Restaurants that want to grow and flourish must push themselves to do more.
That’s why so many professionals–even outside the restaurant industry–turn to events, conferences, and trade shows. These gatherings are about learning, changing mindsets, and networking with other professionals.
From exploring technology that can transform your business to gaining inspiration you can take with you to find new opportunities, events should be on your radar in 2024. We’ve carefully compiled a list to help you find one you’ll want to attend this year.
Organizer: The Restaurant Finance MonitorLocation: Fontainebleau, Las Vegas, NVDates: November 11–13, 2024Admission cost: TBDThe Restaurant Finance & Development Conference (RFDC) is a pivotal event for restaurant operators, where attendees can join sessions about financial strategies and development opportunities within the industry. Some topics include funding restaurant growth, managing financial risks, and leveraging the latest industry trends to drive success.
Restaurant operators attending RFDC can connect with financial experts, industry leaders, and potential investors. This helps them make better decisions and move their businesses forward with confidence.
Organizer: National Restaurant AssociationLocation: McCormick Place, Chicago, ILDates: May 18–21, 2024Admission cost: $115–$225Hosted by one of the most respected organizations in the industry, the National Restaurant Show is an essential gathering. It's a perfect event for restaurant operators to explore the latest trends, technologies, and products. Attendees can network with industry professionals, learn from expert-led sessions, and discover innovative solutions to enhance their business operations. This event is especially beneficial for staying ahead in the competitive restaurant industry.
Organizer: Bar & Restaurant ExpoLocation: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NVDates: March 18–20, 2024Admission cost: $119–$849Notable speakers: Jessica Altieri, Corporate Director of Beverage, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Brian Duffy, Founder, Duffified Experience Group Michael Tipps, Founder, Maverick Theory The Bar & Restaurant Expo is another essential event that should be on your radar in 2024. Attendees will gain insights from industry experts, explore cutting-edge trends, and network with over 13,000 professionals. The expo offers a chance to learn, sample new food and beverage trends, and find solutions to enhance your bottom line. This massive conference promotes learning and connections among attendees.
Organizer: Restaurant Franchising & InnovationLocation: InterContinental Kansas City At The Plaza, Kansas City, MODates: March 24–26, 2024Admission cost: $795–$2,145Notable speakers: John Berberich, Vice President of EMEA & North America, Shake Shack Beto Guajardo, CEO, Blaze Pizza Nate Fowler, President, Long John Silver’s An ideal event for those interested in franchising, the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit offers attendees a place to learn about cutting-edge strategies and technologies that can help grow franchise businesses.
You can expect to hear from top executives in the industry, some of whom represent brands like Blaze Pizza, Shake Shack, and many more. This is an excellent place for networking, learning, and finding new ways to innovate in franchising.
Organizer: Oregon Restaurant & Lodging AssociationLocation: Portland Expo Center, Portland, ORDates: April 21–22, 2024Admission cost: $15The Northwest Food Show features the latest in food, beverage, technology, and operations. It's an excellent venue for discovering emerging products and trends that can positively impact your business. The show also offers interactive presentations and networking opportunities with industry peers and suppliers, making it a valuable experience for anyone looking to improve and innovate in the restaurant industry.
Organizer: National Restaurant AssociationLocation: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, ILDates: May 15–17, 2024Admission cost: $399–$599Presented by the National Restaurant Association, the MEG (Marketing Executives Group) Conference will most benefit those interested in marketing, innovation, and sales mastery. Previous conferences offered insightful, expert-led presentations and advanced strategies.
Organizer: RXE Restaurant EventsLocation: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CADates: August 25–27, 2024Admission cost: TBDThe Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is a staple hospitality conference in southern California. You can expect diverse programming and valuable lessons from leading figures. This event promotes making connections and uncovering trends to innovate your business strategy.
Organizer: FSTECLocation: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, TXDates: September 15–18, 2024Admission cost: TBDNotable speakers: Michael Schatzberg, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Branded Hospitality Ventures Kit Mitchell, Director of Marketing, Good Times Restaurants, Inc. Pankaj Patra, Senior VP and Chief Information Officer, Brinker International For restaurant operators interested in technology and innovation, FSTEC is worth consideration. This event is known for providing learning about the latest technological advancements that can revolutionize restaurant management and customer experience.
Organizer: National Restaurant AssociationLocation: Washington, D.C.Dates: April 15–17, 2024Admission cost: $200–$300The Public Affairs Conference, hosted by the National Restaurant Association, connects industry professionals with policymakers. While 2024 conference specifics are pending, it traditionally fosters dialogue on restaurant industry issues. Attendees can expand their knowledge of public affairs, engage with policymakers, and learn about politics-restaurant industry developments.
Organizer: Restaurant EventsLocation: Javits Center, New York, NYDates: March 3–5, 2024Admission cost: $40–$80The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a comprehensive event and an East Coast counterpart to the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo mentioned previously. This conference offers the latest in food trends and technology and is a one-stop shop for restaurant operators to find everything they need for their business. The show features a wide range of exhibitors, world-class education sessions, and interactive culinary demonstrations, making it a valuable experience for those looking to innovate and grow.
Organizer: Restaurant Law Center, National Restaurant AssociationLocation : TBDDates: TBDAdmission cost: TBDThe Restaurant Law Center's Restaurant Legal Summit enables industry professionals to learn about legal topics facing restaurants. The summit offers a comprehensive program including experts who share must-have insights. While 2024 event specifics are pending, anticipate productive discussions, networking, and valuable legal advice.
Organizer: Brewer’s AssociationLocation: Las Vegas, NVDates: April 21-24, 2024Admission cost: $399–$1,509Notable speakers: Fawn Weaver, Co-founder, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Sarah Jane Curran, Senior Beverage Manager, Marriott International The Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America is an event that brings together professionals across the beverage industry. It offers product sourcing and educational sessions from industry experts and covers topics from brewing techniques to effective business management. The event also includes BrewExpo America, a top craft brewing trade show.
Organizer: Restaurants CanadaLocation: Enercare Centre, Toronto, ON, CADates: April 8-10, 2024Admission cost: TBDAs the first on this list outside the U.S., the Restaurants Canada Show is Canada's leading hospitality and foodservice event. Also known as the RC Show, this event showcases the latest products and technologies and hosts discussions about emerging trends and business strategies. With informative sessions, an exhibit hall, and networking with industry leaders, it’s a high-value event for restaurateurs based in Canada.
Organizer: PhocuswrightLocation: Phoenix, AZDates: November 19-21, 2024Admission cost: $3,399The Phocuswright Conference, while primarily focused on the travel industry, offers valuable insights for restaurant operators as well. As travel and hospitality are closely linked, attending this event can provide a unique perspective on emerging travel trends and customer preferences, which are crucial for restaurants catering to tourists and travelers.
It's also an excellent opportunity for networking with travel industry professionals, potentially leading to partnerships and new customer acquisition strategies.
Organizer: ITB BerlinLocation: Berlin, DEDates: March 5–7, 2024Admission cost: €35–€60TBDIf you’re looking for more events outside the U.S., ITB Berlin is the top global travel and tourism trade show. Although upcoming event details are pending, the conference generally features innovative exhibits presenting global tourism aspects. Attendees explore international travel trends, exchange ideas, and learn from digital and marketing solutions. The wide-ranging topics and ample networking make ITB Berlin a crucial event for global tourism professionals.
Organizer: Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)Location: Charlotte, NCDates: June 24–27, 2024Admission cost: TBDThe Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) is the premier event focusing on hospitality industry tech adoption. HITEC exposes attendees to the latest hospitality tech, insightful panels, industry engagement, and networking. This event is a must-attend for IT professionals keen on updated technologies transforming the hospitality sector.
Organizer: SkiftLocation: The Glasshouses, New York, NYDates: September 17-19, 2024Admission cost: $2,195–$3,495Skift Global Forum, a top travel industry event, is renowned for inspiring content. While upcoming specifics aren’t available, it hosts elite speakers from travel sectors such as airlines, hotels, and tech. Attendees can expect insightful discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Organizer: Smith Travel ResearchLocation: Nashville, TNDates: August 7–9, 2024Admission cost: TBDThe Hotel Data Conference by Smith Travel Research engages professionals with the latest hotel industry data trends and insights. Past events featured informative sessions, interactive workshops, and networking around performance metrics, industry trends, and forecasts for strategic hotel industry decision-making.
Organizer: The Lodging ConferenceLocation: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZDates: October 7–10, 2024Admission cost: $2,595The Lodging Conference serves as a prime event for hospitality professionals. Despite undisclosed specifics, it often attracts notable speakers sharing insights on hotel management, operations, and development. Participants can expect engaging sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and substantial learning experiences.
Supercharge your restaurant business in 2024 With 2023 in the books, the coming year is ripe with fresh opportunities. Attending suitable events, conferences, or trade shows can be super valuable to help you reach your goals.
To determine which events make the most sense, think critically about areas of your business you want to improve. For example, let’s say you want to dive into franchising, in which case you’ll want to attend a conference for this group of professionals.
Whatever you choose, great insights and connections with other professionals can have immensely positive effects.
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