As a restaurant industry professional — whether you’re an owner, manager, or franchisor — attending restaurant conferences will enable you to uncover what’s trending in the industry and be better positioned to succeed. We’ve compiled some of the top restaurant conferences in the United States to attend this year, and why you won’t want to miss out.
Why you should attend food trade shows
For restaurant professionals who want a competitive edge in the hospitality industry, attending food trade shows is a strategic business strategy.
These events offer a multitude of benefits that can impact your bottom line. Trade shows keep you well-informed, making sure you don’t fall behind competitors. You’ll be exposed to trends and developments, giving you access to the latest innovations and information.
Plus, conferences are an excellent networking opportunity. These events offer the chance to connect with industry leaders, suppliers, and potential partners. They also shed light on evolving consumer trends as well as crucial business development opportunities, like innovations in restaurant technology and delivery.
10 must-attend restaurant conferences and food trade shows
With so many food and beverage events, deciding where you should spend your time and money can be tough. We've shortlisted the top 10 restaurant events in the US (in chronological order) and shared details on how you can connect with DoorDash at some of them:
1. The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York
The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York showcases industry trends and new technology. The food- and beverage-related entertainment includes live culinary demonstrations, awards ceremonies, and competitions.
When: March 3-5, 2024
Where: Javits Center, New York, NY
Who it’s for: Owners, operators, chefs, caterers, bakers, and other foodservice personnel
2. Bar & Restaurant Expo
The Bar & Restaurant Expo is all about maximizing profits in the food and beverage industry, focusing on both practical solutions and innovative ideas.
When: March 18-20, 2024
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Who it’s for: Bar and restaurant operators and owners, national chain executives, hospitality group reps, bartenders, and newcomers to the hospitality industry
Not on the DoorDash platform yet? Visit us at the Bar & Restaurant Expo at Booth #RZ3016 to talk to a sales representative about your business needs, or get 1:1 onboarding support.
3. International Pizza Expo
The International Pizza Expo is the biggest trade show in the pizza industry, and features educational seminars, workshops, and national competitions.
When: March 19-21, 2024
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Who it’s for: Suppliers and pizzeria owners, operators, and managers
Find DoorDash at the International Pizza Expo at Booth #2715 to talk with a sales representative about your business needs, or schedule an appointment to get 1:1 support.
4. Restaurant Leadership Conference
Over 100 hospitality thought leaders make up the inspirational and insightful speaking cast at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. For example, in 2023, MLB executive Derek Jeter and Subway CEO John Chidsey were notable keynote speakers.
When: April 14-17, 2024
Where: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZ
Who it’s for: Restaurant executives, especially chain executives
At the 2024 Restaurant Leadership Conference, you'll have a chance to hear from DoorDash leaders on stage. Be sure to visit the conference website to see the latest agenda and sign up for our session.
5. Food on Demand
The Food on Demand Conference claims to be the only conference solely dedicated to off-premise restaurant operations. Typical themes include mobile ordering, native and third-party delivery, catering, and restaurant technology.
When: May 8-10, 2024
Where: The Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV
Who it’s for: Restaurant executives and innovators
At the 2024 Food on Demand Conference, you'll have a chance to hear from DoorDash leaders on stage. Be sure to visit the conference website to see the latest agenda and sign up for our session.
6. National Restaurant Association Show
The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the largest foodservice events in the Western Hemisphere. Attendees can socialize with hospitality leaders, learn about cutting-edge technology, and listen to keynote speakers on the latest food and beverage trends.
When: May 18-21, 2024
Where: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Who it’s for: All decision-makers in the restaurant industry
Need assistance optimizing your business in the DoorDash Merchant Portal? Visit us at the National Restaurant Association Show at Booth #6266 to get 1:1 technical support or talk to a sales representative about your business needs.
7. Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is full of educational programs, feature demonstrations, and culinary competitions. Attendees can expect to learn about menu trends, state-of-the-art design, and restaurant décor.
When: August 25-27, 2024
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
Who it’s for: Restaurateurs, foodservice and specialty beverage professionals, and suppliers
8. Prosper Forum
Prosper Forum is an annual leadership conference, forum, and community of foodservice and hospitality professionals. Its focus is on equity and inclusion, and exploring ways to build a diverse pipeline of leadership talent.
When: August 25-28, 2024
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, FL
Who it’s for: Leaders and decision-makers in foodservice and hospitality
At the 2024 Prosper Forum, you'll have a chance to hear from DoorDash leaders on stage. Be sure to visit the conference website to see the latest agenda and sign up for our session.
9. QSR Evolution Conference
The QSR Evolution Conference focuses on the development and needs of quick-service restaurant operators. Typical discussion topics include growth and sustainability, franchising, leadership, changing consumer habits, and technology.
When: September 4-5, 2024
Where: Atlanta Marriot Marquis, Atlanta, GA
Who it’s for: Quick-service restaurateurs, owners, operators, and managers
At the 2024 QSR Evolution Conference, you'll have a chance to hear from DoorDash leaders on stage. Be sure to visit the conference website to see the latest agenda and sign up for our session.
10. FSTEC
FSTEC celebrates innovative restaurant technology in both commercial and noncommercial foodservice, including the latest cutting-edge tools in foodservice.
When: September 16-18, 2024
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Who it’s for: Restaurant executives and innovators
How to maximize benefits from attending food trade shows
To get the most out of your time, strategize your trade show attendance — avoid just showing up and getting overwhelmed by the booths, speakers, and events.
Here are a few tips to help plan your time and maximize the multifaceted benefits of these events.
Determine your business goal
Ask yourself what you want to get out of each industry event you attend. Maybe it’s to discover new technologies that can improve kitchen operations, or talk to other restaurant leaders face-to-face about challenges you’re facing. Outline a few specific objectives to help you stay focused during the event.
Make a flexible plan
Take a deep dive into the event’s agenda and choose sessions to attend in advance, while leaving room for flexibility and spontaneity. While it’s important to plan ahead, it’s also wise to remain open to unforeseen, spur-of-the-moment opportunities.
Make new connections through networking
Research who might be attending the event and consider reaching out to set up a meeting or conversation in advance. LinkedIn can be a great networking tool to reach out to others in the industry, and many events also offer custom mobile apps that enable you to connect with other attendees and manage your agenda. One of the biggest draws of restaurant conferences is forging or strengthening personal connections, so don’t get stuck sitting in conference sessions the entire time.
Create a post-event strategy
Make the most of your investment with a post-event strategy. Follow up with the people you met, and also share the insights and information you gathered with the rest of your team so that everyone can benefit. Then you can make a plan together to further investigate or implement what you learned at the trade show.
Restaurant conferences are essential
Restaurant trade shows keep foodservice professionals current on trends and developments in the industry, provide invaluable networking opportunities, and ensure you’re at the forefront of developments in areas like delivery or takeout.
They also present an opportunity, if your restaurant is located in one of the cities that hosts a major conference or trade show, to capitalize on the influx of food professionals and other attendees.
Learn more about how DoorDash can help your business maximize sales. And whether you attend these events or not, follow us on Instagram @DoorDashForMerchants and X (formerly Twitter) @DDforMerchants for all of the behind-the-scenes action!
