+ exhibitors; media kit lists 275,000 sq ft and 300+ first-time exhibitors.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027: $49/sq ft NCA-member confectioners, $68/sq ft non-members, $55/sq ft snack makers; $850 corner fee. Membership not required; members pay less.
- For new brands
- Startup Street 2027: $4,000 furnished 10x10; stand-alone candy/snack firms in business 3 yrs or less that never exhibited; includes Most Innovative New Product Awards entry.
- Co-located with
- Supplier Showcase, May 17–18, 2027, before the show floor opens.
- Future dates
- 2027: May 18–20, Indianapolis.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
May222027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideNational Restaurant Association Show
Chicago, Illinois · MidwestMay 22–25, 2027Show guide
When & where May 22–25, 2027 · McCormick Place · Chicago, Illinois
Typical audience
Restaurant owners and operators, chefs, chain and independent restaurant teams, institutional and lodging foodservice buyers, dealers and distributors.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage brands, commercial kitchen equipment, restaurant technology, supplies and foodservice-service providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it when you sell into foodservice and can demonstrate menu value, operating efficiency or a clear operator use case.
Good to know
Trade only; industry affiliation is required. A broad foodservice audience is not the same as a targeted grocery-retail buyer audience.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (May 16–19, Chicago): 55,000+ foodservice professionals from 112 countries; about 2,300 exhibitors from 44 countries; 720,000 sq ft of exhibit space.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027: $49/sq ft for booths up to 799 sq ft, $48/sq ft for 800+ sq ft; $375 per exposed corner; 50% deposit until Feb 1, then 100%. No membership requirement listed.
- For new brands
- Emerging Brands Pavilion: first-time exhibitors, in business 3 yrs or less, 1+ paying customer. FABI Awards 2027: $300 application + $1,250 if selected ($1,550); deadline Jan 27, 2027.
- Future dates
- 2027: May 22–25, McCormick Place, Chicago.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
May262027Grocery & retailWest Coast Produce Expo
Palm Desert, California · WestExpo: May 28, 2027 · Event: May 26–28
When & where Expo: May 28, 2027 · Event: May 26–28 · JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa · Palm Desert, California
Typical audience
Retail, wholesale and foodservice produce buyers from across North America. The organizer reports a 3:1 buyer-to-supplier ratio.
Exhibitor types
Produce growers, shippers and suppliers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell produce to Western retail and foodservice buyers and want a compact show with a high buyer ratio.
Good to know
Run by The Packer. The expo floor is open one afternoon only (May 28, 11:30 am–4:00 pm). Hotel venue, so expect tabletop-scale booths.
Jun62027Specialty food Purple guideIDDBA
Atlanta, Georgia · SouthJune 6–8, 2027Show guide
When & where June 6–8, 2027 · Georgia World Congress Center · Atlanta, Georgia
Typical audience
Grocery buyers, category managers, merchandisers, supermarket executives, wholesalers, distributors and brokers.
Exhibitor types
Dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice manufacturers, plus packaging and related industry suppliers.
A good choice if…
A focused choice for refrigerated, perishable, prepared-food and bakery ranges sold through supermarket departments.
Good to know
A less direct fit for products outside these departments. Plan cold storage, replenishment, sample handling and department-specific merchandising.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (June 7–9, Orlando): 11,000+ attendees, record 1,019 exhibiting companies (195 first-time), about 250,000 sq ft of show floor.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027: members $30/sq ft (one badge per 10x10 included); non-members $40/sq ft (no badges); $250 per corner. Membership not required, but co-exhibitors must be IDDBA members.
- For new brands
- First-time exhibitors get a dedicated New Exhibitor area and booth banner; New Product Showcase shelf first-come, first-served.
- Future dates
- 2027: June 6–8, Atlanta (GWCC). 2028: June 4–6, Anaheim. 2029: June 3–5, New Orleans.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Jun82027Beverages & coffeeBar Convent Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York · NortheastJune 8–9, 2027
When & where June 8–9, 2027 · Industry City, Buildings 5, 7 and 8 · Brooklyn, New York
Typical audience
Bartenders, bar owners, distributors, suppliers and other qualified bar-and-beverage professionals.
Exhibitor types
Domestic and international spirits, beer, low- and no-alcohol brands and beverage-industry suppliers.
A good choice if…
Consider it when on-premise adoption, bartender education and bar-menu relevance are central to your beverage brand's growth.
Good to know
Trade-only admission, age 21+, with photo ID and proof of industry affiliation. Prepare a route-to-market and follow-up plan; a good tasting is not the same as a distribution deal.
Jun112027Beverages & coffeeCoffee Fest Chicago
Chicago, Illinois · MidwestJune 11–12, 2027
When & where June 11–12, 2027 · Navy Pier, Festival Hall A · Chicago, Illinois
Typical audience
Coffee and restaurant professionals, café owners and operators, and people seriously planning a specialty-coffee business.
Exhibitor types
Specialty-coffee businesses and café-product and service suppliers.
A good choice if…
A regional option when café accounts and repeat orders are the goal and you can support customers across your Midwest territory.
Good to know
B2B event, not open to the general public. Select this edition for market coverage and account fit rather than assuming every Coffee Fest city offers the same contacts.
Jul112027Restaurants & foodserviceSNA Annual National Conference (ANC27)
Phoenix, Arizona · WestExpo: July 12–13, 2027 · Event: July 11–13
When & where Expo: July 12–13, 2027 · Event: July 11–13 · Phoenix Conference Center · Phoenix, Arizona
Typical audience
K-12 school nutrition program operators, district directors, state agency staff, industry partners and allied organizations.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage manufacturers, equipment makers, and service and technology providers selling to school meal programs.
A good choice if…
Consider it if your products meet school meal program requirements and you sell, or want to sell, to K-12 districts and their directors.
Good to know
Part of July 13 is directors-only. Booth rates are lower for SNA industry members. Pre-conference sessions start July 10.
Jul112027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideTexas Restaurant Show
San Antonio, Texas · SouthJuly 11–12, 2027Show guide
When & where July 11–12, 2027 · Henry B. González Convention Center · San Antonio, Texas
Typical audience
Restaurant and hospitality professionals from Texas and the Southwest, including owners, operators and chefs.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage suppliers, equipment, technology and service providers to restaurants and bars.
A good choice if…
Consider it if Texas and Southwest restaurant operators are a priority market and you want a large regional floor.
Good to know
Run by the Texas Restaurant Association (formerly TRA Marketplace).
Jul122027Ingredients Purple guideIFT FIRST
Chicago, Illinois · MidwestExpo: July 12–14, 2027 · Full event: July 11–14Show guide
When & where Expo: July 12–14, 2027 · Full event: July 11–14 · McCormick Place · Chicago, Illinois
Typical audience
Food scientists, R&D and product development teams, ingredient buyers, researchers, and food industry decision-makers.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient, formulation, food science, testing, and technology suppliers demonstrating applications for food and beverage manufacturers.
A good choice if…
Consider exhibiting when you sell an ingredient or technical solution and need conversations about functionality, flavor, nutrition, formulation, or commercialization.
Good to know
A finished consumer food brand generally has a stronger reason to attend for sourcing and product development than to exhibit for grocery distribution. Expo dates differ from the full event dates.
- By the numbers
- IFT FIRST lists 1,000+ exhibitors and 15,500+ participants from 80+ countries; 2026 edition July 12–15, McCormick Place, Chicago.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2023 rules listed $52/sq ft (space, drape, ID sign), $300 per corner. Current rates in the 2027 Exhibitor Prospectus.
- For new brands
- Startup Pavilion capped at 100 startups (2026); a pavilion booth is required to enter The Pitch! competition (2026 video deadline May 20).
- Future dates
- IFT FIRST 2027: July 11–14, 2027, McCormick Place, Chicago.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Jul252027Specialty food Purple guideSummer Fancy Food Show
New York, New York · NortheastJuly 25–27, 2027Show guide
When & where July 25–27, 2027 · Javits Center · New York, New York
Typical audience
Specialty-food retail buyers, restaurateurs, distributors, brokers, investors, makers and trade media.
Exhibitor types
Domestic and international specialty-food and beverage manufacturers, importers and emerging brands.
A good choice if…
Consider it for premium or distinctive products whose taste, provenance, quality or format needs a compelling buyer demonstration.
Good to know
Do not assume specialty interest equals a purchase order. Qualify channel fit, margin, case packs and distribution.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (June 28–30, Javits NYC): 32,000+ total participants, 9,100+ buyers (+8%), 2,529 exhibitors (421 first-time) from 57 countries, 345,000+ sq ft.
- Booth & eligibility
- Exhibiting requires Tier 2 SFA membership: product qualification with a one-time $150 non-refundable fee; product on the market 6+ months. No per-sq-ft rate published.
- For new brands
- SFA Spark Pavilion (first-time SFA exhibitors only; 2026 sold out): one-day kiosk $999, three-day tabletop $1,699; 5x10 Debut District booth $2,523.
- Co-located with
- 2026: Good Food Mercantile co-located for the first time (77 makers).
- Future dates
- 2027: July 25–27, Javits Center, New York City.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Jul272027Beverages & coffeeInternational Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS San Francisco)
San Francisco, California · WestJuly 27–28, 2027
When & where July 27–28, 2027 · San Francisco, California
Typical audience
Sourcing directors, importers, distributors, and retail and hospitality buyers looking for bulk and private-label wine and spirits.
Exhibitor types
100+ bulk wine and spirits suppliers, private-label producers, contract wineries and distilleries, bottlers and co-packers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell bulk wine or spirits, private-label programs, or contract production to North American buyers.
Good to know
Niche B2B show run by Beverage Trade Network.
Aug202027Beverages & coffeeCoffee Fest Pasadena
Pasadena, California · WestAugust 20–21, 2027
When & where August 20–21, 2027 · Pasadena Convention Center · Pasadena, California
Typical audience
Coffee and restaurant professionals, café owners and operators, and serious specialty-coffee startups.
Exhibitor types
Specialty-coffee businesses and suppliers serving café operations.
A good choice if…
Consider it when expanding café distribution in Southern California or a wider Western territory your team can reliably serve.
Good to know
Business-to-business attendance only, including serious industry entrants. A café-focused event is not a substitute for a mass grocery-retail buyer program.
Sep122027Restaurants & foodservice Purple guideCalifornia Restaurant Show
Formerly Western Foodservice & Hospitality ExpoAnaheim, California · WestSeptember 12–14, 2027Show guide
When & where September 12–14, 2027 · Anaheim Convention Center · Anaheim, California
Typical audience
Restaurant, pizzeria, foodservice and hospitality professionals from California and the western U.S.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage suppliers, equipment makers, POS and technology vendors, and service providers to restaurants.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell to West Coast independent restaurants and foodservice operators and want a regional trade floor rather than a national one.
Good to know
Formerly the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo; now held in Anaheim, not Los Angeles. Industry-only.
Sep142027Grocery & retail Purple guideNewtopia Now
Formerly Natural Products Expo EastRosemont (Chicago area), Illinois · MidwestSeptember 14–16, 2027 · show floor September 15–16Show guide
When & where September 14–16, 2027 · show floor September 15–16 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · Rosemont (Chicago area), Illinois
Typical audience
Retail buyers, investors, emerging and established consumer-product brands, service providers and industry leaders.
Exhibitor types
Emerging and established natural and conscious consumer-product brands, including food and beverages.
A good choice if…
Consider it when discovery, founder conversations and relationships with natural-product retailers are central to your growth plan.
Good to know
The 2027 event moves from Denver to the Chicago area. It spans more than food; target your meetings and category story.
- By the numbers
- 2026 (Aug 18–20, Denver): 435+ brands, over 60% first-time exhibitors, 1,500 curated meetings.
- For new brands
- Built for emerging brands; 2026 Conscious Beauty and Wellness Pitch: 8 brands competing for $10,000 and a free 2027 NEXTY Award nomination.
- Future dates
- 2027: Sept 14–16 (show floor Sept 15–16), Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont (Chicago).
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Sep272027Specialty foodAmericas Food & Beverage Show
Miami Beach, Florida · SouthSeptember 27–29, 2027
When & where September 27–29, 2027 · Miami Beach Convention Center · Miami Beach, Florida
Typical audience
Importers, exporters, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, manufacturers and foodservice buyers from the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.
Exhibitor types
Food and beverage producers and exporters, including international country pavilions and a U.S. state pavilion organized with NASDA.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you want export or import distribution across Latin America and the Caribbean, or to meet buyers through the hosted buyer program.
Good to know
Includes international country pavilions, a U.S. state pavilion organized with NASDA and a hosted buyer program.
Sep272027Packaging Purple guidePACK EXPO Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestSeptember 27–29, 2027Show guide
When & where September 27–29, 2027 · Las Vegas Convention Center · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
End users of packaging and processing technology across food, beverage, life sciences, household products, personal care, and other manufacturing sectors.
Exhibitor types
OEMs and suppliers of packaging and processing equipment, materials, components, and related technology.
A good choice if…
Useful for equipment and materials suppliers that can show a practical application, prepare technical demonstrations, and follow through on a longer capital-purchase cycle.
Good to know
A broad industrial buying audience does not equal grocery category buyers. Budget for equipment freight, utilities, handling, and demonstrations as well as booth space; finished brands usually attend to buy solutions.
- By the numbers
- 2025 (Sept 29–Oct 1, LVCC): 2,300 exhibitors, about 1M sq ft, largest Las Vegas show floor to date.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2027: non-member $34.25/sq ft incl. drayage; PMMI General Member 7+ yrs $26.75; 1–6 yrs and other member classes $32.25.
- Co-located with
- Pavilions within the show (2025) incl. Logistics, Healthcare Packaging and Confectionery.
- Future dates
- PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2027: Sept 27–29, 2027, Las Vegas Convention Center.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗
Oct52027Grocery & retail Purple guideNACS Show
Atlanta, Georgia · SouthOctober 5–8, 2027 · expo October 6–8Show guide
When & where October 5–8, 2027 · expo October 6–8 · Georgia World Congress Center · Atlanta, Georgia
Typical audience
Convenience and fuel-retailing owners, senior managers, category and merchandising teams, operations leaders and suppliers.
Exhibitor types
Convenience-store products and services, including candy, snacks, beverages, foodservice programs and equipment.
A good choice if…
A strong channel match for single-serve food, beverages, snacks and prepared-food programs suited to convenience retail.
Good to know
Match the pack format, price point and replenishment model to convenience stores. A premium grocery proposition may need a different pitch.
- By the numbers
- 2025 (Chicago): 25,136 attendees, 1,204 exhibitors. 2026 (Oct 7–9, Las Vegas): 1,200+ exhibitors, 435,000+ sq ft, sold out.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2026: $39/sq ft NACS or PEI member rate. Membership not required: members pick booths first; non-members may apply from June 2026, first-come.
- For new brands
- New Exhibitor Area: 100 sq ft booths for $3,900 (2026), subject to availability and eligibility.
- Future dates
- 2027: Oct 5–8 (expo Oct 6–8), Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta. 2028: Oct 2–5, McCormick Place, Chicago.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Oct202027Grocery & retail Purple guideThe Global Produce & Floral Show
Formerly PMA Fresh SummitAtlanta, Georgia · SouthOctober 20–22, 2027Show guide
When & where October 20–22, 2027 · Atlanta, Georgia
Typical audience
Fresh produce and floral buyers, growers, shippers and supply-chain leaders from retail, foodservice and wholesale.
Exhibitor types
Produce and floral growers, shippers, marketers, packaging, food safety and supply-chain technology providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell fresh produce, floral or fresh-adjacent products and want retail and foodservice produce buyers in one place.
Good to know
The 2026 show ran October 14–16 in Orlando; IFPA lists Atlanta for the 2027 show. Paid registration.
- By the numbers
- 2025 (Anaheim): record 3,500+ buyers, nearly 1,100 exhibiting companies, attendees from 50+ countries. 2026 (Oct 14–16, Orlando): 20,000+ attendees, 1,000+ exhibitors promoted.
- Booth & eligibility
- IFPA members $52/sq ft, nonmembers $104/sq ft, sold in 100 sq ft increments; full payment due by April 7 (2026 show).
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
Oct262027Processing Purple guideFood Production Solutions Show (FPSS)
Formerly EATS / PROCESS EXPOChicago, Illinois · MidwestOctober 26–28, 2027Show guide
When & where October 26–28, 2027 · McCormick Place · Chicago, Illinois
Typical audience
Food manufacturers and processors, co-packers, engineers, operations leaders, product developers, and quality and compliance professionals.
Exhibitor types
Equipment, automation, packaging, ingredient, software, facility, logistics, and professional service suppliers supporting food production.
A good choice if…
Consider exhibiting when your offering solves a defined production problem, from scaling a first manufacturing run to improving throughput or integrating a facility.
Good to know
Use the current FPSS name. The former EATS site now redirects here; EATS previously replaced Process Expo. For this newly launched format, qualify buyer profiles and demonstration opportunities before committing. Finished brands typically attend as manufacturing solution buyers.
- By the numbers
- New show; first edition Oct 26–28, 2027, McCormick Place, Chicago, announced July 15, 2026 by Messe Frankfurt Inc. with FPSA.
- Booth & eligibility
- No price published; exhibitor sales open late 2026; Intent to Exhibit form gives priority.
- For new brands
- Built for emerging brands, startups and small/mid-size processors; four Solution Zones.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗
Mar212028Packaging Purple guidePACK EXPO East
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · NortheastMarch 21–23, 2028Show guide
When & where March 21–23, 2028 · Pennsylvania Convention Center · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Typical audience
Engineers, executives, and procurement professionals from CPG, food and beverage, life sciences, and other industries, with a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic focus.
Exhibitor types
Packaging and processing machinery, materials, containers, automation, printing, labeling, and coding suppliers.
A good choice if…
Consider it when regional plant access and conversations with Northeast and Mid-Atlantic manufacturing teams matter more than a nationwide launch.
Good to know
The next announced edition is 2028, not 2027. Food brands normally visit as buyers of packaging and production solutions.
Sep102028Processing Purple guideInternational Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE)
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestExpo: September 10–13, 2028 · Education begins September 9Show guide
When & where Expo: September 10–13, 2028 · Education begins September 9 · Las Vegas Convention Center · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Commercial, artisan, retail, and in-store bakery operators; bakery owners; plant and production leaders; R&D; engineers; and purchasing teams.
Exhibitor types
Baking equipment, grain-based food ingredients, packaging, technologies, and other bakery production suppliers.
A good choice if…
A focused choice for suppliers serving bakery production, from ingredients and formulation through equipment and packaging, with a clear commercial or retail bakery customer profile.
Good to know
IBIE is held every three years; the next edition is 2028. A packaged bakery brand seeking grocery listings should distinguish bakery production buyers from grocery category buyers. Education begins one day before the expo.
- By the numbers
- IBIE 2025: 1,005 exhibitors, 451,100 sq ft (sold out), 19,000+ attendees; largest in its 105-year history.
- Booth & eligibility
- 2025: $37.75/sq ft for ABA, BEMA and RBA members; $49/sq ft non-members; includes space, material handling and lead retrieval.
- For new brands
- BEST in Baking awards; 2025 applications opened Jan 8, deadline Apr 30, 2025.
- Co-located with
- RBA Retail Bakers Center on the show floor.
- Future dates
- IBIE 2028: September 2028, Las Vegas.
- Sources
- Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗
NextTBAwatchlistSpecialty food Dates not confirmed yetAntojo Expo
Long Beach, California · WestNext dates to be announced
When & where Next dates to be announced · Long Beach Convention Center · Long Beach, California
Typical audience
Brokers, distributors, restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, chefs, food trucks, caterers and liquor stores focused on Latino food and beverage.
Exhibitor types
Latino and Hispanic food and beverage brands and suppliers targeting U.S. distribution, retail and foodservice.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell Hispanic or Latino food and beverage products and want U.S. distributor, retail and foodservice buyer contacts in one regional show.
Good to know
The 2026 edition ran October 5–6, 2026 in Long Beach.
No show matches those filters.
05 SMALLER ROOMS. FOCUSED AUDIENCES.
Food & beverage industry conferences & summits 2026–2027 Fewer aisles. Deeper conversations.
These conferences and summits put sessions and meetings first. Exhibiting usually means a tabletop, a sponsor package, a vendor expo or a short expo window, so budgets are smaller and the audience is narrower and often more senior. Each card says what exhibiting looks like there.
Conferences & summits 28 conferences
Showing the conferences that match your filters above.
Oct172026Grocery & retail Happening now Meeting rooms, not boothsNFRA Convention
National Harbor, Maryland · SouthOctober 17–20, 2026
When & where October 17–20, 2026 · Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center · National Harbor, Maryland
Typical audience
Frozen and refrigerated food manufacturers, retailers, sales agents/brokers, logistics providers and other decision-makers across the frozen and refrigerated supply chain.
Exhibitor types
Frozen and refrigerated food manufacturers and suppliers meeting retailers in pre-scheduled meeting rooms rather than a traditional booth hall.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell frozen or refrigerated products and want scheduled one-on-one meetings with retail buyers; booth-based exhibitors should note the meeting-room format.
Good to know
Format centers on private meeting rooms and scheduled business meetings, not a standard expo floor. 2027 is in San Diego (Oct. 9–12).
Nov32026Beverages & coffee Coming soon Expo in short blocksSommCon Conference & Beverage Expo
San Diego, California · WestExpo: Nov 3–4, 2026 · Event: Nov 3–5
When & where Expo: Nov 3–4, 2026 · Event: Nov 3–5 · Rancho Bernardo Inn · San Diego, California
Typical audience
Sommeliers, wine and spirits buyers, beverage directors, retailers, distributors, importers and educators.
Exhibitor types
Domestic and international brands: wine, beer, spirits, low- and no-alcohol drinks, and RTDs.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you want trade tastings with on- and off-premise beverage buyers and sommeliers.
Good to know
Expo is trade-only and runs in short blocks; some blocks need a conference pass.
Nov92026Restaurants & foodservice Coming soon Expo alongside sessionsRestaurant Finance & Development Conference
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestNovember 9–11, 2026
When & where November 9–11, 2026 · Wynn Las Vegas · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Restaurant owners, franchisees, CFOs and finance executives, plus lenders, investors, private equity and real estate developers.
Exhibitor types
Finance, lending, real estate and franchise service providers (e.g., banks, brokers, investment firms).
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell financing, real estate or business services to restaurant operators and franchisees.
Good to know
Finance-focused conference, not a food product show; exhibitors are mainly finance and real-estate firms.
Dec32026Specialty food Coming soon Sponsorships & paid samplingNosh Live
Marina del Rey, California · WestDecember 3–4, 2026
When & where December 3–4, 2026 · Marriott Marina del Rey · Marina del Rey, California
Typical audience
Packaged food founders, CPG executives, investors, retail buyers and distributors.
Exhibitor types
No traditional exhibit hall. Brands take part through sponsorships and paid sampling (pantry and networking-break slots).
A good choice if…
Consider it if you are an emerging packaged-food brand looking for investor, retailer and peer networking.
Good to know
Conference format, not a booth show; brands take part through sponsorship and paid sampling.
Dec62026Beverages & coffee Sponsorships & sampling fridgesBevNET Live L.A.
Marina del Rey, California · WestDecember 6–8, 2026
When & where December 6–8, 2026 · Marina del Rey, California
Typical audience
Beverage brand founders and executives, investors, retail and distribution buyers, and industry service providers.
Exhibitor types
Sponsors and service providers; emerging brands take part through sampling fridges and the New Beverage Showdown.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you are an emerging nonalcoholic beverage brand looking to meet investors and buyers rather than run a full booth.
Good to know
Conference format, not a traditional expo hall; brand sampling is by application.
Dec92026Beverages & coffee Sponsorships & 1:1 meetingsBrewbound Live
Marina del Rey, California · WestDecember 9–10, 2026
When & where December 9–10, 2026 · Marina del Rey Marriott · Marina del Rey, California
Typical audience
Beverage-alcohol professionals: brewery owners and executives, distributors, retailers and suppliers.
Exhibitor types
Sponsors and suppliers to breweries and beverage-alcohol brands; retailers and distributors join 1:1 meetings.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell to brewery leadership or want structured 1:1 meetings with retail and distribution buyers.
Good to know
Conference format with sponsor presence, not a traditional exhibit hall.
Feb172027Beverages & coffee Vendor expoAmerican Craft Spirits Convention & Expo
Chicago, Illinois · MidwestFebruary 17–18, 2027
When & where February 17–18, 2027 · Chicago, Illinois
Typical audience
Craft distillers and members of the spirits trade; ACSA describes it as a trade event for the craft spirits community.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers to craft distilleries: equipment, packaging, ingredients, technology and services.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you supply independent craft distillers and want a trade-association audience.
Good to know
Trade event for attendees 21+.
Feb212027Ingredients Formulation Floor stationsBakingTECH
Atlanta, Georgia · SouthFormulation Floor: February 23–24, 2027 · Event: February 21–24
When & where Formulation Floor: February 23–24, 2027 · Event: February 21–24 · Hyatt Regency Atlanta · Atlanta, Georgia
Typical audience
Commercial baking and grain-based foods professionals: R&D, product development, operations and engineering staff, plus students and young professionals.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient, equipment and process suppliers to commercial bakeries, presenting on the Formulation Floor and at Innovation and Sensation Stations.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell bakery ingredients, equipment or process technology and want time with technical decision-makers at wholesale bakeries.
Good to know
Not a traditional booth hall; Formulation Floor runs short mid-day sessions.
Mar12027Grocery & retail Exhibit hall alongside sessionsAnnual Meat Conference
Grapevine, Texas · SouthMarch 1–3, 2027
When & where March 1–3, 2027 · Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center · Grapevine, Texas
Typical audience
Meat and poultry retail leaders, meat department and merchandising teams, suppliers, processors and industry partners.
Exhibitor types
Meat and poultry processors and brands, plus suppliers of packaging, technology and services for retail meat departments.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell fresh or value-added meat or poultry, or services for meat departments, and want time with retail meat decision-makers.
Good to know
Official site lists the venue as "Dallas, TX" (the Gaylord Texan is in Grapevine).
Mar42027Beverages & coffee Tabletop exhibitsNCA Convention
Austin, Texas · SouthMarch 4–6, 2027
When & where March 4–6, 2027 · JW Marriott Austin · Austin, Texas
Typical audience
Executives and professionals from U.S. coffee companies, including roasters, retailers, importers and allied suppliers.
Exhibitor types
Tabletop exhibitors: packaging, testing labs, logistics, processing equipment, green coffee and tea traders.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you serve coffee-company leadership and a tabletop presence suits your sales approach better than a full booth.
Good to know
Tabletop exhibits only, no traditional exhibit hall; space is limited.
Mar112027Ingredients Partner packages & demosFuture Food-Tech San Francisco
San Francisco, California · WestMarch 11–12, 2027
When & where March 11–12, 2027 · Marriott Marquis San Francisco · San Francisco, California
Typical audience
CPG companies, retailers, ingredient and technology providers, start-up founders and investors working on food innovation.
Exhibitor types
Partners and start-ups in ingredients, food tech, alternative proteins and sustainability, via sponsorship packages and live demos.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell novel ingredients or food technology and want to meet CPG innovation teams and investors in a summit setting.
Good to know
Summit format; the site lists partner tiers, not a booth hall. The Chicago edition is paused.
Mar152027Restaurants & foodservice Tech expo alongside sessionsMURTEC
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestMarch 15–17, 2027
When & where March 15–17, 2027 · Caesars Palace Las Vegas · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Senior technology and operations leaders from multi-unit quick-service, fast-casual and full-service restaurant brands.
Exhibitor types
Restaurant technology providers: POS, ordering, payments, loyalty, data and kitchen automation.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell technology or operational solutions to multi-unit restaurant chains.
Good to know
Technology conference with an expo floor; it is not a food or beverage product show.
Mar232027Ingredients Mid-size expo alongside sessionsRCA Annual Conference & Culinology Expo
Dallas, Texas · SouthMarch 23–25, 2027
When & where March 23–25, 2027 · Sheraton Dallas Hotel · Dallas, Texas
Typical audience
700+ research chefs, food scientists and product developers from food manufacturers, chains and suppliers.
Exhibitor types
100+ exhibitors: ingredient, flavor and food technology suppliers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell ingredients or flavors and want time with R&D chefs and product developers.
Good to know
Conference-style event with a mid-size expo.
Apr42027Restaurants & foodservice Evening marketplaceRestaurant Leadership Conference
Phoenix, Arizona · WestApril 4–7, 2027
When & where April 4–7, 2027 · JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa · Phoenix, Arizona
Typical audience
Restaurant industry leaders, from C-suite and IT executives to culinary leaders at chain and multi-unit brands.
Exhibitor types
Solution providers in the RLC Marketplace, largely technology, marketing and services vendors to restaurant chains.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell to chain restaurant executives and value meetings over foot traffic; the Marketplace is small and sponsor-driven.
Good to know
Conference-first event; Marketplace hours are short evening windows (2026 pattern).
Apr52027Beverages & coffee Area in the shared CBC expoCiderCon
San Antonio, Texas · SouthApril 5–7, 2027
When & where April 5–7, 2027 · San Antonio, Texas
Typical audience
Independent cider producers, cidery owners and staff, and cider industry suppliers.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers to cider makers: fruit and juice, ingredients, packaging, equipment and services.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you supply cider makers with fruit, ingredients, packaging or equipment.
Good to know
Co-located with the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America. Exhibits are in a CiderCon area of the shared CBC expo.
Apr72027Ingredients Smaller expo with curated meetingsSupplySide Connect Utah
Provo, Utah · WestApril 7–8, 2027
When & where April 7–8, 2027 · Utah Valley Convention Center · Provo, Utah
Typical audience
Dietary supplement and food and beverage manufacturers, ingredient buyers, CPG brands, product developers, and related industry professionals.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and providers of technologies and services supporting health and nutrition products.
A good choice if…
Consider it for ingredient or manufacturing services with a clear use in supplements, functional beverages, or health-focused food products.
Good to know
This is a new event for 2027. Ask for the current buyer profile and prebook target accounts instead of assuming an established show's attendance mix. Finished brands should assess it primarily for sourcing.
May102027Processing Limited expo hoursFood Safety Summit
Rosemont, Illinois · MidwestExpo: May 11–13, 2027 · Event: May 10–13
When & where Expo: May 11–13, 2027 · Event: May 10–13 · Donald E. Stephens Convention Center · Rosemont, Illinois
Typical audience
Food safety and quality professionals from across the supply chain: processors, retailers, foodservice, regulators and academia.
Exhibitor types
Food safety solution providers: testing and diagnostics, sanitation, pest control, auditing and certification, software and training.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell food safety, sanitation, testing or compliance products and want focused access to QA/QC and food safety buyers.
Good to know
Exhibit hall hours are limited (evening reception May 11, mid-day May 12–13).
Jun82027Ingredients Smaller expo with curated meetingsSupplySide Connect Madison
Madison, Wisconsin · MidwestJune 8–9, 2027
When & where June 8–9, 2027 · Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center · Madison, Wisconsin
Typical audience
Midwest food, beverage, and dietary supplement professionals; CPG product developers; nutrition scientists; and ingredient and manufacturing teams.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient suppliers and providers of food technologies, manufacturing, and co-packing services.
A good choice if…
A targeted option for ingredient or co-manufacturing suppliers whose ideal customers develop food, beverage, or nutrition products in the Midwest.
Good to know
Launching in 2027. It is not a general retail sell-in show for finished brands.
Jul132027Specialty food Sponsorships & showcase tablesAmerican Cheese Society Annual Conference
Providence, Rhode Island · NortheastJuly 13–16, 2027
When & where July 13–16, 2027 · Providence, Rhode Island
Typical audience
Cheesemakers, cheesemongers, retailers, distributors, educators and other members of the American cheese community.
Exhibitor types
Cheese and dairy producers, distributors and allied suppliers through sponsorships and the Meet the Cheesemaker showcase.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you make or distribute specialty cheese and want visibility with cheese buyers and mongers; sponsorship and Meet the Cheesemaker are the main vendor routes.
Good to know
Moved from Madison (now 2028) to Providence.
Jul172027Processing Exhibit hall alongside sessions Purple guideIAFP Annual Meeting
Kansas City, Missouri · MidwestExpo: Jul 18–20, 2027 · Event: Jul 17–21Show guide
When & where Expo: Jul 18–20, 2027 · Event: Jul 17–21 · Kansas City Convention Center · Kansas City, Missouri
Typical audience
Food safety professionals from industry, government and academia, including QA, microbiology and regulatory staff.
Exhibitor types
Food safety testing, diagnostics, sanitation, lab equipment and compliance service providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell food safety testing, sanitation or QA products and services.
Good to know
Scientific conference with an exhibit hall. Exhibit days are July 18–20.
Jul202027Grocery & retail Expo alongside sessionsOrganic Produce Summit
Monterey, California · WestJuly 20–22, 2027
When & where July 20–22, 2027 · Monterey Conference Center · Monterey, California
Typical audience
Organic fresh produce retail buyers, hosted buyers, growers, shippers and industry stakeholders.
Exhibitor types
Organic fresh produce growers, shippers and marketers, plus related packaging and service providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you grow or market certified organic produce and want a focused trade floor with organic retail buyers.
Good to know
Exhibit space is typically limited to organic produce and related categories.
Jul282027Processing Suppliers' showcaseSMA Annual Convention & Suppliers' Showcase
Cedar Creek, Texas · SouthJuly 28–31, 2027
When & where July 28–31, 2027 · Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa · Cedar Creek, Texas
Typical audience
Meat packers, processors and distributors in Texas and the Southwest, plus industry suppliers and association members.
Exhibitor types
Suppliers to meat processors: equipment, packaging, ingredients and seasonings, sanitation and services.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell to regional meat and poultry processors and want a smaller, relationship-focused setting.
Good to know
Resort venue, not a convention hall.
Jul292027Restaurants & foodservice Expo alongside sessionsThe Foodservice Conference
Monterey, California · WestJuly 29–30, 2027
When & where July 29–30, 2027 · Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa · Monterey, California
Typical audience
Foodservice operators, distributors, chefs and menu developers, K-12 school nutrition operators, retail foodservice buyers and produce suppliers.
Exhibitor types
Fresh produce grower-shippers and processors, plus solutions providers serving the foodservice produce supply chain.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell fresh produce or produce-based items into foodservice and want direct time with operators, distributors and chefs.
Good to know
Produced by IFPA.
Aug252027Processing Vendor expoADI Craft Spirits Conference & Expo
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · NortheastAugust 25–26, 2027
When & where August 25–26, 2027 · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Typical audience
Craft distillers, distillery owners and staff, and people planning to open distilleries.
Exhibitor types
Still and distillation equipment makers, packaging, bottles and closures, ingredient suppliers and distillery service providers.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you sell equipment, packaging or ingredients to craft distilleries.
Good to know
Vendor expo for suppliers to craft distilleries.
Sep132027Grocery & retail Sponsorships & hosted meetingsGroceryshop
Las Vegas, Nevada · WestSeptember 13–15, 2027
When & where September 13–15, 2027 · Mandalay Bay · Las Vegas, Nevada
Typical audience
Retailers and consumer brands across grocery, mass, club, convenience, pharmacy, food and beverage, household, health and pet categories.
Exhibitor types
Retail technology, retail media, data, marketing and commerce solution providers; CPG brands mainly attend or sponsor.
A good choice if…
Consider it if your goals are retail partnerships, retail media or commerce strategy; it is not a product-sampling show for finding new grocery buyers.
Good to know
Primarily a conference and meetings event for retail and tech.
Sep152027Restaurants & foodservice Tech demos alongside sessionsFS/TEC
Grapevine, Texas · SouthSeptember 15–17, 2027
When & where September 15–17, 2027 · Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center · Grapevine, Texas
Typical audience
Restaurant operators, especially technology and operations leaders from large chains.
Exhibitor types
Restaurant technology providers offering demos: POS, ordering, kitchen, labor, data and AI solutions.
A good choice if…
Consider it only if you sell technology or tech-enabled services to restaurant chains; it is not a food or beverage sourcing show.
Good to know
Tech-focused; food and beverage brands are not the core exhibitor base.
NextTBAwatchlistIngredients Dates not confirmed yet Smaller expo with curated meetingsSupplySide Connect New Jersey
New JerseyReturning in 2028
When & where Returning in 2028 · New Jersey
Typical audience
Health and nutrition product developers and buyers seeking ingredient suppliers, formulation expertise, and manufacturing partners.
Exhibitor types
Ingredient suppliers, formulation partners, manufacturers, and related services for the food, beverage, and supplement supply chain.
A good choice if…
Keep it on the longer-term watchlist if East Coast ingredient and health-product manufacturing relationships are important to your sales plan.
Good to know
The New Jersey show returns in 2028; there is no 2027 New Jersey edition. Utah and Madison are the 2027 Connect editions.
NextTBAwatchlistBeverages & coffee Dates not confirmed yet Sponsorships & tasting roomsTales of the Cocktail
New Orleans, Louisiana · SouthNext dates to be announced
When & where Next dates to be announced · New Orleans, Louisiana
Typical audience
Bartenders, bar owners, spirits brand staff, distributors and drinks media.
Exhibitor types
Spirits and mixer brands through sponsorships, tasting rooms and activations rather than a booth-based expo floor.
A good choice if…
Consider it if you are a spirits or mixer brand seeking bartender advocacy and can invest in a sponsored activation.
Good to know
No traditional exhibit hall; brand presence is through partnerships.
No conference matches your filters.
06 EVERY CATEGORY HAS ITS OWN AISLE
Food & beverage trade shows by category Shows by category: pick your aisle.
The best food trade show is the one your buyers already walk. Start with your category.
Grocery & retail trade shows
14 showsFor packaged food and drink brands chasing shelf space with supermarkets, independents, convenience stores, natural retailers and the distributors who supply them.
Booth tipLead with velocity: price point, margin, promotion plan and how you will support the shelf.
NFRA ConventionPLMA U.S. Private Label Trade ShowThe New York Produce Show and ConferenceEast Coast Produce ExpoThe NGA ShowAnnual Meat ConferenceNatural Products Expo WestViva Fresh ExpoWest Coast Produce ExpoOrganic Produce SummitGroceryshopNewtopia NowNACS ShowThe Global Produce & Floral Show
Specialty food trade shows
10 showsCheese, confections, snacks, seafood, deli, bakery and gourmet pantry products meet specialty retailers, gift and gourmet shops, delis and category buyers.
Booth tipLead with story and taste, then prove supply, shelf life and case economics.
Nosh LiveWinter FancyFaireSouthern ExposureSeafood Expo North AmericaSweets & Snacks ExpoIDDBAAmerican Cheese Society Annual ConferenceSummer Fancy Food ShowAmericas Food & Beverage ShowAntojo Expo
Restaurant & foodservice trade shows
20 showsFor ingredients, prepared foods, beverages, equipment and technology that belong in commercial kitchens, chains, hotels, caterers and school or campus dining.
Booth tipLead with the plate: yield, labor saved, portion cost and consistency in a busy service.
Florida Restaurant ShowThe Hospitality ShowRestaurant Finance & Development ConferenceThe NAFEM ShowNew York Restaurant ShowWisconsin Food & Hospitality ExpoMURTECNew England Restaurant & Bar ShowCater+EventBar & Restaurant ExpoRestaurant Leadership ConferenceInternational Pizza ExpoNorthwest Food ShowThe NAMA ShowNational Restaurant Association ShowSNA Annual National Conference (ANC27)Texas Restaurant ShowThe Foodservice ConferenceCalifornia Restaurant ShowFS/TEC
Beverage, coffee, wine & spirits shows
19 showsCoffee and tea, wine, beer, spirits, non-alcoholic and functional drinks, plus the suppliers who serve cafés, bars, distributors and beverage brands.
Booth tipCheck alcohol pouring and licensing rules early; they shape the whole booth.
SommCon Conference & Beverage ExpoNorth Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo)BevNET Live L.A.Brewbound LiveUnified Wine & Grape SymposiumWSWA Access LIVEAmerican Craft Spirits Convention & ExpoNCA ConventionCoffee Fest New YorkWorld Tea ExpoCiderConCraft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo AmericaWorld of Coffee New OrleansVinexpo AmericasBar Convent BrooklynCoffee Fest ChicagoInternational Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS San Francisco)Coffee Fest PasadenaTales of the Cocktail
Food ingredient & formulation shows
8 showsFlavors, functional ingredients, supplements, formulation services and food-tech meet product developers, R&D teams and procurement.
Booth tipLead with the application: a finished prototype that shows what your ingredient changes.
SupplySide GlobalBakingTECHFuture Food-Tech San FranciscoRCA Annual Conference & Culinology ExpoSupplySide Connect UtahSupplySide Connect MadisonIFT FIRSTSupplySide Connect New Jersey
Food processing & production shows
11 showsProcessing equipment, plant technology, food safety, protein, bakery and beverage production solutions for manufacturers and plant teams.
Booth tipPlan for freight, utilities and floor loading before you promise a live demo.
Food Northwest Process & Packaging ExpoInternational Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)SNAXPOPetfood ForumInternational Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (iPBS)Food Safety SummitIAFP Annual MeetingSMA Annual Convention & Suppliers' ShowcaseADI Craft Spirits Conference & ExpoFood Production Solutions Show (FPSS)International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE)
Food packaging & machinery shows
4 showsPackaging machinery, materials, automation and line integration for food and beverage manufacturers and co-packers.
Booth tipShow the line running, then give engineers room to talk changeover, speed and service.
PACK EXPO InternationalPACK EXPO SoutheastPACK EXPO Las VegasPACK EXPO East
The big five, head to head.
Expo West vs. Fancy Food vs. Newtopia Now vs. the Restaurant Show vs. IFT FIRST.
| Topic | Natural Products Expo West | Summer Fancy Food Show | Newtopia Now | National Restaurant Association Show | IFT FIRST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Natural, organic and better-for-you CPG brands seeking retail buyers and distributors | Specialty and gourmet food and beverage brands seeking specialty retail, distribution and foodservice buyers | Emerging natural CPG brands that want pre-scheduled retailer meetings | Products, equipment and services for restaurants and foodservice operators | Ingredients, flavors, formulation and food-science suppliers |
| When & where | March, Anaheim | Summer, New York | September, Rosemont (Chicago area) | May, Chicago | July, Chicago |
| Gate to exhibit | Application + ingredient-standards review (up to 90 days) | SFA Tier 2 membership via product qualification | New Hope application | Open booth sales; sampling form required | Open booth sales |
| New-brand route | Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace; NEXTY Awards | Spark Pavilion; state & regional pavilions | Majority first-time exhibitors in 2026 | Emerging Brands Pavilion; FABI Awards | Startup Pavilion; The Pitch |
| Watch out for | Premium space rates; applications take time | Six months in market required before qualifying | Smaller floor; value is in the meetings | Strict sampling and fuel rules | Technical buyers expect specs and samples |
Editorial summary from the organizer pages linked in each profile and in “Your first show”. Requirements come from each organizer’s published pages.
Looking for an old show name?
Several food shows have been renamed or replaced. Here’s where they went.
EATS / PROCESS EXPOFood Production Solutions ShowNatural Products Expo EastNewtopia NowSpecialty Coffee Expo (SCA)World of Coffee New OrleansWinter Fancy Food ShowWinter FancyFaireNightclub & Bar ShowBar & Restaurant ExpoInternational Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New YorkNew York Restaurant ShowWestern Foodservice & Hospitality ExpoCalifornia Restaurant ShowFlorida Restaurant & Lodging ShowFlorida Restaurant ShowCatersource + The Special EventCater+EventNorthwest Foodservice ShowNorthwest Food ShowNWFPA ExpoFood Northwest Process & Packaging ExpoSupplySide WestSupplySide GlobalPMA Fresh SummitThe Global Produce & Floral Show
07 TODAY’S SPECIALS, ALL YEAR LONG
Food & beverage trade show calendar 2026–2027 The season, month by month.
Plan the year like a menu. Every dated U.S. show in this guide, in order, so you can see busy months, back-to-back shows and the windows you’ll need for design, freight and follow-up.
Conference marks conferences & summits. Everything else is a trade show.
October 2026
- NFRA ConventionNational Harbor · Conference
- PACK EXPO InternationalChicago
- Florida Restaurant ShowOrlando
- SupplySide GlobalLas Vegas
November 2026
- The Hospitality ShowMiami Beach
- SommCon Conference & Beverage ExpoSan Diego · Conference
- Restaurant Finance & Development ConferenceLas Vegas · Conference
- PLMA U.S. Private Label Trade ShowRosemont
December 2026
- The New York Produce Show and ConferenceNew York
- North Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo)Santa Rosa
- Nosh LiveMarina del Rey · Conference
- BevNET Live L.A.Marina del Rey · Conference
- Brewbound LiveMarina del Rey · Conference
January 2027
- Food Northwest Process & Packaging ExpoPortland
- Winter FancyFaireSan Francisco
- International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)Atlanta
- Unified Wine & Grape SymposiumSacramento
- East Coast Produce ExpoMiami Beach
- The NGA ShowLas Vegas
February 2027
- WSWA Access LIVEGrapevine
- The NAFEM ShowOrlando
- American Craft Spirits Convention & ExpoChicago · Conference
- BakingTECHAtlanta · Conference
March 2027
- Annual Meat ConferenceGrapevine · Conference
- Natural Products Expo WestAnaheim
- NCA ConventionAustin · Conference
- Southern ExposureOrlando
- Coffee Fest New YorkNew York
- New York Restaurant ShowNew York
- Seafood Expo North AmericaBoston
- Wisconsin Food & Hospitality ExpoWest Allis
- Future Food-Tech San FranciscoSan Francisco · Conference
- MURTECLas Vegas · Conference
- New England Restaurant & Bar ShowBoston
- Cater+EventNew Orleans
- World Tea ExpoLas Vegas
- Bar & Restaurant ExpoLas Vegas
- RCA Annual Conference & Culinology ExpoDallas · Conference
April 2027
- Restaurant Leadership ConferencePhoenix · Conference
- SNAXPOCharlotte
- CiderConSan Antonio · Conference
- Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo AmericaSan Antonio
- SupplySide Connect UtahProvo · Conference
- Viva Fresh ExpoSan Antonio
- World of Coffee New OrleansNew Orleans
- PACK EXPO SoutheastAtlanta
- International Pizza ExpoLas Vegas
- Northwest Food ShowPortland
- Petfood ForumKansas City
- International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference & Exhibition (iPBS)Rosemont
May 2027
- The NAMA ShowNew Orleans
- Food Safety SummitRosemont · Conference
- Vinexpo AmericasMiami Beach
- Sweets & Snacks ExpoIndianapolis
- National Restaurant Association ShowChicago
- West Coast Produce ExpoPalm Desert
June 2027
- IDDBAAtlanta
- Bar Convent BrooklynBrooklyn
- SupplySide Connect MadisonMadison · Conference
- Coffee Fest ChicagoChicago
July 2027
- SNA Annual National Conference (ANC27)Phoenix
- Texas Restaurant ShowSan Antonio
- IFT FIRSTChicago
- American Cheese Society Annual ConferenceProvidence · Conference
- IAFP Annual MeetingKansas City · Conference
- Organic Produce SummitMonterey · Conference
- Summer Fancy Food ShowNew York
- International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS San Francisco)San Francisco
- SMA Annual Convention & Suppliers' ShowcaseCedar Creek · Conference
- The Foodservice ConferenceMonterey · Conference
August 2027
- Coffee Fest PasadenaPasadena
- ADI Craft Spirits Conference & ExpoPittsburgh · Conference
September 2027
- California Restaurant ShowAnaheim
- GroceryshopLas Vegas · Conference
- Newtopia NowRosemont
- FS/TECGrapevine · Conference
- Americas Food & Beverage ShowMiami Beach
- PACK EXPO Las VegasLas Vegas
October 2027
- NACS ShowAtlanta
- The Global Produce & Floral ShowAtlanta
- Food Production Solutions Show (FPSS)Chicago
March 2028
- PACK EXPO EastPhiladelphia
September 2028
On the watchlist next dates TBA
Trade shows by monthJanuary 2027February 2027March 2027April 2027May 2027June 2027July 2027August 2027September 2027October 2027March 2028September 2028
Trade shows by cityChicagoOrlandoLas VegasMiami BeachSan DiegoRosemontNew YorkSan FranciscoAtlantaAnaheimBostonNew OrleansSan AntonioIndianapolisPhiladelphia
Going global? Shows worth knowing.
Major international food & beverage trade shows that U.S. exporters, buyers and suppliers watch. Several run every two or three years, so plan around the rotation. International shows are not included in the U.S. directory counts.
| Show | Next dates | Where | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIAL Paris ↗One of the world's largest food innovation shows, spanning all retail and foodservice product sectors. | October 17–21, 2026 | Paris, France | Biennial |
| Gulfood Manufacturing ↗The Middle East's largest food and beverage processing, packaging, and supply chain technology show. | November 3–5, 2026 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Annual |
| Fi Europe (Food ingredients Europe) ↗Europe's leading food and beverage ingredients show, alternating between Frankfurt and Paris. | November 17–19, 2026 | Frankfurt, Germany | Annual |
| ISM ↗The world's largest trade fair for sweets and snacks, with co-located ISM Ingredients and ISM Manufacturing. | January 31–February 3, 2027 | Cologne, Germany | Annual |
| FRUIT LOGISTICA ↗The leading global trade show for the fresh produce business, from growers to retailers. | February 3–5, 2027 | Berlin, Germany | Annual |
| BIOFACH ↗The world's leading trade fair for organic food and beverages. | February 16–19, 2027 | Nuremberg, Germany | Annual |
| ProWein ↗The leading international trade fair for wines and spirits. | March 7–9, 2027 | Düsseldorf, Germany | Annual |
| FOODEX JAPAN ↗Asia's largest food and beverage trade show and the main gateway for importers into the Japanese market. | March 9–12, 2027 | Tokyo, Japan | Annual |
| Gulfood ↗One of the world's largest annual food and beverage sourcing shows, linking suppliers to Middle East, African, and Asian buyers. | March 15–19, 2027 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Annual |
| Vinitaly ↗The largest international wine and spirits exhibition, centered on Italian wine. | April 11–14, 2027 | Verona, Italy | Annual |
| FHA-Food & Beverage ↗Southeast Asia's leading food and beverage trade event for retail, foodservice, and import buyers. | April 20–23, 2027 | Singapore, Singapore | Annual |
| Seafood Expo Global ↗The world's largest seafood trade event, covering fresh, frozen, and processed seafood and equipment. | April 20–22, 2027 | Barcelona, Spain | Annual |
| SIAL Canada ↗Canada's largest food innovation trade show, alternating between Toronto and Montréal. | April 27–29, 2027 | Toronto, Canada | Annual |
| PLMA's World of Private Label International Trade Show ↗The leading international show for store-brand manufacturers and retail private label buyers. | May 25–26, 2027 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Annual |
| Anuga ↗The world's leading food and beverage trade fair for retail and foodservice, organized into 10 trade shows. | October 9–13, 2027 | Cologne, Germany | Biennial |
| HostMilano ↗The leading global show for foodservice equipment, coffee, bakery, gelato, and hospitality. | October 22–26, 2027 | Milan, Italy | Biennial |
| TUTTOFOOD ↗Italy's leading international food and beverage B2B show, highlighting Italian and Mediterranean products. | May 8–11, 2028 | Milan, Italy | Biennial |
| drinktec ↗The world's leading trade fair for beverage and liquid food processing, filling, and packaging technology. | September 11–15, 2028 | Munich, Germany | Every 3–4 years |
| interpack ↗The world's leading trade fair for processing and packaging, with major food, confectionery, and bakery sections. | June 10–15, 2029 | Düsseldorf, Germany | Triennial |
08 EVERY BIG BRAND HAD A FIRST SHOW
Trade shows for new & emerging food brands Your first show. Your way in.
The biggest food shows aren’t all first-come, first-served. Some require membership or an ingredient review, and most have a cheaper, curated route for new brands. Here’s how to get in, with the source for every rule.
Deadlines coming up
Natural Products Expo West
How to get in
- Submit an exhibitor application; New Hope’s Standards team reviews it within 90 days, and approved brands then have one year to reserve a booth.
- Products must meet New Hope’s ingredient standards, including no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.
- The application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee space.
Programs for new brands
- Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace: a one-day showcase for certified-organic products.
- NEXTY Awards: you don’t need to exhibit to apply. 2027 nominations close December 2, 2026.
Summer Fancy Food Show & Winter FancyFaire
How to get in
- Join the Specialty Food Association (Tier 1), then pass product qualification: the product must have been selling for at least six months, the submission costs $150, and review takes about 10–15 business days.
- Qualification upgrades you to Tier 2 membership, which allows exhibiting at the Fancy Food shows.
Programs for new brands
- Spark Pavilion: for first-time SFA exhibitors. 2026 prices: one-day kiosk $999, three-day tabletop $1,699, 5×10 Debut District booth $2,523. It sold out in 2026.
- State & regional pavilions: for example, Vermont’s 2026 Summer pavilion at $49/sq ft and SUSTA’s at $1,550 per 10×10.
- sofi Awards: Tier 2 members may enter without exhibiting.
SFA product qualification ↗ Spark Pavilion ↗ Vermont pavilion ↗ SUSTA ↗
National Restaurant Association Show
How to get in
- Exhibitors may sample only their own products and must submit the show’s sampling form; alcohol sampling needs separate approval.
- Propane, butane and charcoal are prohibited on the floor.
Programs for new brands
- Emerging Brands Pavilion: for first-time exhibitors in business three years or less with at least one paying customer. 2024–25 rates were $3,025–$3,125 for a 5×10 and $5,025–$5,225 for a 10×10.
- FABI Awards 2027: exhibitors only; product launched in the U.S. within 24 months; $1,550 total; deadline January 27, 2027.
IFT FIRST
How to get in
- Startups exhibit in a dedicated pavilion limited to 100 companies; contact IFT sales for pricing.
Programs for new brands
- The Pitch: $15,000 in prizes for pavilion startups, plus 20 showcase slots reserved for pavilion exhibitors.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
How to get in
- Startup Street is open to candy and snack companies in business three years or less that have never exhibited at the Expo.
Programs for new brands
- 2027 price: $4,000 for a 10×10 with table, chairs, carpet, power and lead retrieval.
- Awards: Startup Street exhibitors can enter the Most Innovative New Product Award.
Newtopia Now
How to get in
- Built around pre-scheduled retailer meetings: the 2026 edition reported 1,500 curated meetings across more than 435 brands.
Programs for new brands
- First-timer friendly: more than 60% of 2026 exhibitors were exhibiting for the first time. Next edition: September 14–16, 2027, Rosemont (Chicago area).
Prices and rules are the latest the organizers published; some rate cards still show earlier years. Cost-share help exists too: state and regional pavilions, and for international shows, programs like Food Export’s Branded Program.
MAKE IT A MOMENT, NOT JUST A SAMPLE
A taste.
A conversation.
A reason to remember.
The product gets them curious. A welcoming space, a good story and a real conversation give them a reason to stay.
Make every sample count
09 LET’S GET YOU SHOW-READY
How to exhibit at a food trade show A little prep. A lot more possibility.
There’s a lot to think about. Let’s break it into manageable pieces: the sample, the setup, the rules, the cold chain, the pour, the buyer conversation, and what comes next.
01THE TASTEMake every sample count.
Choose a small set of hero products with a clear reason to buy. Give each taste a short story, then ask a useful question: “Which category do you buy for?” or “Where would this fit on your menu?”
Rehearse portioning and service speed. Estimate samples as planned portions per hour × serving hours, then add an explicit buffer for your own demand assumptions. Check cold-storage capacity and replenishment before increasing the quantity.
02THE SETUPMake service feel effortless.
- Utilities: Commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment often need dedicated circuits. Standard show power may be switched off overnight; order 24-hour power for anything that must stay cold.
- Water: Plumbing is usually a separate, costly order. Many sampling booths use a portable handwash station instead; ask what the health authority accepts.
- Cooking: Induction and enclosed appliances are easier to approve than open flame. Propane and fryers are commonly restricted; ask about ventilation and fire rules.
- Flow: Keep queues inside your space. Provide an accessible approach and a discreet waste and restocking route.
- Materials: Fabrics and décor may need flame-retardant certification. Choose wipeable, food-safe counter surfaces.
03THE RULESSampling, permits & food safety.
- Approvals: Read the exhibitor manual’s food-sampling section first. Many venues have an exclusive caterer whose rules, waivers or fees apply to exhibitor sampling.
- Permits: Some shows file one approval for the whole event; others require each sampling exhibitor to apply to the local health department, often weeks in advance.
- Sample sizes: Many shows cap portion sizes and prohibit full-size giveaways. Plan bite-size servings and small pours.
- Food handling: Use qualified staff, gloves or utensils, temperature control and probe thermometers; protect product from contamination.
- Allergens: Keep accurate ingredient and allergen information visible at the point of service; train staff and manage cross-contact.
The current show manual and local authority determine your requirements. The FDA Food Code is a model used by jurisdictions, not a universal event permit. FDA reference ↗ · Example: Expo West sampling policy ↗
04THE COLD CHAINShip perishables without the panic.
- Ask first: Many advance warehouses do not accept perishables. Options include direct-to-show delivery on an assigned date, the contractor’s or caterer’s cold storage, or local sourcing.
- Label everything: Show name, booth number, exhibitor and “PERISHABLE – KEEP REFRIGERATED” or “KEEP FROZEN” on every case.
- Keep it cold on site: Rent or bring reach-in refrigeration, order 24-hour power, and log temperatures at open and close.
- Dry ice: It is regulated cargo for air shipment and needs ventilation on site. Declare it and follow the carrier’s rules.
- Have a backup: Identify a local restaurant supplier, and plan leftover product: many shows partner with food-rescue organizations.
05THE POURWine, beer & spirits sampling.
Alcohol sampling is governed by state law, the venue’s liquor license and the show’s own rules. Ask early whether pours must go through the venue’s licensed caterer or bartenders, whether product must come through a licensed distributor in that state, and how it can be shipped in.
Ask about sample-size limits, ID checks, service hours and who may pour. Plan a non-alcoholic option and a secure, counted stock area. These answers shape the bar, storage and staffing, so get them in writing before you design.
06THE CONVERSATIONBring the answers buyers need.
Prepare a concise digital buyer kit (see the order ticket below). For foodservice, add yield and preparation details. For ingredients, add specifications and evaluation samples. For equipment, add application compatibility, performance evidence and service support.
Know your channel math before the show: wholesale price, suggested retail price, expected retail margin, case pack and how a buyer would receive product through their distributor.
07THE SPOTLIGHTGet found before the doors open.
- Meetings: Invite target accounts four to six weeks out with a specific reason to stop by, and book times.
- Organizer programs: Use buyer matchmaking, hosted-buyer programs and the exhibitor directory listing; fill in every field and keyword.
- Showcases & awards: Enter new-product showcases and award programs where you qualify, such as the National Restaurant Association Show’s FABI Awards or the Specialty Food Association’s sofi Awards. Deadlines are often months before the show.
- Partners: Tell your brokers and distributors your booth number; they bring buyers.
- Press & social: Send news to the show’s press office and use the official hashtag and floor map.
08THE FOLLOW-THROUGHKeep the conversation going.
A badge scan is a contact. A qualified lead has a buyer role, channel, territory, need, timing and agreed next step. Assign a person and due date to every promising conversation.
Use separate pathways for retail listings, foodservice trials and technical evaluations. Ask permission for follow-up and collect only what the team needs. Track opportunities and orders over the real buying cycle, and time retail follow-up to the buyer’s category review.
THE BUYER KIT
Your order ticket for every buyer.
Buyers decide on facts. Have this ready as a one-page sell sheet and a short digital kit, so the next step is easy to say yes to.
New to the terms? See the glossaryORDER # BUYER-KITTABLE: YOURS
- 1× Product range, flavors & pack sizes
- 1× Ingredients, allergens & nutrition
- 1× Wholesale price, SRP & margin
- 1× Case pack, Ti-Hi & case dimensions
- 1× UPC / GTIN for every SKU
- 1× Shelf life & storage temperature
- 1× MOQ & lead times
- 1× Distributors & regions served
- 1× Certifications you can substantiate
- 1× Promotion & launch support plan
- 1× Food-safety audit & capacity facts
- 1× One clear next step + contact
FIRE WHEN READY
10 THE INGREDIENT THAT MAKES IT ALL WORK
Food trade show budget & ROI Big ideas. Well-planned numbers.
Let’s put some numbers behind the excitement. Add your full show budget and your own customer economics to see what breaking even could look like.
Budget beyond the square footage.
- Space & presence
- Booth space, design, graphics, furniture and displays.
- Getting there
- Freight, material handling, installation, dismantle, storage and travel.
- Running the booth
- Power, internet, refrigeration, water, cleaning, samples and consumables.
- Your people & follow-through
- Staff time, training, lead capture, meeting outreach and post-show evaluations.
Get itemized quotes and an explicit contingency. These categories are a planning checklist, not a price estimate.
Where the exhibit dollar goes.
Average share of exhibitor spending by category.
- Exhibit space 36%
- Show services 17%
- Travel & entertainment 14%
- Exhibit design 11%
- Shipping 10%
- Promotion 6%
- Lead management 4%
- Staff training & other 2%
Source: CEIR, How the Exhibit Dollar Is Spent (2012), via TSNN ↗ Food exhibitors usually add sampling, refrigeration and utilities on top.
Real booth prices, published.
What organizers list for space. Add the exhibit, freight, labor, utilities and travel.
| Show | Published price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Products Expo West2025 rate card (latest published) | Inline 10×10 $9,384 · corner $10,929 · island $122.11/sq ft | Source ↗ |
| SupplySide Global2026 | $96–$107.50/sq ft · turnkey 10×10 from $17,400 | Source ↗ |
| National Restaurant Association Show2027 | $49/sq ft ($48 at 800+ sq ft) · $375 per corner | Source ↗ |
| NAFEM Show2027 | Members $42/sq ft · non-members $56/sq ft + $3,500 fee | Source ↗ |
| Sweets & Snacks Expo2027 | $49–$68/sq ft by membership · Startup Street 10×10 $4,000 | Source ↗ |
| NACS Show2026 | Member rate $39/sq ft · New Exhibitor Area 10×10 $3,900 | Source ↗ |
| IDDBA Show2027 | Members $30/sq ft · non-members $40/sq ft | Source ↗ |
| IPPE2027 | $28–$30/sq ft + $500 application fee | Source ↗ |
| PACK EXPO Las Vegas2027 | $34.25/sq ft incl. drayage · PMMI members from $26.75 | Source ↗ |
| The NGA ShowLatest kit (2027 dates) | 10×10 $4,500–$5,200 · Start-Up Package $6,000 | Source ↗ |
| Summer Fancy Food Show2026 Spark Pavilion | Kiosk $999 · tabletop $1,699 · 5×10 $2,523 (SFA membership required) | Source ↗ |
| World of Coffee New Orleans2027 | 10×10 $3,550–$4,260 · 20×20 island from $16,430 | Source ↗ |
| WSWA Access LIVE2027 | 10×10 $3,700–$4,900 by membership and booking date | Source ↗ |
| Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America2027 | 10×10 $2,700 members · $3,750 non-members | Source ↗ |
| The Global Produce & Floral Show2026 | IFPA members $52/sq ft · non-members $104/sq ft | Source ↗ |
11 SPEAK FLUENT BUYER
Food & beverage trade show glossary The house vocabulary.
Broker, Ti-Hi, slotting, drayage. The words buyers and show managers use every day, in plain English, so nothing on the sell sheet or the service order gets lost in translation.
Buyer talk
- Broker
- An independent sales agency that represents manufacturers to retailers or distributors, usually on commission.
- Distributor
- A company that buys, warehouses and delivers products to stores or foodservice operators. Broadline distributors carry a wide range; specialty distributors focus on a category.
- DSD (direct store delivery)
- Delivery straight to each store rather than through the retailer’s warehouse, often with the supplier handling shelf stocking.
- Category review
- A retailer’s scheduled evaluation of a category, when new items are added and slow sellers are cut. Time your show follow-up to the buyer’s review calendar.
- Slotting fee
- A one-time payment some retailers charge to place a new item on the shelf and in their systems.
- Free fill
- Free product supplied to fill a new item’s initial shelf placement in each store.
- SRP / MSRP
- Suggested retail price: the shelf price you recommend. Buyers use it with your wholesale price to judge their margin.
- Retail margin
- The retailer’s share of the shelf price: (retail price − cost) ÷ retail price. Know your channel’s expectations before quoting.
- Private label
- Products sold under a retailer’s own brand and made by a manufacturer or co-manufacturer to the retailer’s specification.
- Co-packer
- A contract manufacturer that produces and packages food or beverages for another brand.
- GPO
- Group purchasing organization: negotiates supplier contracts on behalf of many foodservice operators.
- Show special
- A time-limited discount or incentive for orders placed at, or shortly after, a trade show.
Spec sheet basics
- SKU
- Stock-keeping unit: the identifier for each distinct item, flavor and pack size.
- UPC / GTIN
- Barcode identifiers. GTIN is the GS1 global family of trade item numbers; the 12-digit UPC is the familiar U.S. retail format.
- Case pack
- The number of retail units in one shipping case, for example 12 × 16 oz.
- Ti-Hi
- Pallet configuration: cases per layer (Ti) × number of layers (Hi).
- MOQ
- Minimum order quantity: the smallest order you will accept or a co-packer will produce.
- Shelf life
- How long a product keeps its quality under stated storage conditions; buyers often ask for guaranteed remaining shelf life on delivery.
- FOB
- Free on board: the shipping term that sets where ownership and freight responsibility pass from seller to buyer.
- Net landed cost
- The full cost of getting a product to the buyer’s dock, including product, freight, duties and fees.
Show-floor talk
- Inline, peninsula & island
- Booth types: inline sits in a row with neighbors on both sides; peninsula is open on three sides; island is open on all four.
- General service contractor
- The show’s official contractor for freight handling, carpet, furniture, signs and labor, listed in the exhibitor manual.
- Material handling (drayage)
- The fee to move your freight from the dock to your booth and back, typically charged per hundred pounds (CWT).
- Advance warehouse
- The contractor’s warehouse that receives freight before move-in. Check whether it accepts perishables before you ship.
- Marshalling yard
- A truck staging area where trucks stage until their scheduled dock time during move-in and move-out.
- I&D
- Installation and dismantle: the labor to set up and take down an exhibit, often subject to venue labor rules.
12 ONE MORE CUP. A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS.
Food trade show FAQ Good questions. Fresh answers.
What is the best food trade show for my company?
Start with the buyers you need, your product category and the markets you can supply. Natural Products Expo West is a candidate for natural and organic products; the Fancy Food shows serve specialty food; Sweets & Snacks focuses on candy and snacks; PLMA serves private-label suppliers; NACS targets convenience retail; the National Restaurant Association Show reaches foodservice operators. Dairy, deli, bakery, seafood, meat, produce, coffee and craft-beverage businesses should also compare their specialist events.
Ask each organizer for its latest audience breakdown, relevant exhibitor categories and buyer-engagement options. Past attendance and familiar logos provide context; they do not guarantee that your target accounts will attend the next edition or visit your booth.
What is a food and beverage trade show?
A food and beverage trade show is a business-to-business event where food, drink, ingredient, equipment and packaging companies exhibit to buyers: retailers, distributors, restaurant and foodservice operators, manufacturers and brokers. Most are trade-only, meaning attendees must show they work in the industry, and products are presented through sampling, demonstrations and meetings rather than sold on the spot.
Shows range from broad national events, such as the National Restaurant Association Show or Natural Products Expo West, to specialist shows for coffee, cheese, meat, produce, snacks, spirits or packaging.
Why should food companies exhibit at trade shows?
Trade shows put many qualified buyers in one room at the same time, which is hard to replicate with cold outreach. For food and drink, the taste is the pitch: a buyer can try the product, ask about margins and supply, and agree on a next step in one conversation. Shows are also where many new-product awards, distributor introductions and press coverage happen.
Exhibit when the show’s audience matches the buyers you can actually supply, and when you have the capacity and team to follow up.
What are the biggest food and beverage trade shows in the U.S.?
Widely recognized national events include the National Restaurant Association Show (Chicago, May), Natural Products Expo West (Anaheim, March), PACK EXPO International (Chicago, even years) and PACK EXPO Las Vegas (odd years), the International Production & Processing Expo (Atlanta, January), the Summer Fancy Food Show (New York, summer) and IFT FIRST (Chicago, July).
“Biggest” depends on what you measure: floor space, exhibitors, total attendance or qualified buyers in your category. A smaller specialist show with the right buyers can outperform a large general one. Ask organizers for audited or category-level audience data.
How many food trade shows should a company do each year?
There is no fixed number. Many emerging brands start with one or two core shows where their buyers concentrate, plus distributor shows once they have distribution. Established brands often combine one or two national shows with regional or category events.
Add a show when you can name the accounts you expect to meet there and measure what came from it. It is better to do fewer shows well than many shows without follow-up.
Is exhibiting worth it, or should we attend first?
Exhibit when you have a specific buyer goal, a product ready for that channel, enough capacity to serve new accounts and a team able to follow through. Include space, exhibit design or rental, freight, material handling, labor, utilities, sampling, travel and staff time in the decision.
Attending first can help when you are still testing audience fit or assessing the category. Observe the floor, attend relevant programming and use permitted networking opportunities. A visitor badge is not permission to solicit in aisles or other exhibitors’ booths; follow the event’s rules.
How much does it cost to exhibit at a food trade show?
Most shows price floor space per square foot, often with premiums for corner, peninsula and island locations or member discounts. Published examples: Natural Products Expo West’s 2025 rate card listed an inline 10×10 at $9,384; WSWA Access LIVE 2027 lists 10×10 booths from $3,700 to $4,900; PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2027 lists $34.25 per square foot including drayage for non-members; and SUSTA’s state pavilion at the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show was $1,550 per 10×10.
Space is only part of the budget. CEIR’s study of exhibitor spending found floor space averaged 36% of the total, with show services, travel, exhibit design, shipping and promotion making up most of the rest. Food exhibitors also budget for sampling, refrigeration and utilities. Ask each organizer for its current rate card and the official contractor’s price list, and add an explicit contingency.
What booth size do we need?
Size the booth around what has to happen in it: how many products you sample, how many people serve at once, whether you need private meetings, and how much cold storage and stock you keep on hand. A 10×20 inline booth has room to separate tasting from talking, with a second station or a meeting nook. A 10×30 adds a seated meeting area at one end of the run. A 20×20 island supports a demonstration kitchen or a 360° tasting bar. Larger spaces add hospitality lounges, private meeting rooms and back-of-house prep.
See the booth menu in this guide for what typically fits in each footprint, and check the show’s height and line-of-sight rules before designing.
How far in advance should we book a food trade show?
Popular shows often open booth selection for the next edition during or soon after the current one, with returning exhibitors given priority. New exhibitors may join a waitlist or choose from remaining space. As a practical rhythm, choose your show and commit space four to six months out at a minimum, finalize booth design, utilities and sampling approvals 60–90 days out, and rehearse two to four weeks before move-in.
Watch the exhibitor manual for discount deadlines on freight, electrical, plumbing and furniture orders; late orders usually cost more.
Can we serve food and beverage samples in our booth?
Check the current exhibitor manual and obtain any required organizer and venue approvals before planning service. Ask about sample sizes, preparation, refrigeration, handwashing, cleaning, waste, utilities and any permits or documentation required for your product. Cooking, alcohol and on-site preparation can have additional conditions, and many venues have exclusive caterers whose rules apply to exhibitor sampling.
Build the approved process into the booth: a service point, protected product storage, accessible ingredient and allergen information, and a replenishment route that keeps the aisle clear.
Do we need a temporary food permit to sample?
It depends on the local health authority and the show. Some organizers arrange approvals for the whole event through the venue or its caterer; others require each sampling exhibitor to file its own temporary food application, often with a deadline weeks before the show. Requirements commonly cover handwashing, food-temperature control, protection from contamination and who may prepare food.
The exhibitor manual usually links the relevant forms. When in doubt, ask the organizer’s exhibitor services team in writing and keep the written answer with your booth documents.
How do we ship perishable samples to a trade show?
Ask first whether the advance warehouse accepts perishables; many do not, and those that do may require specific delivery windows and labeling. Common options are shipping refrigerated or frozen product direct to the show site on an assigned date, using the official contractor’s or caterer’s cold-storage service, or sourcing fresh ingredients locally.
Label every case with the show, booth number and “PERISHABLE – KEEP REFRIGERATED” or “KEEP FROZEN”. Order booth refrigeration with 24-hour power if product stays overnight, and treat dry ice as regulated cargo with ventilation and handling rules.
Can we sell products directly at a food trade show?
Most business-to-business food shows prohibit cash-and-carry retail sales on the floor. Exhibitors typically take orders, offer show specials, and arrange delivery through their normal distribution. Some events permit limited sales in designated areas, and sales tax rules may apply where they do.
Read the exhibitor rules before printing price lists or offering “show-only” deals, and make sure the terms work with your distributors.
Do exhibitors need insurance?
Many shows and venues require exhibitors to carry general liability insurance and to provide a certificate of insurance naming the organizer and venue as additional insureds. Exhibitors who sample, cook or pour may also need product liability coverage. Your exhibit builder and contractors will have their own requirements.
Check the manual for minimum coverage amounts and deadlines, and ask your broker to issue certificates well before move-in.
What should we bring for food buyers?
Prepare a concise sell sheet and a buyer-ready information pack: product range, ingredients and allergens, pack sizes, case quantities, pallet configuration, storage, shelf life, wholesale pricing, suggested retail price, minimum orders, lead times, available markets and ordering contacts. Include relevant certifications and product identifiers where applicable.
Adapt the conversation to the channel. Retail buyers need an assortment and supply story; foodservice buyers need yield and preparation information; technical buyers need specifications and evaluation samples. Make it easy to request the right next step without carrying a stack of brochures.
How do we get buyers to visit our booth?
Most of the work happens before the show. Book meetings with target accounts in advance, use the organizer’s buyer-matchmaking or hosted-buyer programs where offered, enter relevant new-product showcases or awards, and tell your distributors and brokers where you will be.
On the floor, make the promise readable from the aisle, keep the sampling line moving, and train staff to ask one qualifying question with every taste.
What is the difference between a trade show and an industry conference?
A trade show is built around the exhibit floor: buyers come to walk the aisles, taste and meet suppliers, and exhibitors book booths from a 10×20 inline up to large islands. An industry conference puts sessions and meetings first. Exhibiting there usually means a tabletop, a sponsor package, a vendor expo or a short expo window between sessions.
Conferences cost less and reach a narrower, often more senior audience, which can suit technology, services and ingredient suppliers or a brand testing a new channel. Trade shows reach more buyers at once and are where most food and beverage brands launch, sample and sell. This guide lists them separately so you can compare like with like.
What is the difference between a trade show and a distributor show?
An open industry trade show is run by an association or event company and draws buyers from across the market. Distributor shows are hosted by a single distributor, such as a broadline foodservice or natural and specialty distributor, for its own customers. Vendors are usually invited or apply through the distributor and often present show-only deals.
Many food brands do both: industry shows to find new accounts and distributors, and distributor shows to grow sales with the accounts those distributors already serve.
Are food trade shows open to the public?
Most events in this guide are business-to-business shows with registration eligibility requirements. Expo West and Newtopia Now identify themselves as trade-only events, and Specialty Food Association shows are for qualified trade participants, industry affiliates and media.
Check the current registration categories, proof-of-business requirements and exhibitor rules for each event. Do not assume a public food festival and a trade buying event offer the same audience or sales opportunities.
Why are the event dates sometimes different from the exhibit dates?
Education, meetings and networking may begin before the show floor opens. For example, Expo West 2027 runs March 2–5, with exhibit halls open March 3–5. The NGA Show runs January 31–February 2, 2027, with exhibits February 1–2.
Use the exhibit dates for buyer-facing booth staffing, then add the organizer’s assigned move-in and move-out schedule. Check the current manual before booking freight or travel; an event’s opening day is not automatically your installation day.
How should we follow up with leads after a food trade show?
Capture the buyer’s role, channel, territory, products of interest, timing and agreed next step while the conversation is fresh. Assign an owner and a due date before the lead leaves your team’s workflow.
Send the promised pricing, specifications or sample details promptly, with a reference to the actual conversation. Track qualified opportunities, sample evaluations, listings, orders and repeat business over the buying cycle. Badge scans and sample counts alone do not tell you whether the show paid off.
Do you have to be a member to exhibit at the Fancy Food Show?
Yes. To exhibit at the Summer Fancy Food Show or Winter FancyFaire, a company joins the Specialty Food Association and passes product qualification, which upgrades its membership to Tier 2. Qualification requires a product that has been selling for at least six months and a $150 submission, with a decision in about 10–15 business days.
New brands can also exhibit through the Spark Pavilion or a state or regional pavilion. See the “Your first show” section for sources.
How do new brands get into Natural Products Expo West?
Submit an exhibitor application to New Hope. The Standards team reviews it within 90 days against the show’s ingredient standards, which exclude artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Approved brands then have a year to reserve a booth, and the application fee is non-refundable.
Certified-organic brands can also consider the one-day Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, and brands can enter the NEXTY Awards without exhibiting. Newtopia Now, New Hope’s fall event built around pre-scheduled retailer meetings, had more than 60% first-time exhibitors in 2026.
What information should you collect from buyers at a trade show?
Capture the buyer’s name, company, role and channel (retail, distribution, foodservice or manufacturing), the products they tasted, their territory, buying timeline, the specific next step you agreed and who on your team owns it. A short qualifying question, asked with every sample, makes this quick.
Use the show’s lead-retrieval app or a simple form with the same fields for every conversation, and follow up within about two weeks; the National Restaurant Association Show recommends within 10 business days.
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From the first sample to the next big conversation, let’s create a food & beverage exhibit that feels as good as your brand tastes.
Let’s create your food & drink exhibitHow we put this guide together, sources and photo credits
Researched and written by the Purple Exhibits team. Updated October 19, 2026. Show dates, venues, prices and rules come from each organizer’s published pages, linked on every show card. Fit notes, booth ideas and planning tools are our editorial guidance from building booths for food & beverage exhibitors. Listings are not paid placements. The guide covers U.S. business-to-business events plus selected international shows.
Photos: Ella Olsson / Pexels · Jestem Iuliia / Pexels · Isabella Mendes / Pexels · ha ha / Pexels · cottonbro studio / Pexels · Lisa Fotios / Pexels · Andrew Neel / Pexels · Julia Filirovska / Pexels · Roearte / Pexels · Mohammed-Ali Hamadache / Pexels · Ivan Babydov / Pexels. Booth photographs: Purple Exhibits.
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