Trade Shows For Food Industry Professionals

Guidance for Entrepreneurs

Trade Shows Are listed By the Month, please check the website for specific dates as they change yearly

Copyright © Rachel Zemser August 2020

Trade Shows All Year Round!

Trade shows are a great way to network and connect with other food industry professionals. They are also the best place to hunt down ingredients, manufacturers, co-packers and more. This is a list of some of the biggest trade shows out there that can help you find what you need as you travel on your entrepreneurial path. Right now with the pandemic, many shows have gone virtual, but we all lookforward to future times where we can all meet and minglein person again. Look for me at the show!

I hope you find this guide useful, for more free resources check out my website alacarteconnections.com

Specialty Food Association/Winter Fancy Food Show

Month: January

Location: San Francisco, California

Convention Center: Moscone

Website: https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/winter-fancy-food-show/

Description: The Premier Specialty Food Show on the West Coast lets you discover the newest trends and best products, make key business connections, network with industry leaders, and take a look at what the future holds for specialty food!

Mexican Healthy Products Summit

Month: January

Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Convention Center: Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center

Website: https://www.healthyproductssummit.com/home/

Description: The Mexican Healthy Products Summit is an invitation-only, business-to-business trade show and conference linking healthy products suppliers with key retail buyers and distributors. If you want to begin selling your products in Mexico or start selling more products in Mexico, The Mexican Healthy Products Summit provides you with exclusive access to the Right People!

Global Organic Product Expo

Month: January

Location: Hollywood, Florida

Convention Center: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel

Website: https://www.globalorganicexpo.com/

Description: GOPEX provides the fresh produce industry with the only globally driven show for organic produce. The show creates a forum for unique and specific opportunities for those who grow, distribute, pack and market fresh organic produce, to sell here in the Americas. This international trade show and conference provides the ideal opportunity for organic professionals from around the world to network, exchange ideas, source new products and services, and do business with the industry’s leading growers, distributors, packer and retailers.

International Meat Expo / International Production & Processing Expo (IME / IPPE)

Month: January

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Convention Center: Georgia World Congress Center

Website: https://www.ippexpo.org/

Description: The International Production & Processing Expo is the world's largest annual poultry, meat and feed industry event of its kind. A wide range of international decision-makers attend this annual event to network and become informed on the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry.

International Sweets and Biscuit Fair

Month: January

Location: Cologne, Germany

Convention Center: Koelnmesse

Website: https://www.ism-cologne.com/

Description: ISM Cologne, the world’s leading trade fair for confectionery and snacks offers inspiration and innovation, exciting networking possibilities, top-class exhibitors and competent visitors. This perfect combination is unique around the globe. You will also find the world’s largest offer of trademark confectionery and snacks. Discover international confectionery and snacks at the confectionery and snacks trade fair in Cologne.

Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show

Month: February

Location: See Website

Convention Center: See Website

Website: https://convention.ncba.org/general-information

Description: It is THE event for anyone in the cattle business! The Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is agriculture’s premier event where the industry comes together to get down to business for the cattle industry. The 2021 event will be one of the largest on record and will be something that you can’t afford to miss!

South East IFT Food Industry Expo

Month: February

Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia

Convention Center: Atlanta Evergreen Marriot Conference Resort

Website: https://www.southeasternift.org/suppliers-night

Description: South Eastern IFT Section brings some of the food industry's most trusted and experienced suppliers. Come and be an exhibitor, or walk the show for FREE.

IFT Suppliers’ Night Orlando

Month: February

Location: Orlando, Florida

Convention Center: Caribe Royale

Website: https://www.iftflorida.org/suppliers-night

Description: Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night affords companies serving all segments of the food industry an opportunity to showcase products and exchange information with purchasers in the Florida region

South East IFT Food Industry Expo

Month: February

Location: Portland, Oregon

Convention Center: DoubleTree at Lloyd Center

Website: https://www.osift.org/suppliers-night.html

Description: The Oregon IFT Suppliers Night is a wonderful opportunity for vendors of food ingredients, equipment and services to meet with members of the Oregon and Southern Washington food industry.

Puget Sound IFT Suppliers’ Night

Month: February

Location: Washington and Alaska

Convention Center: Check Website

Website: https://www.pugetsoundift.org/

Description: For over 40 years Puget Sound IFT Section has hosted Suppliers Night with as many as 160+ Suppliers Exhibiting each Year!

British Columbia IFT Suppliers’ Night

Month: February

Location: Burnaby, British Colombia

Convention Center: Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre

Website: https://www.bcft.ca/suppliers-night

Description: This event is an exceptional opportunity for learning about new companies, products and services and networking with other R&D technologists, food scientists, purchasers and senior management from leading food and beverage companies within BC.

International Restaurant and Food Service Show

Month: March

Location: New York, New York

Convention Center: Javits Center

Website: https://www.internationalrestaurantny.com/

Description: The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is bigger and better than ever. Have the opportunity to join more than 18,000+ of your peers in experiencing the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and décor, and the best in business education, all while in the presence of 570+ exhibitors in the restaurant and foodservice community.

Natural Products Expo West

Month: March

Location: Anaheim, California

Convention Center: Check Website

Website: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html

Description: From the trade show floors to education sessions, and concerts to yoga, you don’t want to miss all that Expo West has to offer! Discover the products you’ll love, meet the partners you need, and connect with YOUR tribe.

Southern California IFT Suppliers’ Expo

Month: March

Location: Garden Grove, California

Convention Center: Hyatt Regency

Website: https://www.scifts.net/supplier.html

Description: The Southern California IFT Suppliers` Night Expo is an active, vibrant show that provides an audience of exceptional quality for our Exhibitors, and produces quality contacts.

South East IFT Food Industry Expo

Month: March

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Convention Center: See Website

Website: https://poweredup.culinology.org/

Description: The RCA Conference is the place to see the latest trends in culinary arts, food sciences and product development. Powered up is the online version of the conference, next year will be live again (hopefully!)

Sea Food Expo North America

Month: March

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Convention Center: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

Website: https://www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/

Description: Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America is a leading trade event for seafood buyers in every market category including retail, restaurant, catering, foodservice and processing. Meet with suppliers from around the world and source the seafood, new products, equipment and services to meet your business needs.

The International Pizza Expo

Month: March

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Convention Center: Las Vegas Convention Center

Website: https://www.pizzaexpo.com/

Description: The Largest Pizza Show in the World! We strive to offer fresh content, competitions and events at every Pizza Expo. In our 37th year, the best is yet to come!

Western New York Institute of Food Technologists (WNYIFT) Food Industry Expo

Month: March

Location: Rochester, New York

Convention Center: Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Website: http://wnyift.org/events/

Description: Western New York Section Institute of Food Technologists Food Industry Expo aims to promote interest in food science, encourage discussion and share technical information relating to food processing, provide cooperative relationships between the food industry and faculty, staff and students in food science programs.

Cactus Supplier’s Night

Month: March

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Convention Center: See Website

Website: https://www.cactusift.org/suppliers-night

Description: The latest consumer trends and their impact on food, beverage & supplement formulation and marketing.

Pro Food Tech

Month: April

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Convention Center: See Website

Website: https://www.profoodtech.com/

Description: ProFood Tech convenes the entire food and beverage processing industry with world-class educational offerings, networking receptions and industry award ceremonies.

South East IFT Food Industry Expo

Month: April

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Convention Center: Mountain America Expo

Website: https://www.iftutah.org/

Description: The Bonneville Section of The Institute of Food Technologists exists to advance the science of food in the Utah area. Our members work to ensure a safe and abundant food supply contributing to healthier people everywhere.

Aksarben & Iowa IFT Suppliers’ Expo

Month: April

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Convention Center: Scott Conference Center

Website: http://aksarbenift.org/events/

Description: Spend your day with food industry professionals from the Iowa and Nebraska areas at this exceptional food industry expo! Stick around to network with industry friends and associates.

Northwest Food Show

Month: April

Location: Portland, Oregon

Convention Center: Portland Expo Center

Website: https://www.nwfoodshow.com/

Description: Whether it is operations, food cost, labor cost, available labor force, the diversifying of food or the importance of brand and marketing – just about every aspect of our industry is changing. Come talk to more than 300 exhibitors at the Northwest Food Show and learn how they can help lower your costs, experience technology and equipment demonstrations, improve your margins and make your life easier.

St. Louis IFT Supplier’s Night

Month: April

Location: St. Charles, Missouri

Convention Center: St. Charles Convention Center

Website: http://iftstl.com/

Description: The St. Louis region boasts a large food manufacturing community, one that serves customers locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Please join us as we showcase the newest food ingredients, services, equipment, and technology that the industry has to offer today.

Longhorn IFT Annual Suppliers’ Night

Month: April

Location: Frisco, Texas

Convention Center: Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel, Convention Center and Spa

Website: https://www.longhorn-ift.org/annualsuppliersnightinfo.php

Description: Join us for our annual Supplier’s Night in Frisco, Texas! Free and open to all

Ohio IFT Suppliers’ Expo

Month: April

Location: West Chester, Ohio

Convention Center: Savannah Center

Website: http://ovift.org/

Description: Join us at the Savannah Center in West Chester, Ohio and share your products and services with the companies in the Ohio Valley region.

Northern California IFT Suppliers’ Night

Month: May

Location: Pleasanton, California

Convention Center: Alameda County Fairgrounds

Website: http://ncift.org/suppliersnight/

Description: Symposium and Expo held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA - Symposium addressing current issues in Food Science and its applications

Food Safety Summit

Month: May

Location: Rosemont, Illinois

Convention Center: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Website: https://www.foodsafetystrategies.com/food-safety-summit

Description: The Food Safety Summit is a solution-based conference and expo designed to meet the educational and informational needs of the entire food industry. The Summit provides a 3-day comprehensive educational program to learn from subject matter experts, trainers, exchange ideas and find solutions to your current job challenges. The Summit has an expansive Exhibit Hall packed with progressive solution providers and exclusive networking events to help you make meaningful industry connections.

South East IFT Food Industry Expo

Month: May

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Convention Center: McCormick Place

Website: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/

Description: The National Restaurant Association Show is the place to explore everything that’s happening in the hospitality industry, from the latest food and beverage trends to emerging technology. Learn, experience, network, sample — and find what feeds you here!

Sweet and Snacks Expo

Month: May

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Convention Center: McCormick Place

Website: https://sweetsandsnacks.com/

Description: With more than 15,000 industry professionals in attendance, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is where the world's greatest candy and snack makers and their customers come to be inspired, make meaningful connections and share their passion for delighting shoppers. All parts of the supply chain are in attendance.

International Dairy Deli Bake Show

Month: June

Location: Houston, Texas

Convention Center: George R. Brown Convention Center

Website: https://www.iddba.org/

Description: The IDDBA show brings together today’s leaders with tomorrows innovators to grow the future of their business. Experience products and trends while discovering ideas and inspiration with more than 10,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibiting companies. Gain insight and engage face-to-face with industry leaders and influencers at the largest industry-only show for dairy, deli, bakery, and food service. This once-a-year experience targets serious buyers, merchandisers, and executives who share a passion for food and the industry.

World Pork Expo

Month: June

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Convention Center: Iowa State Fairgrounds

Website: https://worldpork.org/

Description: Thousands of U.S. and global pork producers, industry professionals and industry experts attend each year. If you’re part of the pork industry, you should be part of World Pork Expo.

Summer Bevnet Live

Month: June

Location: New York, New York

Convention Center: Metropolitan West

Website: https://www.bevnet.com/events/bevnetlivesummer20

Description: The Leading Conference for the Beverage Industry.

Expo Pack Mexico

Month: June

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Convention Center: Expo Santa Fe

Website: https://www.expopackmexico.com.mx/en

Description: EXPO PACK México is Reconnecting the Packaging and Processing Industry. The largest industry show in Latin America will showcase the latest innovative technologies from around the world, full-scale machinery and equipment in-action, a wide-range of sustainable solutions, and free world-class education including daily keynotes and show-floor sessions. The industry is ready to reconnect and EXPO PACK México will serve as the meeting point for packaging and processing professionals in Latin America.

Summer Fancy Food Show

Month: June

Location: New York, New York

Convention Center: Javits Center

Website: https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/summer-fancy-food-show/

Description: International Fancy Food & Confection Show. Summer Fancy Food Show is the most convenient and cost-effective way to meet buyers from every major food & beverage buying channel in the U.S. and around the world

NACUFS Professional Development National Conference

Month: June

Location: See Website

Convention Center: See Website

Website: https://www.nacufs.org/professional-development-national-conference

Description: The content presented during the NACUFS Conference will be focused on what you need, right now – so you’ll be able to take what you are hearing and immediately put the ideas to work for you, for your team, for your dining program!

Institute of Food Technologist Annual Meeting & Expo

Month: July

Location: See Website

Convention Center: See Website

Website: https://shift20.iftevent.org/

Description: IFT’s Annual Event and Food Expo is where the most talented and creative minds in the science of food come together to collaborate, share, learn, and network. It’s is where you can be inspired and inspire, where you can gain insights and gather intel, and where you can hear the latest research and see the most innovative products.

PMA Food Service Conference

Month: July

Location: Monterey, California

Convention Center: Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center

Website: https://www.pma.com/events/foodservice

Description: PMA Foodservice is an interactive “restaurant week” for the foodservice industry; We’re offering unique insights and networking to thrive in our current landscape.

The Flavor Experience

Month: August

Location: San Diego, CA

Convention Center: The InterContinental

Website: https://www.flavorexperience.com/

Description: Over the past 15 years, The Flavor Experience has grown from a small event to a renowned conference, becoming an essential resource for foodservice operators looking to stay ahead of the trends and inspired in their food and beverage menu-development efforts. In 2020, look for new ideas and inspirations via trend-forward tastes and experiences, all with a renewed energy and enthusiasm, and all through the lens of flavor.

Western Food Expo (Featuring Latino Food Show)

Month: August

Location: Anaheim, CA

Convention Center: Anaheim Convention Center

Website: https://www.westernfoodexpo.com/sabor-latino-trade-show-partners-urban-expositions-western-foodservice-hospitality-expo

Description: Since 1936, hundreds of thousands of restaurant and foodservice industry professionals have attended The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo to gain experience and knowledge on how to become more informed, more educated, more competitive, and more profitable in the industry.

Texas Restaurant Association

Month: August

Location: Dallas, Texas

Convention Center: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Website: https://www.tramarketplace.com/

Description: Dynamic education presented by industry experts. Leading-edge trends in food, techniques, technology, beverages and more. Newest products and services designed to increase your efficiency.

Philly Candy Show

Month: September and/or Other Months

Location: Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Website: http://phillycandyshows.com/

Description: Sponsored by the Retail Confectioners Association of Philadelphia, this is the premier show for those seeking retail, wholesale and manufacturing solutions within the Specialty Confectionery Industry. The Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show is the place for retailers to get a first-hand look at breaking trends, new introductions and the latest offerings in every category. It’s all here- from candy, chocolate and gourmet specialties to candy-making equipment, packaging and plus items and more. And, don’t miss a seminar line-up led by the Who’s Who of confectionery professionals.

New York Institute of Food Technologists (NYIFT) Suppliers’ Day & Career Fair

Month: September

Location: Secaucus, New Jersey

Convention Center: Meadowlands Expo Center

Website: https://nyift.org/events/nyift-suppliers-day-career-fair/

Description: This Expo and Career Fair is open to all segments of the food and related industries. You will meet with companies and representatives from the beverages, dairy, seafood, baking, confectionery, pet, vitamins, nutraceuticals, fruit & vegetables, meats & poultry, retail foods, food service, packaging, processing, laboratory equipment, sanitation, analytical testing, computer technology/software, and many more!

South East IFT Food Industry Expo

Month: September

Location: London, England

Convention Center: Olympia London

Website: https://www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/

Description: Whether it’s unearthing innovative and inspiring products from 200 new-to-market companies in The Discovery Zone, or debating the latest trends on the Food for Thought stage, Speciality & Fine Food Fair will allow you to experience the finest products in food & drink in a way that simply cannot be done from sitting behind your desk. Taking place annually at Olympia London, the Fair is a hub of inspiration for the artisan food & drink world and is a fantastic opportunity to hear and learn from top retail specialists, industry disruptors and entrepreneurs.

Anuga Taste Innovation Show

Month: September

Location: Cologne, Germany

Convention Center: Koelnmesse GmbH

Website: https://www.anuga.com/events/specialevents/anuga-innovation-show/anuga-innovation-show.php

Description: At Anuga, product innovation plays an essential role. The special event Anuga taste Innovation Show bundles the best and newest products, trends and trend-setting concepts.

Natural Products Expo East

Month: September

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Convention Center: Pennsylvania Convention Center

Website: https://www.expoeast.com/en/home.html

Description: Why Attend?

Whether you are looking for health and beauty, organic, or natural and specialty foods, this is THE place to see the newest products and trends this fall. Expo East connects you with the people behind the products, introduces you to industry experts in the classroom, and invites you to have fun with a community of other like-minded professionals.

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show

Month: September

Location: Orlando, FL

Convention Center: Orange County Convention Center

Website: https://www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com/

Description: The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show located in Orlando, Florida is bigger and better than ever! Watch live culinary performances and awards ceremonies and listen in on roundtables.

Pack Expo Las Vegas

Month: September

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Convention Center: Las Vegas Convention Center

Website: https://www.packexpolasvegas.com/

Description: PACK EXPO Las Vegas and co-located Healthcare Packaging EXPO will bring the packaging & processing world together like no other event.

PPMA Packaging Show

Month: September

Location: Marston Green, England

Convention Center: National Exhibition Centre Birmingham

Website: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk/

Description: PPMA Show is the UK’s biggest exhibition of processing and packaging machinery, so make sure this event is in your diary.

World Dairy Expo

Month: October

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Convention Center: Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Website: https://www.osift.org/suppliers-night.html

Description: The world’s largest dairy-focused Trade Show featuring more than 800 companies is accessible year-round through a company and keyword searchable exhibitor listing. New products, research and services available to the dairy industry can be explored through Innovation Unveiled.

North East IFT Suppliers’ Night

Month: October

Location: Worcester, MA

Convention Center: DCU Center

Website: http://www.neift.org/

Description: A great annual tradition, the Northeast section, Institute of Food Technologists is your host for a full day of food technology related activities. The day begins with our Continental Breakfast and "Hot Topics" morning seminar session, your opportunity to get up to speed with new innovations and become more effective at your job.

Process Expo

Month: October

Location: Chicago, IL

Convention Center: McCormick Place

Website: https://www.myprocessexpo.com/

Description: PROCESS EXPO, the global food equipment and technology show,® represents the pinnacle of food technology bringing together the world's most successful food and beverage processors, packaging professionals, equipment manufacturers, and leaders in the field of academia.

NFRA Convention Frozen & Refrigerated Foods

Month: October

Location: San Diego, CA

Convention Center: Marriott Marquis

Website: https://nfraweb.org/events/nfra-convention/

Description: A "working" convention that connects nearly 1,300 top executives for the purpose of conducting one-on-one business meetings with their trading partners. The convention allows attendees to meet with dozens of companies of their choosing in just a few days.

SupplySide West

Month: October

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Convention Center: Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Website: https://west.supplysideshow.com/en/home.html

Description: SupplySide West is the largest gathering of health & nutrition professionals bringing together more than 17,000 ingredient buyers and suppliers from throughout the industry. It is all about the science and strategy around the development of finished products that drive the global business economy.

SIAL Paris Trade Show

Month: October

Location: Paris, France

Convention Center: Paris Nord Villepinte

Website: https://www.sialparis.com/

Description: Throughout the SIAL, Paris will be a source of inspiration for the entire food community. Discover all the latest trends and innovations, meet the right business partners for you and rise to the challenges facing the industry together.

PMA Fresh Summit

Month: October

Location: Newark, DE

Convention Center: Produce marketing Association

Website: https://www.pma.com/events/freshsummit

Description: A priority on connections between buyers and sellers, with a variety of ways to engage.

DrinkTec

Month: October

Location: Munich, Germany

Convention Center: Munich Exhibition Grounds

Website: https://www.drinktec.com/en/

Description: World’s Leading Trade Fair for the Beverage and Liquid Food Industry

Americas Food & Beverage Show

Month: See Website

Location: Miami, Florida

Convention Center: World Trade Center Miami

Website: https://www.americasfoodandbeverage.com/

Description: AF&B Show is the meeting place for decision makers and buyers from all sectors of the industry for the Americas. 50% of the show attendees are decision makers making AF&B the ideal forum for meeting customers, vendors/service providers, suppliers, distributors and industry experts.

West Coast Produce Expo

Month: November

Location: Palm Desert, California

Convention Center: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa

Website: https://www.westcoastproduceexpo.com/

Description: See. Be seen. And enjoy the scene at The Packer’s West Coast Produce Expowhere you’re guaranteed to be among the best in the produce industry

Chicago IFT Suppliers’ Expo

Month: November

Location: Rosemont, IL

Convention Center: Donald E. Stephens Center

Website: https://www.chicagoift.org/SuppliersDay/index.php

Description: Join more than 3000 food industry professionals from the Chicago area at the nation’s largest regional food industry symposium and expo.

U.S. Private Label Trade Show

Month: November

Location: Rosemont, IL

Convention Center: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Website: https://www.plmainternational.com/us-show/exhibiting/general-information

Description: PLMA organizes its U.S. Private Label Trade Show in Chicago each November. Buyers from all major supermarkets, supercenters, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, online retailers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, discounters, and even military exchanges participate.

Winter Bevnet Live

Month: December

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Convention Center: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Website: https://www.bevnet.com/events/bevnetlive

Description: The Leading Conference for the Beverage Industry