Food & Beverages Events in Chicago
The Equipment, Automation and Technology Show
The Equipment, Automation and Technology Show: Shaping the Future of Food & Beverage Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving food and beverage industry, innovation and efficiency are more important than ever. The Equipment, Automation and Technology Show (EATS) stands as a pivotal event designed to meet these demands head-on. Over three dynamic days, this premier trade show connects food and beverage manufacturers with leading suppliers, delivering cutting-edge solutions and insights that drive the industry forward.
Uniting Eight Key Sectors to Address Industry Needs
EATS brings together a comprehensive blend of eight crucial sectors within the food and beverage manufacturing landscape. This multi-faceted approach ensures that attendees experience a full spectrum of industry solutions, from equipment and automation to packaging and technology.
The eight sectors featured include:
Processing machinery
Automation and robotics
Packaging solutions
Quality control and inspection systems
Ingredients and additives
Food safety and hygiene technologies
Laboratory and testing equipment
Supply chain and logistics solutions
By concentrating these sectors under one roof, EATS offers a holistic view of the current and emerging trends shaping the industry, making it easier for manufacturers to identify integrated solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Interactive Experiences Elevate Learning and Networking
One of the standout features of EATS is its emphasis on interactive experiences. Attendees don’t just browse exhibits; they actively engage with innovative technologies and real-world demonstrations. These hands-on opportunities enable participants to see how automation and advanced equipment function in practical settings, fostering deeper understanding and informed decision-making.
Alongside the exhibits, the show features expanded educational zones where industry experts present workshops, panel discussions, and case studies. These sessions dive into topics like digital transformation, sustainability practices, and regulatory compliance, equipping professionals with actionable knowledge to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
At its core, EATS serves as a powerful networking platform. Manufacturers can connect with top-tier suppliers and technology providers, forging partnerships that fuel innovation and business growth. The event’s collaborative environment encourages knowledge exchange, sparking ideas that lead to new product development and improved manufacturing processes.
Benefits of attending EATS include:
Discovering breakthrough automation technologies that optimize production lines
Exploring the latest packaging solutions designed for efficiency and sustainability
Gaining insights into quality control systems that ensure product safety and consistency
Building relationships with industry leaders and technology innovators
Staying updated on regulatory changes and best practices in food safety
A Bold New Chapter for the Food & Beverage Industry
EATS is more than just a trade show it’s a reflection of the food and beverage sector’s future. By addressing evolving challenges with innovation, education, and collaboration, the event empowers manufacturers to adapt and thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your processing capabilities, implement smart automation, or enhance your product safety protocols, EATS offers everything you need in one vibrant, focused setting. Join industry professionals from around the world and experience firsthand the technologies and strategies that are redefining food and beverage manufacturing.
NACS Show
NACS Show: The Premier Event for Convenience and Fuel Retail Professionals
The NACS Show is the leading international event for professionals in the convenience and fuel retailing industry, offering a comprehensive platform for learning, buying, selling, networking, and business growth. Held annually in the United States, this show brings together thousands of retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers from across the globe. Its well-curated environment enables participants to explore the latest trends, discover new technologies, and find practical solutions that drive business performance and profitability.
From innovations in foodservice to emerging retail technologies, the NACS Show provides real-world answers to the daily challenges faced by convenience store operators. It is not just a place to browse booths — it is a space for real engagement, knowledge exchange, and professional transformation.
Why the NACS Show Matters in Today’s Retail Environment
In a rapidly changing retail landscape, convenience stores are constantly evolving to meet shifting customer expectations. The NACS Show plays a critical role in this process by offering a central hub where industry professionals can gain fresh insight, form valuable partnerships, and invest in tools and services that enhance store efficiency and customer experience.
With more than 1,200 exhibitors and thousands of attendees, the NACS Show offers an opportunity to:
Explore top-performing retail innovations
Connect with category leaders and disruptors
Learn from data-driven case studies and thought leaders
Identify solutions that can immediately improve operations
Benchmark your business against the industry's best
This kind of exposure is crucial in a sector where technology, design, and customer preferences are evolving faster than ever.
Organized for Clarity: Themed Exhibit Hall Categories
To make the vast expo hall manageable and targeted, the NACS Show is divided into key thematic segments. These sections mirror the key operations and profit drivers of convenience and fuel retail businesses, allowing attendees to focus on their specific interests.
Core Exhibit Categories at the NACS Show
Fuel Equipment & Services
Covers pumps, tanks, vapor recovery systems, alternative fuels, and forecourt technologies.
Food Equipment & Foodservice Programs
Includes hot and cold beverage stations, bakery equipment, grab-and-go systems, and food safety solutions.
Candy and Snacks
Offers both mainstream and emerging snack products, packaging innovations, and merchandising strategies.
Facility Development & Store Operations
Focuses on interior and exterior design, sanitation, lighting, shelving, and energy-efficient systems.
Merchandise
Displays a wide range of retail products including novelty items, apparel, seasonal goods, and impulse-buy products.
Technology
Features POS systems, digital signage, loyalty apps, mobile payments, security systems, and back-office software.
These categories make it easier to locate new vendors, compare offers, and plan strategic investments.
Beyond Products: A Platform for Insight and Connection
What truly sets the NACS Show apart from other industry events is the layered, multidimensional value it offers. It's not just about seeing the latest equipment or trying new products. It's about gaining insight into where the industry is headed and how your business can adapt and thrive in that direction.
Attendees benefit from:
Industry-specific education sessions covering leadership, consumer trends, technology, and category management.
Panel discussions featuring retailers, economists, analysts, and solution providers sharing real-world success stories.
Interactive workshops where participants can explore scenarios, tools, and strategies for growth.
B2B networking events that lead to lasting partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.
For decision-makers and professionals looking to sharpen their business skills while staying competitive, this combination of knowledge and access is invaluable.
Real Solutions for Real Store Needs
From the front of the store to the back office, the NACS Show provides actionable solutions to everyday challenges in convenience retail. It caters to every scale of operation from independent owners to multinational chains and offers insights tailored to different roles within an organization.
What You Can Expect to Find at the NACS Show
New packaging formats that improve shelf life and presentation
Self-service kiosks and mobile checkout options to reduce labor strain
Loyalty program software that enhances customer retention
Energy-efficient refrigeration systems for long-term cost savings
Smart shelving and inventory tracking systems to optimize stocking
By staying ahead of these innovations, retailers can make better purchasing decisions and future-proof their businesses.
Who Should Attend the NACS Show?
The NACS Show welcomes a wide spectrum of attendees, creating a cross-functional, industry-wide dialogue that benefits every segment of the supply chain.
Ideal participants include:
Convenience store owners and operators
Fuel marketers and forecourt managers
Category buyers and procurement teams
Foodservice directors and merchandisers
Marketing and customer experience leaders
Equipment manufacturers and service providers
Technology innovators focused on retail automation
Consultants and business development specialists
Each attendee leaves with different takeaways, but all benefit from the event's collaborative and solution-focused environment.
Business and Beyond: A Complete Experience
In addition to its core business offerings, the NACS Show includes networking receptions, social gatherings, and informal meetups that allow attendees to build relationships in a more relaxed setting. These events often lead to new partnerships, business deals, and long-term collaborations that extend well beyond the trade show floor.
There’s also a strong emphasis on retail culture and community, with programming that encourages peer-to-peer support and collective innovation. This spirit of openness and collaboration is one of the reasons why so many attendees return year after year.
Where the Convenience Industry Comes to Evolve
In a market where efficiency, customer satisfaction, and operational agility are non-negotiable, the NACS Show serves as a catalyst for transformation. It brings together the tools, insights, and people needed to push the industry forward, making it the single most important event for anyone involved in the business of convenience and fuel retail.
Whether you're exploring product innovations, searching for smarter workflows, or looking to expand your professional network, the NACS Show offers the ideal space to do all of that and more.
From the exhibit floor to the classroom and beyond, the NACS Show remains the epicenter of progress for a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
Annual Food and Beverage Exchange
Inside the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange: Legal, Regulatory, and Risk Strategy for a Changing Industry
In today’s fast-evolving food and beverage (F&B) sector, legal compliance is no longer just about avoiding fines it’s about enabling sustainable growth, maintaining brand integrity, and navigating a complex web of evolving regulations. The Annual Food and Beverage Exchange has emerged as the go-to event for in-house legal, regulatory, compliance, and risk professionals across the F&B industry, offering a vital platform to address these challenges head-on.
Unlike general industry expos, this event speaks directly to the legal heartbeat of the food and beverage business. With every session crafted through deep industry research, it’s not just informative it’s essential.
What Is the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange?
The Annual Food and Beverage Exchange is a professional, B2B-focused conference designed specifically for the legal and compliance community within the food industry. Here, legal advisors, general counsels, compliance officers, and risk management leaders gather to exchange ideas, analyze emerging regulations, and craft proactive strategies.
Set in a focused, high-level setting, the event is purpose-built to help organizations:
Mitigate legal risk in product development and marketing
Navigate global regulatory frameworks
Ensure compliance across labeling, safety, and advertising
Adapt to new rules around sustainability and ESG reporting
Prepare for and manage regulatory investigations or recalls
Every session, every speaker, and every panel is hand-picked based on what’s most urgent and most relevant in today's legal environment for F&B businesses.
Who Should Attend the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange?
This is not your standard food industry event. The Annual Food and Beverage Exchange is tailored for professionals who manage legal and regulatory risk from inside the organization. If your job involves interpreting regulations, writing compliance policy, or advising business units on legal exposure, this event was designed with you in mind.
Ideal attendees include:
General Counsels (GCs) and Deputy General Counsels
Heads of Legal and Corporate Counsel
Chief Compliance Officers
Directors of Regulatory Affairs
Food Safety & Quality Assurance Executives
Risk Management and Crisis Response Leads
Legal teams from ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors
These professionals attend to sharpen their insights, gain clarity on evolving laws, and build networks with peers facing similar challenges.
Agenda Highlights: Solving Legal and Regulatory Challenges Together
The agenda at the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange reflects the most pressing legal issues in the F&B landscape, as defined by industry feedback and regulatory developments. Each session is case study-driven, highly specific, and moderated by in-house experts, not just external advisors.
Core discussion topics often include:
Navigating FDA and USDA oversight in a shifting policy climate
Food labeling and marketing claims: Risks, trends, and enforcement
ESG, sustainability claims, and greenwashing liability
Managing supply chain risk and contractual obligations
Preparing for and handling product recalls or contamination events
Emerging litigation trends and class action developments
Regulatory compliance in plant-based, functional, and novel foods
These aren’t theoretical discussions they’re grounded in real-world challenges and offer actionable takeaways that can immediately inform business strategy.
Why This Event Stands Out Among Industry Conferences
While there are numerous trade expos for food manufacturing, few focus specifically on the legal and compliance side of the food industry. The Annual Food and Beverage Exchange fills that gap by offering targeted legal insights, making it the only event of its kind that is tailored to F&B legal operations.
Unique benefits of attending include:
Direct insights from peers facing similar legal battles
Access to real-world case studies, not just legal theory
Closed-door sessions that allow frank, confidential discussion
A curated speaker list that includes senior in-house counsel and regulators
Opportunities to compare compliance strategies across company sizes and sectors
It’s not about listening passively it’s about engaging with complexity, challenging assumptions, and building the frameworks that will protect your company for years to come.
Key Issues Shaping the Legal Landscape in Food and Beverage
The F&B industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the world. From ingredient traceability to advertising compliance, every touchpoint carries legal risk. At the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange, legal teams explore not only what’s happening now but what’s coming next.
Areas of regulatory focus in recent years include:
Health claims and influencer marketing compliance
Global supply chain transparency (e.g., Modern Slavery Acts)
Labeling standards for plant-based and alternative proteins
Use of AI in food safety and quality control
Cross-border M&A in food and beverage companies
Digital commerce laws and privacy regulations in F&B apps
By engaging deeply with these topics, attendees gain strategic foresight not just the ability to react, but the tools to plan ahead.
More Than Compliance It’s About Risk Leadership
Today’s in-house legal teams are no longer just cost centers they’re strategic business partners. That’s why the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange goes beyond simple compliance talk and dives into risk leadership.
Sessions empower legal professionals to:
Advise business units with commercial acumen
Build cross-functional partnerships
Lead incident response and crisis communications
Navigate reputational risk in a hyper-connected world
Because in a time of fast-moving regulation and consumer activism, how you manage risk is just as important as how you grow revenue.
What Sets This Event Apart
The Annual Food and Beverage Exchange isn't just another day at a conference hall. It's a tightly focused, high-value environment where professionals walk away with practical strategies, peer benchmarks, and deep industry-specific insight.
Standout features include:
Interactive roundtables for focused discussion
Regulator Q&A sessions for real-time answers
Benchmarking data shared confidentially among peers
Live legal scenario simulations to test crisis readiness
Networking receptions tailored for senior professionals
This isn’t about flashy booths or tech demos it’s about getting real answers from real people, and forging relationships that pay dividends long after the event.
Why the Annual Food and Beverage Exchange Matters Now More Than Ever
The food and beverage industry is at a crossroads one shaped by globalization, digitization, regulatory upheaval, and changing consumer expectations. In this environment, legal, compliance, and risk professionals are the new protectors of brand trust and business continuity.
The Annual Food and Beverage Exchange provides a vital forum for these professionals to come together, learn, and lead. If you’re responsible for navigating risk, managing compliance, or advising strategy in a food business, this is one event you can’t afford to miss.
Vinitaly.USA
Vinitaly USA is more than just a wine exhibition—it's a crucial nexus for connecting the Italian wine community with professionals across the globe. By gathering producers from various regions of Italy, the event highlights the incredible diversity and quality that Italian wines have to offer. Each region showcases its unique characteristics, from the sun-kissed vineyards of Sicily to the cool, alpine influences on wines from the northeast. This diversity presents an exciting opportunity for industry professionals to not only discover new wines but also deepen their understanding of Italy's rich winemaking traditions.
The event's purpose goes far beyond simple wine tastings. It serves as an interactive and informative platform for key stakeholders in the wine industry. Restaurant owners and distributors can explore the range of wines available, attend educational seminars, and engage directly with Italian winemakers, fostering relationships that may lead to new business ventures or distribution deals. For many, it’s a unique chance to understand the behind-the-scenes processes of Italian winemaking, from grape cultivation to fermentation, and how these techniques contribute to the exceptional quality of Italian wines.
One of the key strengths of Vinitaly USA is its collaborative atmosphere. The event is strongly supported by influential partners like Veronafiere, the esteemed international trade fair organization, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce, which helps bridge the gap between Italian producers and the American market. This partnership ensures that the event is not only a platform for showcasing wines but also for promoting the cultural and economic exchange between Italy and the U.S.
The previous editions of Vinitaly USA have proven to be a resounding success, with a broad spectrum of professional categories represented, from importers and sommeliers to wine retailers and chefs. The event consistently attracts a high caliber of attendees who are serious about the wine business, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to stay ahead in the industry. It’s a celebration of Italian excellence, where the timeless craftsmanship of Italian winemakers meets the dynamic and ever-changing demands of the global wine market.
For the future, Vinitaly USA is expected to grow even further, reinforcing its reputation as a key event in the world of wine. It offers an essential space for professionals to network, learn, and taste wines that embody the very essence of Italian culture. Whether you're a distributor looking for new products, a restaurant owner eager to enrich your wine list, or simply a wine enthusiast, Vinitaly USA stands as an unmissable event to experience the best of Italy's wine legacy.
IFT ANNUAL MEETING & FOOD EXPO
In the ever-evolving landscape of the global food system, innovation is key to driving progress and meeting the needs of consumers. Enter IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology – a groundbreaking initiative by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) aimed at revolutionizing the future of food.
At the heart of IFT FIRST is the Annual Meeting & Food Expo, a premier event that serves as a nexus for professionals across the food industry spectrum. It's not just a conference; it's a convergence of minds, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of food.
Bringing together experts from both the scientific and business realms of food, the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo is where the latest global food trends take center stage. From cutting-edge ingredients to state-of-the-art equipment, processing techniques, and packaging solutions, every aspect of the food industry finds representation under one roof.
For attendees, the Food Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the industry's largest collection of suppliers and exhibitors. It's a treasure trove of inspiration, where professionals can discover the newest products, witness the latest trends firsthand, and forge strategic connections to propel their businesses and careers forward.
But what sets the IFT Food Expo apart is more than just its vast array of offerings; it's the immersive experience it provides. Attendees don't just see products – they touch, taste, and experience them firsthand. It's a sensory journey that fosters innovation and drives industry progress.
Year after year, professionals in food science and technology return to the IFT Food Expo, recognizing it as the pinnacle event in their field. With two out of every three attendees being repeat visitors, it's a testament to the expo's unparalleled value and impact.
In a world where innovation is the currency of progress, the IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo stands as a beacon of opportunity. It's not just a gathering; it's a catalyst for change, a platform where innovation meets opportunity, shaping the future of food for generations to come.
NRA SHOW
The NRA Show stands as a vital international exhibition that serves as a platform for exploration, learning, networking, and inspiration within the food and restaurant industry. This event is designed for restaurant leaders and professionals seeking the tools and resources necessary to innovate and thrive in a competitive global market. With a focus on actionable strategies for exponential growth, the show provides attendees with valuable insights and solutions that are crucial for business success.
At the NRA Show, participants have the opportunity to connect with industry peers from various countries, all united by their involvement in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. This unique gathering fosters a sense of community, allowing professionals to share experiences, challenges, and ideas that drive the industry forward. The show features a comprehensive program filled with engaging sessions, workshops, and presentations from thought leaders who share their expertise on emerging trends and best practices.
Exhibitors showcase a diverse array of products and services, ranging from innovative kitchen equipment to cutting-edge technology solutions. Attendees can explore the latest advancements that enhance operational efficiency and improve the dining experience. The emphasis on practical applications ensures that participants leave with actionable insights that can be implemented in their own establishments.
Overall, the NRA Show is not just an exhibition; it is an essential experience for anyone involved in the restaurant and hospitality industries. By providing a unique blend of education, networking, and inspiration, the event equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the food market and achieve sustainable success.
WhiskyFest Chicago
WhiskyFest stands as the premier whisky festival in North America, an unparalleled celebration of the world’s finest whiskies. Held annually, the event draws whisky aficionados, collectors, and industry professionals eager to explore a diverse selection of whiskies from around the globe. WhiskyFest offers a unique opportunity to meet and interact with distillers, blenders, and experts who have dedicated their careers to perfecting the art of whisky-making. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of whisky, the festival provides an immersive experience that caters to all levels of interest.
At WhiskyFest, attendees can sample an impressive array of whiskies, ranging from single malt Scotch to Irish whiskeys, and from bourbon and rye to Japanese and Canadian expressions. The festival also showcases craft whiskies, rum, and cognac, ensuring there’s something for every palate. The vast selection reflects the global nature of whisky production, with each region offering its own distinct flavors, techniques, and traditions. The chance to taste these diverse spirits side by side offers a rare opportunity to explore the nuances that make each whisky unique, all within a single venue.
In addition to tastings, WhiskyFest is known for its educational aspects. The event hosts a series of Master Classes, where industry experts dive deep into the intricacies of whisky production, from the ingredients used to the distillation process, and the maturation methods that give each bottle its character. These sessions offer invaluable insights for those looking to enhance their knowledge of whisky, whether you’re interested in the science behind the spirit or the art of crafting a perfect cocktail. Attendees can learn from some of the best in the business, discovering the subtle differences between various styles of whisky and gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
The festival atmosphere is lively and welcoming, creating a vibrant space for networking and connecting with like-minded enthusiasts. Whisky lovers from all over the world converge at WhiskyFest to share their passion for the spirit, making it a fantastic place to forge new friendships, discuss favorite brands, and even exchange tasting notes. The event’s interactive format allows guests to engage with the makers behind their favorite whiskies, ask questions, and learn about the history and philosophy of the brands they admire.
WhiskyFest’s appeal goes beyond just the tastings and classes; it’s a celebration of whisky culture, a place where tradition meets innovation, and where new trends in the industry are highlighted. For many, it’s an opportunity to sample rare and limited-edition releases that are not widely available, making it a must-attend event for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to expand your whisky collection, refine your palate, or simply enjoy an evening of great spirits in good company, WhiskyFest provides the perfect setting for a memorable experience.
WhiskyFest is more than just a festival—it’s an immersive journey into the world of whisky. From sampling an extraordinary variety of whiskies to learning from industry leaders and connecting with fellow enthusiasts, the event offers a comprehensive whisky experience like no other. With its rich selection of whiskies, expert-led Master Classes, and vibrant community atmosphere, WhiskyFest is the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about whisky, making it a standout event in North America’s spirits calendar.
