Home Spotlight Upcoming Restaurant Industry Events To Attend in 2025

Upcoming Restaurant Industry Events To Attend in 2025

Restaurant Industry Events 2025
Stefan Petrov avatar

By: Stefan Petrov

September 17, 2024

The restaurant industry has several key events in 2025 that professionals won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a manager or you’re working an entry-level job in hospitality, these events are always excellent opportunities for networking and learning.

Below are 10 of the largest and most popular restaurant industry events happening in 2025, along with details on dates, locations and links to their official websites.

1. National Restaurant Association Show

nra show

[source: National Restaurant Association Show]

The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the biggest restaurant conference Chicago events in the industry, attracting professionals from across the globe. This annual gathering is known for showcasing innovations in food service, equipment, technology and more.

This event also offers a comprehensive educational program with over 40 operator-led sessions and roundtable discussions, providing insights into current industry challenges and future trends.

It’s the go-to event for anyone looking to learn from industry leaders and expand their professional network. If you want to progress your restaurant career or learn valuable tips on how to expand your business, you don’t want to miss out on the National Restaurant Leadership Conference.

See also: Hotel Manager Jobs

2. Restaurant Leadership Conference

Restaurant Leadership conference

[source: Restaurant Leadership Conference]

The Restaurant Leadership Conference is an event that brings together top executives from the restaurant and hospitality sectors. This event is special because it focuses on leadership, innovation and market trends above all else, so it’s a great event to attend if you want to become a Hotel Manager or work in another leadership role.

Attendees can expect to network with peers while learning about the future of the industry from established experts. Since it focuses on leadership, this restaurant finance and development conference is invaluable if you want to learn how to manage budgets and maximize your establishment’s profitability.

See also: Director of Restaurant Operations Jobs

3. Bar & Restaurant Expo

Bar restaurant expo

[source: Bar & Restaurant Expo]

  • Dates: March 24-26, 2025
  • Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
  • Register Here: Bar & Restaurant Expo

This incredible Las Vegas restaurant conference event caters to bar and restaurant owners, operators and managers. It’s a hub that gets over 13,000 visitors each year, who are all there to discover new products, attend workshops and participate in competitions that celebrate the art of bartending.

The Expo is a fun and informative restaurant leadership conference that combines education with entertainment. The event consists of three days that could redefine your career and business with the insights and connections you gain and make.

See also: Bartender Jobs

4. Foodservice Conference & Expo

The foodservice conference

[source: The Foodservice Conference]

The Foodservice Conference & Expo focuses on fresh produce and innovation in the food service industry. It’s especially significant for those interested in culinary trends, new products and learning more about food safety.

This restaurant technology conference is great because it brings together industry leaders to discuss the future of food service and agriculture. Reserve your site while you can because based on previous experience, this is an extremely popular event that gets sold out relatively quickly.

See also: Private Chef Jobs

5. Catersource + The Special Event

Catersource conference

[source: Catersource]

Catersource is a slightly more niche restaurant franchise conference since it brings together catering professionals and Event Planners for an extensive program of workshops, panels and networking events. It’s one of the top events for those in the catering business, offering the chance to connect with suppliers and explore new culinary trends.

This fun and engaging event consists of three days of conference sessions coupled with two full days of trade show exhibitions and keynote sessions, finished off with an awards ceremony. If you’re at all interested in catering or the event industry, you don’t want to miss this one.

See also: Event Planner Jobs

6. International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York

International restaurant show conference

[source: International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York]

This show is one of the largest restaurant expos on the East Coast, featuring the latest in food service products, equipment and technology. During this three day seminar, industry leaders will provide effective business lessons and best practices in the current market, along with their own perspective of what manifests success.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore the latest trends in cuisine, design and business management. What’s more, the event organizers have partnered up with Connection Housing to secure reduced hotel rates and travel discounts for attendees.

See also: Kitchen Manager Jobs

7. Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

Restaurant Franchising innovation

[source: Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit]

Focusing on the franchise side of the restaurant business, this summit is perfect for professionals looking to expand their franchises or learn more about the opportunities in franchising. Sessions cover everything from operations and marketing to finance and franchisee support.

Another great thing about this event is its focus on innovation. Executives from leading brands will share their success stories and the ways they’ve been able to innovate in order to grow their franchises.

See also: Kitchen Manager Jobs

8. California Restaurant Show – Western Foodservice & Hospitality

California restaurant show

[source: California Restaurant Show]

Formerly known as the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, the event is now called the California Restaurant Show because of its popularity and significance in the area. A highlight for restaurant professionals on the West Coast, this expo provides a platform for food service professionals to discover new products, and trends and explore the latest business solutions.

It also offers educational sessions that focus on food safety, technology and sustainability. Held at the renowned Anaheim Convention Center, it’s estimated that over 10,000 people will visit this event throughout the course of the three days.

See also: Executive Chef Jobs

9. The NAFEM Show

The NAFEM show

[source: The NAFEM Show]

  • Dates: February 26-28, 2025
  • Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
  • Register Here: The NAFEM Show

The NAFEM Show is dedicated to showcasing the latest in food service equipment and supplies, offering restaurant owners, managers, Chefs and other hospitality employees a chance to explore the newest innovations in kitchen technology. With over a hundred different exhibitors, it’s a must-visit for anyone involved in restaurant operations such as Restaurant Consultants.

The best thing about the NAFEM show is how professionally organized it is. You can view the entire schedule and only attend events you’re interested in, see the floor and even check out a list of the exhibitors that will be present.

See also: Restaurant Consultant Jobs

10. Food On Demand Conference

Food on demand

[source: Food On Demand Conference]

The Food On Demand Conference focuses on the future of delivery, catering and off-premise dining in the restaurant industry. This event is ideal for operators and industry leaders looking to adapt to growing trends like ghost kitchens, third-party delivery and the latest in food logistics technology.

This event is a great opportunity to learn from leading restaurant and food service players in mobile ordering, virtual restaurants, catering and even AI and robotics. Additionally, if you feel like you’ve got a story to share or something innovative you want to showcase, feel free to register and talk to the organizers.

See also: Restaurant Manager Jobs

How To Maximize Your Experience at Industry Events

Attending restaurant industry events can provide invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and professional development. To maximize your experience, it’s important to come prepared with specific goals. Here are a few strategies:

  • Set clear objectives: Before attending, decide what you want to achieve. Are you looking to network with potential partners, learn about industry trends or discover new suppliers? Having clear goals will help you stay focused and ensure that you’re making the most of your time.
  • Plan ahead: Review the event schedule in advance and identify the sessions, panels or speakers you want to see. Many events offer app-based agendas where you can plan your day by setting reminders for key activities or networking sessions.
  • Bring business cards and digital contacts: Even in a digital age, business cards remain a useful tool. Make sure you have a good supply of business cards to hand out during networking sessions. Additionally, take advantage of the event’s app (if available) to connect with attendees virtually, expanding your network beyond in-person interactions.
  • Engage with speakers and attendees: After sessions or workshops, approach speakers and fellow attendees. Ask insightful questions, offer your perspective and take part in informal conversations. These interactions often lead to valuable relationships and opportunities.
  • Follow up after the event: After the event, don’t let your new connections go to waste. Send follow-up emails or messages, referencing something specific from your conversation to remind them who you are. Building and maintaining these relationships is essential for long-term benefits.

Networking Tips for New Attendees

Attending a restaurant industry event for the first time can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be an excellent opportunity to build lasting professional relationships. Here are a few tips to help you network effectively:

  • Prepare your introduction: Have a concise and engaging elevator pitch ready. Introduce yourself by stating who you are, what you do and what your goals are for attending the event. This makes it easier to spark conversations and helps others quickly understand how you fit into the industry.
  • Be approachable and confident: Don’t wait for people to approach you. Make the effort to engage with others by introducing yourself and asking thoughtful questions. Show genuine interest in the people you meet, listen actively and be open to new connections. Your enthusiasm and curiosity will make you more approachable and memorable.
  • Utilize social media: Before, during and after the event, use social media to your advantage. Follow the event’s hashtag, engage with posts and connect with speakers and attendees online. Posting about the event can also attract others to connect with you. LinkedIn and Twitter are great platforms for connecting with professionals, but don’t overlook Instagram if you’re attending a visually rich event.
  • Attend networking events: Many industry events offer informal networking sessions or happy hours specifically for connecting with others. Make it a priority to attend these, as they often provide the best environment to meet others in a relaxed setting.

Why You Should Attend These Restaurant Leadership Events

Attending any of these top restaurant industry events offers invaluable opportunities to network, discover new products and learn from industry leaders. Although most require registration and cost somewhere in the region of $1,000 to attend, they’re well worth it if you plan on making hospitality and the restaurant industry your career.

Whether you’re a Chef, Bartender or Restaurant Owner, these conferences and expos will keep you ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market. We’ve included events taking place throughout the U.S. that are significant for pushing the boundaries of the hospitality industry. 

The Future of Restaurant Industry Events

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, so too do the events that cater to it. Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the future of these gatherings:

  • Technology integration: With the rise of digital tools and virtual platforms, restaurant industry events are becoming more tech-savvy. Expect to see greater use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and interactive workshops, which will provide immersive experiences for attendees. Moreover, many events are moving to hybrid models, offering both in-person and virtual access, making it easier for people worldwide to participate.
  • Sustainability and eco-friendly practices: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus within the restaurant industry. Expect more events to feature workshops, discussions and keynote speakers centered around sustainable practices in food sourcing, waste management and energy-efficient restaurant operations. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions rises, industry events will play a critical role in advancing these conversations.
  • Health and wellness trends: As health-conscious dining continues to rise, events will likely offer more sessions on plant-based dining, nutrition and the latest trends in health-focused food and beverages. This shift will likely include innovations in alternative proteins, allergen-free cooking and managing dietary restrictions in restaurant menus.
  • Focus on diversity and inclusion: The restaurant industry is increasingly focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. Future events will likely dedicate more time to discussing these issues, including how restaurants can build more inclusive environments for staff and customers, as well as how diverse cultural influences are shaping food trends.
  • Smaller, more specialized gatherings: While large-scale events will continue, the future of the industry will also likely see the rise of more specialized, niche conferences or meetups focusing on specific topics such as innovation in restaurant technology, leadership in hospitality or emerging food trends. These smaller events allow for deeper dives into particular areas of interest.
Stefan Petrov

Written by Stefan Petrov

Editor and SEO Content Writer

With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that’s visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.

FAQ On Restaurant Industry Events

Consider factors such as the event’s focus area (e.g., technology, franchising, culinary arts), the quality of speakers and sessions, networking opportunities, location and how well it aligns with your business goals and interests.

To maximize benefits, review the event agenda in advance, identify sessions and exhibitors relevant to your interests, set clear objectives, and plan networking strategies to connect with key industry professionals.

Yes, some organizations offer virtual events and webinars, providing opportunities to engage with industry content and networking remotely. Check the National Restaurant Association’s events calendar for upcoming virtual offerings.

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