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Here’s a summary of all of the best catering expos for hoteliers and hospitality industry professionals to attend this year. I’ve included a mix of conferences focused on food & beverage, catering, and food service which can help you connect with industry peers and learn new technologies and trends in the food and hotel industry.

Best Catering Expos Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best catering expos I think are worth attending in 2024:

  1. The NGA Show - Las Vegas, NV (March 2024)
  2. Seafood Expo North America - Boston, MA (March 2024)
  3. Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show - Honolulu, HI (March 2024)
  4. Hotel, Restaurant & Catering - London, UK (March 2024)
  5. RC Show 2024 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada (April 2024)
  6. National Restaurant Association Show 2024 - Chicago, IL (May 2024)
  7. Foodservice Australia 2024 - Sydney, Australia (May 2024)
  8. Aged Care Catering Summit - Sydney, Australia (May 2024)
  9. 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show - New York, NY (June 2024)
  10. IFT First Annual Event & Expo - Chicago, IL (July 2024)
  11. LRA Showcase 2024 - New Orleans, LA (August 2024)
  12. California Restaurant Show - Los Angeles, CA (August 2024)
  13. Fine Food Australia  - Melbourne, Australia (September 2024)
  14. America’s Food & Beverage Show & Conference - Miami, FL (September 2024)
  15. Hospitality Tech Expo - London, UK (October 2024)
  16. Street Food Business Expo - London, UK (October 2024)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best Catering Expos

1. The NGA Show - Las Vegas, NV (March 2024)

The NGA Show website screenshot
Join grocery industry leaders, from start-ups to seasoned veterans, at the NGA Show - the premier event for retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers. Don't miss the chance to enrich and expand your network.

Overview: The NGA Show focuses on the grocery industry, offering insights into retail technology, marketing, food trends, and logistics. It features industry leaders and innovators as speakers.

Why You Should Attend: This catering expo is key for grocers looking to adapt to digital shifts and consumer trends, offering strategies for operational efficiency and profitability.

2. Seafood Expo North America - Boston, MA (March 2024)

Seafood Expo North America website screenshot
Discover the latest trends and insights at Seafood Expo North America 2024, featuring over 30 sessions by leading experts. Gain practical knowledge for today's seafood industry.

Overview: This expo covers the terms of the seafood industry, focusing on sustainable practices, new products, market trends, and trade. It attracts global seafood professionals.

Why You Should Attend: The Seafood Expo North America is ideal for those in the seafood sector seeking insights on sustainability, market trends, and global trade opportunities.

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3. Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show - Honolulu, HI (March 2024)

Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show website screenshot
Connect, network, and innovate at the Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show 2024 – the hub for hospitality professionals in paradise.

Overview: A special event for the hospitality industry in Hawaii, the Hawaii Hotel & Restaurant Show focuses on management, food service innovations, and tourism marketing.

Why You Should Attend: Great for hospitality professionals looking to enhance guest experiences and stay competitive in a dynamic tourism market.

4. Hotel, Restaurant & Catering - London, UK (March 2024)

Hotel, Restaurant & Catering website screenshot
HRC engages with over 1500 suppliers, experience cutting-edge industry talks, and connect with experts to boost your hospitality business and customer delight.

Overview: HRC is an event dedicated to the UK's hospitality sector, featuring innovations in food service, hospitality technology, and sustainable practices. It draws industry professionals for insights and networking.

Why You Should Attend: Perfect for those in hospitality looking to explore the latest trends, products, and technologies driving the industry forward.

5. RC Show 2024 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada (April 2024)

RC Show 2024 website screenshot
Discover solutions, innovation, and networking at the RC Show, the gateway to exciting products and dynamic flavor experiences in the industry.

Overview: Canada's leading food and beverage industry event, the RC Show focuses on innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge trends. It offers a platform for networking, education, and discovery.

Why You Should Attend: This expo is essential for food service professionals seeking to adapt to industry changes and discover new products and technologies.

6. National Restaurant Association Show 2024 - Chicago, IL (May 2024)

National Restaurant Association Show website screenshot
The National Restaurant Association Show 2024 is set to be a premier event for culinary innovation, industry networking, and the latest in foodservice.

Overview: The largest foodservice trade event in the Americas, showcasing culinary breakthroughs, emerging technology, and trends. Attracts a global audience of industry professionals.

Why You Should Attend: A must-visit for those in the restaurant industry to stay ahead of culinary trends, operational efficiencies, and customer engagement strategies.

7. Foodservice Australia 2024 - Sydney, Australia (May 2024)

Foodservice Australia 2024 website screenshot
Experience the future of food at Foodservice Australia in Sydney with 450+ exhibitors, chef battles, conferences, and hands-on workshops.

Overview: Foodservice Australia 2024 is a premier food expo event, showcasing the latest in foodservice, bakery items, and equipment. It's a hub for bakers, chefs, caterers, and suppliers discovering new trends and networking.

Why You Should Attend: Ideal for those in the Australian foodservice industry looking to connect with suppliers, learn about new products, and gain insights into industry trends.

8. Aged Care Catering Summit - Sydney, Australia (May 2024)

Aged Care Catering Summit website screenshot
At the Aged Care Catering Summit, master the art of serving the aging population with expert-led sessions on consumer trends, menu planning, and innovative kitchen technology.

Overview: Focused on catering in the aged care sector, this summit addresses nutrition, menu planning, and the unique challenges of catering to older adults. It features industry experts and practical sessions.

Why You Should Attend: Crucial for organizers, distributors, and catering professionals in aged care seeking to enhance their services with nutritional knowledge and innovative catering solutions.

9. 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show - New York, NY (June 2024)

2024 Summer Fancy Food Show website screenshot
The 68th Summer Fancy Food Show is a hub for international makers and industry professionals to network and spark new business ventures.

Overview: The 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show features thousands of new products from around the world. It's a place for industry innovation, education, and networking.

Why You Should Attend: Essential for food and beverage professionals looking to explore the latest trends, meet suppliers, and experience the newest specialty food products.

10. IFT First Annual Event & Expo - Chicago, IL (July 2024)

IFT First Annual Event & Expo website screenshot
The IFT First Annual Event & Expo presents an exploration of food science’s cutting edge with 1,000+ exhibitors, alongside impactful discussions on innovation and collaboration in the food system, offering unparalleled networking with industry pioneers.

Overview: This expo focuses on the science of food, featuring the latest in food technology, ingredients, safety, and sustainability. It's a key meeting point for food professionals, exhibitors, and academics.

Why You Should Attend: Ideal for those in food science and technology looking to explore groundbreaking research, innovative solutions, and networking opportunities.

11. LRA Showcase 2024 - New Orleans, LA (August 2024)

LRA Showcase 2024 website screenshot
The LRA Showcase reigns as the premier regional event for foodservice pros to connect with top suppliers, an essential venue for companies aiming to boost their presence in the restaurant industry.

Overview: Louisiana's premier restaurant and hospitality event, focusing on the latest industry trends, products, and services. It's a prime spot for cooking demos, education sessions, and cocktail competitions.

Why You Should Attend: A must for those in the Louisiana hospitality sector seeking to connect with providers, discover new products, and gain local industry insights.

12. California Restaurant Show - Los Angeles, CA (August 2024)

California Restaurant Show website screenshot
Experience the latest in menu trends, design, and business education at the California Restaurant Show, the ultimate gathering for the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry with hundreds of exhibitors.

Overview: The California Restaurant Show is a key event for the California foodservice industry, showcasing innovations in food, beverage, and technology tailored to the West Coast market.

Why You Should Attend: Essential for restaurant professionals in California looking for the latest trends, networking, and growth opportunities in a dynamic market.

13. Fine Food Australia  - Melbourne, Australia (September 2024)

Fine Food Australia website screenshot
With Fine Food Australia, unlock a world of culinary possibilities and innovation at the leading B2B food event for industry professionals.

Overview: Fine Food Australia is a trade event for the food industry, showcasing the latest in food, drink, and equipment. Attendees can explore new flavors, innovative technologies, and industry insights.

Why You Should Attend: Key for food industry professionals in Australia and beyond, looking to discover new products, meet suppliers, and gain insights into food trends and innovations.

14. America’s Food & Beverage Show & Conference - Miami, FL (September 2024)

America's Food & Beverage Show & Conference website screenshot
America's Food & Beverage Show & Conference is a melting pot of innovation and taste, showcasing industry-leading products and ideas.

Overview: This event is a major platform for the global food and beverage market, offering opportunities to network, attend workshops, and explore a vast array of products.

Why You Should Attend: The expo is ideal for businesses looking to expand their market reach, understand industry trends, and explore international trade opportunities.

15. Hospitality Tech Expo - London, UK (October 2024)

Hospitality Tech Expo website screenshot
Gain insights from hospitality tech experts and industry leaders during the Hospitality Tech Expo on transformative changes for 2024.

Overview: Focused on the latest in hospitality technology, the Hospitality Tech Expo offers insights into improving customer experience, operational efficiency, and business growth through technology.

Why You Should Attend: The expo is a must-visit for those looking to leverage technology to enhance their hospitality business, from small independents to large chains.

16. Street Food Business Expo - London, UK (October 2024)

Street Food Business Expo website screenshot
The Street Food Business Expo connects vendors and caterers, showcasing the latest in sustainability, mobile catering, financial services, tech, packaging, and gas solutions.

Overview: The Street Food Business Expo focuses on the latest trends, equipment, and strategies for success in the street food scene.

Why You Should Attend: The event is perfect for current and aspiring street food entrepreneurs looking for insights, networking, and growth opportunities in this vibrant sector.

Summary

As we've explored a variety of expos and conferences tailored for the food, beverage, and hospitality industries across the globe, each offers unique opportunities for professionals to learn, network, and grow their businesses. Whether you're interested in the latest culinary trends, technology advancements, or sustainable practices, there's an event out there for you.

If you know of other conferences that would benefit hospitality professionals, feel free to share your recommendations. It's all about staying connected, informed, and inspired in this dynamic industry. Make sure you join our newsletter to learn about more industry events and resources for hotel managers!

By Cory Masters

Cory Masters is a dynamic professional with 10+ years of experience working across hotel and hospitality management, accounting, financial management, office management, and operations. She's passionate about elevating other professionals in the community, using her 4 years as an Assistant Hotel Manager at Four Seasons to share the lessons she's learned about managing guest interactions, reservations, hotel staff, hotel services, hotel management systems, and more.