With 2026 around the corner, executives in the food and beverage industry are looking ahead to networking and learning opportunities.
Next year's conferences will draw thousands of food and beverage professionals across sectors, including those in supply chain, manufacturing and retail. Attendees can learn about innovation and the future of the food and beverage industry, as well as gain networking opportunities in the space.
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
Winter FancyFaire
Jan. 11-13
San Diego Convention Center
San Diego, California
As one of the first industry events of the year, the Winter FancyFaire show is marketing itself as a guidepost to the year ahead in the specialty food and beverage sector. This new event will replace the Winter Fancy Food Show, and includes product showcases and offers insight into the latest consumer trends impacting the gourmet industry.
Dairy Forum 2026
Jan. 25-28
Palm Desert, California
Hosted by the International Dairy Foods Association, the Dairy Forum brings together 1,200 executives across the dairy supply chain for four days of networking and insight. The conference features topics such as collaboration, innovation and the future of the dairy industry, with speakers such as Former Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and author Sarah Frey.
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. While speakers and information sessions for 2026 haven’t yet been released, expect insight into what's next for the fast-growing health and wellness sector.
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 more.
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. While speakers have yet to be announced, last year's event featured executives from Coca-Cola, Liquid Death and more, as well as offering 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. While the line up for 2026 has yet to be released, the conference is meant to showcase different aspects of “conscious consumerism,” with experiences and educational workshops.
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.
