The Best of 2024 Food Expos: Restaurant Trends to Watch

Food expos are vital hubs for restaurant professionals to explore new trends, network with industry leaders, and discover the latest innovations in the food service industry. From sustainability to advanced technology, the best expos of 2024 will shape the future of restaurants. Let’s dive into the top food expos to watch, focusing on the key trends they will highlight.

World Dairy Expo: Revolutionizing Dairy in Restaurants

• When: October 1-4, 2024
• Where: Madison, Wisconsin

About the Trade Show:

The World Dairy Expo is the ultimate event for dairy industry professionals, showcasing innovations in dairy products and equipment. For restaurants, it offers a glimpse into trends such as plant-based dairy alternatives, sustainable farming practices, and new dairy technology. With over 850 exhibitors, it’s a must-attend for chefs and restaurant owners looking to enhance their dairy offerings or explore more eco-friendly options.

SommCon & The Beverage Expo: The Future of Beverage Pairing

• When: October 5-7, 2024
• Where: San Diego, California

About the Trade Show:

SommCon and The Beverage Expo is a premier event for sommeliers, bartenders, and beverage professionals. This expo focuses on the latest trends in wine, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, and how they can be paired with modern cuisine. Expect expert panels, tastings, and workshops that dive into beverage innovations, sustainable sourcing, and the rise of low-ABV drinks in restaurants.

IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show: Sustainability Meets Freshness

• When: October 17-19, 2024
• Where:  Atlanta, Georgia, USA!

About the Trade Show:

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show brings together growers, retailers, and restaurant professionals to discuss the latest in fresh produce and floral arrangements. For restaurants, this expo provides insights into sustainable sourcing, farm-to-table trends, and how floral designs can enhance the dining atmosphere. It’s a key event for those looking to highlight fresh, locally-sourced ingredients on their menus.

FSNA Food & Equipment Expo: Cutting-Edge Kitchen Technology

• When: October 19–21, 2024
• Where: Orlando, Florida

About the Trade Show:

The FSNA Food & Equipment Expo is all about foodservice technology and innovation. Restaurant owners and chefs can explore the latest kitchen equipment, automation tools, and food safety technology. The expo will feature cutting-edge trends such as AI-powered kitchen systems, energy-efficient appliances, and advancements in food storage and safety. These technologies can help restaurants improve efficiency while maintaining quality.

Read on: The Future of Food Service: AI Advancements Reshaping Restaurants in 2024

Supply Side West: Where Health and Food Collide

• When: Oct 28-Oct 31, 2024
• Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

About the Trade Show:

Supply Side West focuses on the health and nutrition sectors, offering valuable insights for restaurants interested in incorporating health-conscious options into their menus. This expo will highlight the latest trends in supplements, organic ingredients, and functional foods that can boost a restaurant’s health-centric offerings. Expect discussions on plant-based proteins, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients that are reshaping the dining landscape.

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show: The Future of Hospitality

• When: November 6-7, 2024
• Where: Orlando, Florida

About the Trade Show:

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show is an essential event for restaurant owners and hospitality professionals. Attendees can expect to see demonstrations of the latest foodservice equipment, culinary trends, and restaurant management technologies. Topics such as staff training, customer service innovations, and marketing strategies will be covered, offering comprehensive insights into the future of the hospitality industry.

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival: Culinary and Wine Fusion

• When: November 10-17, 2024
• Where: San Diego, California

About the Trade Show:

Known for its fusion of culinary excellence and wine expertise, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is a top-tier event for restaurant professionals looking to stay ahead in the food and wine scene. With masterclasses on wine pairing, exclusive tastings, and chef-led culinary showcases, this expo is perfect for those aiming to elevate their restaurant’s menu and wine list.

IPPE: Innovations in Protein and Food Processing

• When: January 30-February 1, 2024
• Where: Atlanta, Georgia

About the Trade Show:

The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a major event for the protein industry, focusing on meat, poultry, and egg production. For restaurants, this expo is invaluable for staying updated on advancements in food processing, safety regulations, and sustainability efforts in protein sourcing. IPPE is ideal for restaurant operators focused on providing ethically sourced and processed proteins to their customers.

The NGA Show: The Future of Independent Grocery and Foodservice

• When: February 25-27, 2024
• Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

About the Trade Show:

The NGA Show focuses on independent grocers and foodservice professionals. For restaurant operators, this event offers insight into grocery trends, food distribution, and technology integration. The NGA Show covers everything from supply chain innovations to customer experience enhancements, making it a key event for restaurateurs who want to stay ahead in foodservice retail and supply management.

Natural Products Expo West: Leading the Way in Organic and Natural Foods

• When: March 12-16, 2024
• Where: Anaheim, California

About the Trade Show:

The Natural Products Expo West is the go-to event for discovering the latest in organic, natural, and sustainable foods. For restaurants, this expo highlights emerging food trends such as plant-based ingredients, sustainable packaging, and ethical sourcing. Attendees can expect to find inspiration for developing health-conscious menus that cater to the growing demand for natural and organic dining options.

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Seafood Expo North America: The Future of Sustainable Seafood

• When: March 10-12, 2024
• Where: Boston, Massachusetts

About the Trade Show:

Seafood Expo North America is the largest seafood event in the U.S., attracting restaurateurs, chefs, and seafood suppliers. The expo focuses on sustainable seafood practices, innovative processing techniques, and seafood trends in the restaurant industry. For seafood-centric restaurants, this event is crucial for staying informed on sourcing the freshest and most sustainable seafood options available.

International Pizza Expo™: Pizza Innovations and Beyond

• When: March 18-21, 2024
• Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

About the Trade Show:

The International Pizza Expo™ is the largest pizza industry event, offering everything from dough-making techniques to the latest pizza ovens. For restaurant operators, this expo is a treasure trove of innovation in pizza recipes, equipment, and marketing strategies. Expect to see the latest in plant-based pizza toppings, gluten-free doughs, and creative menu ideas that go beyond traditional pizza offerings.

Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition: Brewing Up New Trends

• When: April 19-22, 2024
• Where: Chicago, Illinois

About the Trade Show:

The Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition is a must-attend event for restaurant operators and baristas. As coffee culture continues to thrive, this expo showcases trends like sustainable coffee sourcing, the latest brewing techniques, and plant-based coffee alternatives. Expect to see innovations in cold brews, nitro coffee, and coffee-based cocktails that can elevate any restaurant’s beverage menu.

NRA Show: The Restaurant Industry’s Biggest Event

• When: May 18-21, 2024
• Where: Chicago, Illinois

About the Trade Show:

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show is the largest and most comprehensive food service event in the U.S. Restaurant professionals from all sectors gather to explore the latest culinary trends, kitchen equipment, and management solutions. Attendees will get a firsthand look at emerging trends like robotics in the kitchen, AI-driven customer service, and sustainable restaurant practices. If there’s one event that defines the future of restaurants, it’s the NRA Show.

Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America®: Craft Beer Trends to Watch

• When: May 6-9, 2024
• Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

About the Trade Show:

For restaurants with a focus on craft beer, the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America® is the ultimate event. This expo showcases the latest in craft brewing techniques, equipment, and trends. Expect insights into the booming non-alcoholic beer market, innovative beer flavors, and sustainable brewing practices. With craft beer continuing to be a major draw for restaurant patrons, this event is key for staying competitive in the market.

Conclusion: Embrace the Trends to Stay Ahead

Attending food expos in 2024 provides a unique opportunity to stay ahead of emerging restaurant trends. From sustainability in seafood and dairy to innovations in pizza and craft brewing, these events will shape the future of the foodservice industry. Whether you're looking to enhance your menu with health-conscious options or integrate the latest technology into your restaurant, these expos will offer valuable insights to help you thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

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