As 2026 gets underway, executives in the food and beverage industry are looking ahead to networking and learning opportunities.
This year’s conferences will draw thousands of food and beverage professionals across sectors, including those in supply chain, manufacturing and retail. Events also span segments, providing deeper insight for categories including confectionery, frozen foods and organic products.
Innovation, health and wellness and artificial intelligence are set to be some of the biggest topics in 2026. At many events, major brands are also expected to share upcoming product launches and shed insight into their operations.
Food Dive has compiled a list of the top food and beverage industry events and trade shows to attend in 2026.
Take a look at what to expect in the year ahead
Top food conferences in 2026
Natural Products Expo West
March 3-6
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, California
Natural Products Expo West focuses on natural and organic products within the CPG space, giving attendees an inside look at the biggest health and wellness trends shaping the industry. Sessions will cover trends and innovation in protein, the state of the natural and organic market, and how to formulate foods that meet consumer demand for functional ingredients.
Future Food-Tech
March 19-20
Marriott Marquis, San Francisco
San Francisco, California
The Future Food-Tech summit offers a front row to the forefront of food innovation, bringing startups and established companies together to discuss the future of food. This year's theme is "Advancing Food Innovation to Ensure a Healthy & Sustainable Future," and the event is expected to explore the impacts of GLP-1s, the Make America Healthy Again agenda and innovation.
Beverage Forum
April 28-29
Westdrift
Manhattan Beach, California
Known as one of the top gatherings for beverage executives, the Beverage Forum is a two-day event offering attendees a unique opportunity to learn the latest trends and innovations shaping the industry. Featured speakers include executives from Coca-Cola, 7-Eleven and Surfside Vodka, and the event also offers networking opportunities.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
May 19-21
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
The flagship event for the snacking and confectionery industries, the Sweets & Snacks Expo showcases new products from some of the biggest players in the space and sets the stage for what’s next in innovation. This year’s event will take place in Las Vegas and looks to give executives insight into the latest trends and advice on connecting with consumers.
Summer Fancy Food Show
June 28-30
Javits Center
New York, New York
The Summer Fancy Food Show is meant to showcase “the entire landscape of specialty foods.” The event offers a preview of the buzziest premium and health-oriented brands while offering educational opportunities delving into consumer preferences and values.
IFT First
July 12-15
McCormick Center
Chicago, Illinois
IFT First, which stands for Food Improved by Research, Science and Technology, features the latest innovations in the ingredients space. The event is targeted at researchers, scientists, engineers and educators to focus on how research can make the food system safer, equitable and sustainable.
Newtopia Now
Aug. 19-21
Denver, Colorado
Newtopia Now focuses on the future of natural products. The conference is meant to showcase different aspects of “conscious consumerism,” with experiences and educational workshops with talks from executives from Whole Foods, Dr. Bronner’s and more.
The Global Produce & Floral Show
Oct. 15-17
Orlando, Florida
Hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association, this conference highlights trends in fruit, vegetables and florals. Last year's event featured topics including artificial intelligence, global trade policy and more.
National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association Convention
Oct. 17-20
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
National Harbor, Maryland
NFRA’s convention allows those in the frozen foods sector to showcase products, form new connections and discover the latest challenges and opportunities facing the segment.
Disclosure: Natural Products Expo West and Newtopia Now are run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Food Dive. Informa has no influence over Food Dive’s coverage.
