The global pandemic hit every sector in some form or another – hard. In the beginning, many businesses struggled to continue with their regular operations. Then, however, entrepreneurs came up with creative solutions and found new ways to keep the business world running.

One of the biggest challenge for the corporate world, is the participation in industry events, including restaurant conferences, which initially stopped altogether. Fortunately, as business owners and corporations became more familiar with virtual events, this challenge too was overcome.

As the world edges towards recovery from COVID-19, some organizers started to announce dates for in-person restaurant trade shows and conferences. We’ve made a list of up-and-coming restaurant conferences in 2021 to help you network and stay up with the latest industry trends.
The list will show top restaurant industry conferences in
– North America (USA & Canada)
– The UK
– Australia
-India

Some conferences will be available virtually. We will mention those specifically.

Top Restaurant Industry Conferences and Trade Shows in North America

First up on our list, we’ll take a look at the best restaurant conventions and trade shows that are happening in North America.

HT-NEXT

When it is: December 13-16, 2021
Where it is: Scottsdale, AZ
Who it’s for: Industry professionals from the food service, restaurant, and hospitality sectors.

HT-NEXT’s event is a tasteful combination of two must-attend events – HTNG’s North American Conference and Hospitality Technology’s Hotel Technology Forum.

With travel and distance holidays becoming possible again, food service industries must continue to provide quality experiences. HT-NEXT’s up-and-coming event emphasizes the need for offering customers transparent and personalized experiences. This is made possible with the latest technologies.

Coffee Fest

When it is: August 22–24, 2021
Where it is: San Antonio, New York

and later in the year,

When it is: November 5–6, 2021
Where it is: Anaheim, Portland

Who it’s for: Tea and coffee industry experts. Whether you’re a cafe owner, a restaurant buyer, or even a pastry chef, Coffee Fest has something in store for you.

Coffee Fest is a highly-anticipated B2B trade show that takes place numerous times a year. Dating back to 1992, the show is considered one of the industry’s best specialty coffee and tea conventions.

This year, two in-person fests are remaining, scheduled for late August and early November. We really love this restaurant convention because of how interactive it is. You can taste exotic coffee blends, learn a new skill, or just do some good old-fashioned networking.

Canadian Coffee & Tea Show 

When it is: September 19-20, 2021
Where it is: Toronto, ON
Who it’s for: Everyone in the tea & coffee industry, including café owners, franchise owners, and restaurateurs.

The Canadian Coffee & Tea Show brings together industry professionals under one roof for a day of networking, tasting, and having a good time. If you have access to be in Toronto, this restaurant leadership conference is an absolute must to attend.

You’ll have the opportunity to check out some trendy new goods and powerful technology brought to you by industry leaders. And with brands like Monin, Gerhards, and SFI Hospitality on the scene, this convention offers business owners a one-of-a-kind growth opportunity.

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show

When it is: September 19-20, 2021
Where it is: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Who it’s for: restaurateurs, food service professionals, bar managers, hoteliers, and more.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show is a famous restaurant trade show that’s grown immensely over the years. Which is saying a lot, since they started off big to begin with! The event is attended by thousands of people with hundreds of leading exhibitors. Pop on over to discover the latest business trends, or learn how to take your services up to the next level, or to gain some knowledge about the restaurant industry.

The 14th Annual NLS Food Evolution Summit

When it is: September 20-22, 2021
Where it is: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, California
Who it’s for: top-level executives, industry leaders

The NLS Food Evolution Summit is a high-end annual event that presents an ideal networking and growth environment. At this restaurant convention, industry leaders walk visitors through their professional experiences. You can learn about how they source, develop, and market products to grow their business sustainably.

Fancy Food Show 2021

When it is: September 27-29, 2021
Where it is: Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York
Who it’s for: food industry service providers, food services, and active retail buyers

COVID-19 Info: Due to threat posed by the Delta variant, the Fancy Food Show will continue only with its digital component. 

The Fancy Food Show 2021 is an exclusive event, where attendees are thoroughly vetted before being granted a spot. This is because the expo is strictly B2B – and not for the general public. The restaurant convention is especially interactive, providing educational programming and maker showcases.

This year, the Fancy Food Show has included a concurrent digital extension of the show. This includes education sessions and digital exhibitor showcases.

So if you’re looking for a quality event that exclusively includes industry professionals, then this restaurant leadership conference is your best bet.

Sial Canada 2021:

When it is: September 21-23, 2021
Where it is:  Online

Who it’s for: agri-food industry professionals, retail and food service professionals, food processing professionals

COVID-19 Info: SIAL will be held digitally this year on account of the coronavirus situation. 

SIAL Canada is a leading trade show that takes place annually in North America. Last year, due to the coronavirus, the show was held virtually. This year, for safety concerns, the convention will yet again be hosted virtually.

Sign up for their virtual connection to gain insights into the latest advancements and innovations in the food industry. The virtual event will also offer online networking opportunities with industry leaders.

Planted Expo (Formally known as Veg Expo)

When it is: November 20-21, 2021
Where it is:  Toronto, Vancouver
Who it’s for: plant-based food enthusiasts, food service and industry experts

Planted Expo is the largest plant-based convention in Canada, uniting hundreds of vegan lifestyle businesses under one roof. The expo features inspiring stories from vegan business owners and entrepreneurs that have achieved impressive feats.

Industry professionals are also offered many educational insights. You can gain insights into climate change, health, and discover the latest advancements in plant-based products and services.

Top Restaurant and Trade Show Conventions in the UK

The Restaurant Show

When it is: September 27-29, 2021
Where it is: Olympia, London
Who it’s for: restaurant owners, hospitality industry professionals, suppliers, food service experts.

The Restaurant Show is your one-stop destination to learn about the latest trends, discover new products, and connect with industry-leading suppliers.

The Restaurant Show’s 2021 restaurant convention is all about providing industry professionals with the necessary tools for success. Event organizers will provide you with expert insights, industry tools, and fresh networking opportunities. It’s a great opportunity for business owners looking to grow their restaurants or food services.

Commercial Kitchen’s Essentials Convention

When it is: September 23-24, 2021
Where it is: ExCeL, Olympia London
Who it’s for: any professional looking for the latest, advanced kitchen technology.
COVID-19 Info: Registrations can only be made online. In-person registrations are not accepted.

Looking to take your restaurant’s kitchen to the next level? Then Commercial Kitchen’s renowned event should be on your list. Acclaimed by major hospitality and food service professionals, Commercial Kitchen’s annual event puts business owners in touch with the latest kitchen technology.

This year, the event is showcasing even more innovations. The 2021 show is taking place at the same location as two other award-winning shows. These are lunch! and Casual dining – so head on over for a triple treat!

Food Entrepreneurs Show (FES21)

When it is: November 9-10, 2021
Where it is: ExceL, Olympia London
Who it’s for: Food entrepreneurs of all kinds, including restaurateurs, coffee shop owners, and bar owners.

With approximately 15000 visitors and around a thousand exhibitors, FES21 brings food entrepreneurs of all kinds under one roof. This year, the restaurant leadership conference is hosting six shows. This event presents an excellent growth opportunity with innovation awards, panel sessions, and a designated networking area.

Imbib Live

When it is: September 13-14, 2021
Where it is: ExceL, Olympia London
Who it’s for: any business or entrepreneurs who buy, source, or serve drinks

COVID-19 Info: Attendees will have to demonstrate proof of being COVID-19 free. This includes vaccination reports, negative coronavirus test reports, and other precautions.

Following a COVID-19 induced shutdown, Imbib Live is returning this year in full-swing. The London-held trade show is one of the most prestigious conventions that unites UK’s drinks industry. Hospital managers, bar owners, baristas, and restaurant owners all come together under one roof.

The two-day event is packed full of entertainment, with informative seminars and discussions about what’s new in the industry. You can enjoy some rare flavors at the tasting, or learn about sourcing trending products.

Casual Dining

When it is: September 22-24, 2021
Where it is: ExceL, Olympia London
Who it’s for: Pub owners, restaurateurs, hoteliers.

Co-located with Commercial Kitchen’s convention, Casual Dining is an annual trade show that unites business owners specializing in casual dining. The show’s free keynote program includes panel discussions, advice sessions, and interview opportunities with industry leaders.

The organizers have handpicked over 200 quality suppliers, presenting business owners with a promising growth opportunity. You can discover the latest equipment and innovations, and fresh new goods to source.

Top Restaurant Conventions and Trade Shows in Australia

Good Food & Wine Show 2021

When it is: October 22-24, 2021
Where it is: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Center, Brisbane, Australia
Who it’s for: hotel owners, restaurateurs, food service professionals, bar owners.

The Good Food & Wine Show is back this year to unite industry professionals and provide you with two days of entertainment. Oh, and there’s a ton of networking opportunities too. The event describes itself as the “perfect day for food and wine lovers”, and we really can’t disagree.

The restaurant trade show is made to feel less like a business event and more like a fun couple of days out. You can wander along the show and sample hundreds of stalls, discovering new products along the way. Of course, the show is an excellent time to network, too – you can chat with renowned chefs and winemakers and grow your knowledge about the industry.

Gluten-Free Expo (Melbourne)

When it is: October 15-16, 2021
Where it is: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Center, Melbourne, Australia
Who it’s for: food industry professionals that source or supply gluten-free products

COVID-19 Info: Tickets must be pre-purchased online. If the expo is cancelled because of the coronavirus situation, attendees will receive full refunds. 

While the Gluten-Free Expo is more of a niche event, it’s definitely an important one. If your brand deals with gluten-free products of any kind, this restaurant convention is a must-attend.

The event’s dedicated Education Stage provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get advice from medical practitioners and professional dieticians. These leading professionals will take you over new research and advancements for managing coeliac disease. Oh, and if you get hungry, the event includes samples of gluten-free street food.

Top Restaurant Conventions and Trade Shows in India

BIOFACH India

When it is: October 28-30, 2021
Where it is: India Exposition Centre, Greater Noida
Who it’s for: Industry professionals from the organic product spectrum

BIOFACH fairs are known for the advocacy and exhibition of organic farming products all around the world. As the world becomes more aware of the need for organic sourcing, these shows have garnered much-deserved attention.  

BIOFACH INDIA’s 2021 trade fair for the organic industry aims to connect key players from the organic and natural sectors on a single platform. The exhibition will showcase a farmer’s market with the theme “organic for my plate and palate” – a total win-win!

Dairy Industry Expo 2021

When it is: October 8-10, 2021
Where it is: Pune, India
Who it’s for: Dairy industry professionals, trader visitors, general public

Dairy Industry Expo, in coordination with Dairy Conference, brings this exciting expo for India’s dairy professionals.

The event aims to educate fellow farmers about a range of topics. From animal genetics to farm management, and from milking technology revolutions to novel ways of improving animal productivity. This event encourages new ideas and their propagation, to benefit the industry as a whole.

Pune will be hosting this event as it is the hub of dairy farming, dairy processing, and allied industry from all over the country for business development and technological innovations.

International Trade Fair for Beverage and Liquid Food – Drink Technology India

When it is: December 2-4, 2021
Where it is: Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Who it’s for: trade professionals

Drink Technology India’s exhibition in Gujarat will cover the full spectrum of the country’s liquid food and beverage sector. You can learn about the beverage industry’s solutions for manufacturing, bottling, packaging, and marketing.

The platform allows professionals to meet international parties interested in their company’s expansion in India. The good news about this exhibition is that admission is completely free upon registration.

GRAINTECH India 2021

When it is: October 28-30, 2021
Where it is: Bangalore, India
Who it’s for: Agriculture and food industry professionals, vendors.

GRAINTECH is India’s most prominent technology expo where exhibitions related to food processing machinery, their supply chain, and other areas are focused.

Venders involved in the food business have the opportunity to learn about the latest breakthroughs. Professionals will also have a chance to communicate their ideas and products over this platform, ultimately driving brand growth.

Health Ingredient India

When it is: October 20-22, 2021
Where it is: Hall 5, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Who it’s for: trade visitors, general public

According to a report., the Indian health ingredient market was valued at more than $200 million in 2017. As of yet, experts predict that this market will continue to grow significantly from 2017 to 2023. Unsurprisingly, this sector has gained its share of attention from companies.

The Health Ingredient exhibition brings together the health and natural industry suppliers and professionals under one roof for three days of networking and mingling. If you’re an avid supporter of healthy food and ingredients, then this exhibition is right up your alley.

World Tea and Coffee Expo 2021

When it is: October 20 – 22, 2021
Where it is: Mumbai, India
Who it’s for: industry specialists, general public

Covid 19 Info: Attendees are advised to check the event status by coordinating with the organizers before their arrival.

Tea and coffee sector experts from 8 different countries will showcase their products. In addition, stakeholders of the food and processing industries, catering, and hospitality industries will also be a part of this forum as they work hand-in-hand with the hot beverages sector.

The expo is a great opportunity for industry professionals to sit under one roof and establish new business contacts. The event offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and presentations to attract audiences.

15th ANUTEC – International FoodTec India

When it is: December 2-3, 2021
Where it is: IECC, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Who it’s for: trade visitors, general public

COVID-19 Info: The exhibition was initially scheduled for September 15-17, 2021. However, due to the severity of the COVID situation in India, it is postponed to December 2-3, 2021.

The previous 14 editions organized by AUTEC have solidified it as “the platform” in India for the food and beverage industry. This event presents a perfect opportunity for industry specialists and novices to get together and exchange ideas. Together, you can drive innovation in the food and beverages industry.  

Well, there you have it! This concludes our list of the best restaurant industry conferences 2021. If you’re up for an in-person event and there’s one happening nearby, then it’s time to dive back into in-person networking.

On the other hand, if you’re still taking precautions or simply aren’t in the area, then there are some promising virtual opportunities too. Happy networking!

If you would like to understand how to improve your restaurant bottom line without attending any events, you can connect with us virtually any time.