In an ever changing world of food, staying on top of trends and innovations is essential for food industry professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef, a food manufacturer, or a culinary entrepreneur, attending a food expo event can provide invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into what’s next in the world of food.
As we move into the second half of 2024, several top-tier food expos around the US are poised to showcase the latest in food technology, culinary artistry, and industry advancements. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-attend American food expos of 2024 that promise to shape the future of the food industry. Join us as we delve into the highlights of these premier gatherings and discover why they are essential for anyone passionate about the global culinary industry.
Specialty food expo events: not just for foodies
While they are certainly welcome to attend many food expo trade shows, foodies aren’t the only attendees at these kinds of events. When leveraged correctly, food exhibitions provide an excellent opportunity for trade professionals from the food industry to connect, learn, and market their products and services.
In addition, food expos are crucial for manufacturers, wholesalers, and other business owners who want to generate leads while learning about new products and regulatory changes. No matter their size or history, companies can always learn something new at a major food exhibition event.
Our 5 top food expo picks for 2024:
Our list below reflects some of the main upcoming food events for the latter half of 2024. If you’re a CEO, marketing manager, or event planner involved in the regional food industry, one or more of these might be the key to unlocking your business potential!
1. California Restaurant Show
When: August 25-27, 2024
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Exhibitors: 190+
The popular Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is back with a brand new name and outlook. Now known as the California Restaurant Show, this food expo is the place to be for industry professionals to explore the latest trends shaping the future of food service in the United States. From food and beverage products to new equipment, décor, and technology, the California Restaurant Show truly has it all.
As one of the main food expo events in California, it’s no surprise this spectacle is held in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. With more than 720,000 square feet of exhibition space and two major presentation theatres, the Los Angeles Convention Center is well suited to hosting everything the show has to offer. Whether you want to browse around the trade show floor, watch some celebrity chef demos, or take part in the education program, it is easy to find your way around this West Coast food expo.
Overall, participating in the California Restaurant Show enables food service businesses to network with key industry players, foster valuable partnerships, and gain insights into emerging market trends. For CEOs and marketing managers, it is a fantastic opportunity to stay ahead of the local and regional competition by attracting potential leads and keeping ahead of regulatory changes.
2. SupplySide West
When: October 28-31, 2024
Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Exhibitors: 1,500+
SupplySide West, one of the largest and most influential trade shows in the global health and nutrition industry, will return to Las Vegas in October 2024. This expansive event gathers over 17,000 professionals from around the globe, all eager to explore the latest innovations in dietary supplements, functional foods, beverages, and personal care products.
At SupplySide West, attendees will have access to more than 1,500 exhibitors showcasing a diverse array of products and services. From revolutionary new food ingredients and raw materials to advanced manufacturing techniques and packaging solutions, this particular expo floor is a treasure trove of new ways to enhance product offerings and streamline operations. The expo also features an wide spectrum of educational sessions, where like-minded professionals share some new insights on regulatory updates and more.
For those looking to forge new business connections, SupplySide West offers plenty of networking opportunities. Engaging with peers, potential partners, and thought leaders is possible during SupplySide’s famous structured networking events and informal gatherings. This is a prime occasion for CEOs and marketing managers to stay ahead of industry trends, source new ingredients, and gain a competitive edge. Event planners can also benefit by learning about the latest trends in food event management while discovering innovative ways to enhance their own trade shows and conferences.
Ultimately, SupplySide West is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the health and nutrition industry that provides the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to drive business success.
3. Americas Food & Beverage Show
When: September 16-18, 2024
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL
Exhibitors: 700+
Held in sunny Miami Beach, Florida, the Americas Food & Beverage Show is an exhibition for food industry professionals across the Americas and beyond. Scheduled for September 2024, this trade festival of food brings together over 450 exhibitors and more than 11,000 visitors, making it a worthy event you can leverage to grow your business. It’s not just a snacks expo either, as the show covers everything from spices to dairy and seafood.
As one of the leading food and beverage industry trade shows in the United States, the Americas Food & Beverage Show allows attendees to explore food and beverage products from all over the world. In 2023, only 70% of show attendees were from the United States; a large part of the foreign attendees traveled from Latin America and the Caribbean. All this is possible, of course, because of the show’s strategic location in Miami. So, if you want to explore business prospects throughout the Americas, there can hardly be a better event to attend!
Networking is a key feature of this event, providing many opportunities to connect with industry peers, potential partners, and experts. CEOs, marketing managers, and event planners will find this show particularly useful for expanding their professional networks, learning about the broader regional industry, and locate new business opportunities.
So, if you’re in the food and beverage industry, the Americas Food & Beverage Show is thus a must-attend premier event. Where else can you find the perfect mix of innovation, education, and networking, all under one roof?
4. Plant Based World Expo North America
When: September 11-12, 2024
Where: Javits Center, New York City, NY
Exhibitors: 100+
Not all food has to come from animals. With the world moving toward a more sustainable future, plant-based foods and beverages are now becoming a common alternative at restaurants worldwide. Still, plant-based meal alternatives are an emerging section of the industry, which makes associated trade show events uncommon and exciting.
Enter the Plant Based World Expo, where attendees will find over 100 exhibitors gathered in New York to present a wide range of plant-based products. These include the likes of meat and dairy alternatives, snacks, and even nutritional supplements. In addition, visitors can expect to have their jaws drop while viewing cooking demonstrations that showcase the latest culinary creations from expert chefs and creators. Lastly, there’ll also be some educational sessions led by industry experts; these provide innovative solutions to issues relating to consumer behavior, market trends, and sustainable practices.
For those looking to succeed in the plant-based sector, the Plant Based World Expo North America is an essential event helping businesses stay ahead in a rapidly expanding sector of the food service market.
5. NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo
When: August 19-20, 2024
Where: Encore Boston Harbor, Everett, MA
Exhibitors: TBC
Innovative business solutions, a diverse range of exhibitors and attendees, and a selection of brand-new products all make it hard not to get excited for the Produce, Floral & Service Expo. Pioneered by the New England Produce Council (NEPC), this trade show offers a peek into an extensive array of fresh produce and food service innovations from large and independent grocers.
Unlike the other entries on our list, the NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo is slated to take place at an award-winning hotel, the Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts. Considering its five-star rating, it’s safe to say this venue casts some prestige upon the expo it hosts. Indeed, the show is well-regarded among producers across the North East.
To keep things exciting, the organizers of the 2024 edition of the Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo have conjured up several special events to sweeten the deal for prospective attendees. Amongst these is the “Produce Feud”, a game show involving producers and vendors competing at the expo breakfast on August 20.
No matter your preference for fruit or vegetables, the NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the produce, floral, and food service sectors. It is a one stop shop for innovation, education, and networking that can drive business success.
Parting thoughts
We don’t know about you, but getting through all those certainly increased our appetite! And while we do love food at Booth Exhibits™, our hunger to help you succeed is even greater. If you’re a food-related business wanting to take part in a food expo, then we’d love to get in touch. Let us help you craft a display stand that visitors cannot ignore!
