The new year brings with it a new lineup of restaurant conference to consider attending. Below is a non-exhaustive look at some of the premiere conferences for restaurant operators in 2020. Many conferences offer early-bird pricing so consider committing early to cut down your costs.
Entertainment Evolution Experience (EEE) – Feb 11-12 – Los Angeles, CA
“Over the past decade, developers, restaurateurs, entertainment venues and mixed-use properties have diligently worked to carve a new future for physical retail. Entertainment Experience Evolution is the conference that gives you the tools and knowledge to push the envelope further and continue the industry’s progress.”
Mid-America Food Expo – Feb 23-24 – Columbus, OH
“The Mid-America Restaurant Expo attracts more than 4,000 experts, exhibitors and operators from throughout the Midwest to discuss the latest trends and topics affecting the restaurant industry. Its exhibit hall showcases the newest equipment and tools created specifically for restaurants, in addition to the most innovative food and beverage products available. Centered on collaborative education, the Expo features more than 50 educational seminars available to all attendees. The show is geared toward independent operators, regional chains, and is perfect for start-ups and veteran operators alike.”
The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York – March 8-10 – New York, NY
“Feed your hunger for success at the only event focused solely on food and beverage. Imagine three days in the heart of New York City where you can expand your palate with unparalleled education, innovative exhibits, culinary demonstrations and exclusive special events. Take advantage of the three most insightful days of the year.”
Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC) – March 9-11 – Las Vegas, NV
“Success in restaurant technology requires a team approach, a common vision and commitment to the future. Attending the MURTEC will give you new resources, new information and new tools to make necessary strategic decisions for your future success.”
Food for Thought – March 9-11 – Santa Monica, CA
“Specialty Conferences address the interests of retail real estate professionals of like disciplines within the industry and provide opportunities to share experiences, discuss best practices, raise awareness about industry developments, and build your network.”
Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit – March 16-18 – Atlanta, GA
“At the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, executives from leading brands will share their success stories of the numerous ways they have innovated to grow their franchises. Attendees will gain insight and inspiration to help them be more progressive in every facet of their businesses.”
The New England Food Show – March 22-24 – Boston, MA
“Whether you need to liven up your menu, improve your operational efficiency, or focus on staff training, NEFS brings together the exhibitors, experts, and professionals with the tools and experience to guide you. Make local and regional connections to strengthen your business. And, be entertained while you’re at it.”
Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC) -March 22-25 – Phoenix, AZ
“Restaurant Leadership Conference is the premier place for senior-level restaurant industry executives to gather, collaborate, learn and form lasting connections that will take their businesses, and the industry, to the next level. Complete with notable, forward-thinking speakers, incredible networking and opportunities to explore what’s new and upcoming for restaurants, RLC is the most influential conference you’ll attend all year.”
The International Pizza Expo – March 31-April 2 – Las Vegas, NV
“With nearly 500 exhibiting companies on the show floor, Pizza Expo is the place for independent and chain pizzeria owners and managers to one-stop shop for nearly any needed product or service — and see what’s new in the industry. Attendees can expand their knowledge on topics relevant to business success during Expo’s more than 90 seminars, workshops and baking demonstrations. They also can participate in pizza skills competitions and go to special events such as the Beer & Bull networking session and the Pizza Expo Block Party.”
National Restaurant Association Show (NRA)– May 16-19, Chicago, IL
“The National Restaurant Association Show is the place to explore everything that’s happening in the industry—from equipment and supplies to food & beverage to technology, it’s all here. Learn, experience, network, sample, and test all the latest things.”
CLM – May 20-21 – Chicago, IL
“The 2020 CLM Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Conference is a fully reinvented event that offers unprecedented access to knowledge leaders in the retail, restaurant and hospitality claims resolution profession. Participation at this conference offers you the unique professional opportunity to share your expertise in partnership with other authorities from across the country while building relationships.”
Interactive Customer Experience Summit – June 3-5 – Columbus, OH
“In 2020, the Interactive Customer Experience (ICX) Summit and CONNECT: The Mobile CX Summit will be brought together to give brands one place at one time where they can discover a full range of technologies and strategies to create engaging and meaningful customer experiences.
Executives from retail, restaurants, banks, hotels and other B2C companies can attend both events for the price of one. They’ll learn from leading CX innovators about what’s working, what’s not, and how to elevate the experience for their customers.”
Western Foodservice and Hospitality Show – Aug 9-11 – Anaheim, CA
“Whether you’re an independent owner, quick-serve restaurant operator, chef, caterer, baker, bar or nightclub operator, hospital, hotel or commercial foodservice personnel — join us. Join 9,000+ of your peers at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, where you’ll have access to the hottest menu trends, state of the art design and decor, the best in business education and 450 of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community — all under one roof.”
Future Restaurants – August 31-September 1 – Austin, TX
“Join us at Future Restaurants, the only conference that brings together senior technology, operations, design and marketing executives in the restaurant industry to ensure they are meeting changing customer expectations. Get detailed tactics to create easy, personalized, engaging experiences that will win the loyalty of today’s consumer.”
Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference (MUFSO) – September 28-30 – Denver, CO
“The MUFSO Conference is designed to meet the educational and networking needs of executive level restaurant operators representing large chains, regional chains, emerging growth chains and high volume independent restaurant companies as well as the Onsite segment. Disciplines represented range from CEO, President to VP of Operations, Marketing, Culinary, Supply Chain Management, Franchising and Food Service Directors.”
Restaurant Finance Conference – November 9-11– Las Vegas, NV
“The Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is all about the ‘business’ side of the restaurant business and is a must attend event for restaurant company owners and executives. The conference is known as the restaurant ‘dealmakers’ event—you will find the best networking in the industry there.”
