The grocery sector has faced a tremendous amount of pressure in recent years — from shifting consumer behavior to supply chain issues to government regulations — and the industry continues to seek out innovative strategies to help navigate these challenges.
Shoppers across income cohorts are prioritizing value. Technologies that underpin retail operations, from checkout to e-commerce to loyalty programs, are quickly evolving. Traditional grocers are facing stiffer competition from the likes of specialty retailers, discounters and mass retailers.
Grocery trade shows, conferences and other key industry events are key avenues for executives, CPG representatives and retail experts to come together and strategize on how to respond to developments across the industry. Some events, such as the National Retail Federation’s Big Show and FMI — The Food Industry Association’s Midwinter Executive Conference, provide a wider lens for exploring retail innovations. Others, like the Annual Meat Conference and the Sweets & Snacks Expo, take a deep dive into industry niches.
Here’s a roundup of key grocery industry events to keep on your radar for 2027.
Top grocery conferences in 2027
Jan. 10-12
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York
NRF’s annual conference is a marquee event for the retail industry, drawing tens of thousands of people each year to the Javits Center. Speakers in 2027 will include BJ’s Wholesale Club Chairman and CEO Bob Eddy, Aldi U.S. Chief Operating Officer Dave Rinaldo and Target CEO Michael Fiddelke.
Jan. 17-19
Moscone Center, San Francisco
The Specialty Food Association’s first show of the year will bring together executives in retail, distribution and foodservice for awards, samples, networking and a first look at new brands. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample exhibitor products at local restaurants and watch San Francisco chefs cook on the show floor. On Jan. 17, Fancy Food attendees will also be able to access the West Coast Good Food Mercantile exhibition hosted by the nonprofit Good Food Foundation.
FMI Midwinter Executive Conference
Jan. 20-23
Gaylord Pacific, San Diego
FMI’s annual Midwinter Executive Conference serves up a mix of panels, private executive meetings and social events designed to connect retailers, wholesalers and technology vendors. In 2027, the conference will include a pitch competition for early-stage innovations in the food industry as well as an event marking FMI’s 50th anniversary.
Jan. 31-Feb. 2
MGM Grand, Las Vegas
The NGA’s annual show brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers for educational sessions and workshops, plus will feature hundreds of exhibits. In 2027, the show will include Fresh Pitches, a speed networking format that it rolled out at the 2026 show, as well as the Best Bagger National Championship.
March 1-3
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas
Sponsored by the Meat Institute and FMI, the Annual Meat Conference delves into the top issues for the nation’s beef, pork and poultry producers.
March 2-5
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California
This natural products convention focuses on trending health and beauty items, organic and natural products, and specialty foods. Attendees can learn about innovative offerings from food suppliers and participate in educational opportunities. The annual event is organized by the Informa Markets division of Informa TechTarget’s parent company.
March 7-9
Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston
The Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America conference is geared toward seafood processors and buyers. The yearly show attracts attendees from across the seafood industry, including company owners, purchasing and category managers, and private label and packaging buyers.
Western Association of Food Chains convention
May 1-5, 2027
JW Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Desert, California
The Western Association of Food Chains’ annual gathering focuses on the top priorities affecting the grocery industry in the Western United States.
May 18-20
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
The National Confectioners Association’s annual conference takes a closer look at products, strategies and trends that define the candy and snacks sector.
June 6-8
Atlanta
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s yearly conference draws thousands of buyers, merchandisers and executives from the dairy, deli, bakery and foodservice sectors to peruse new products, discuss trends and share ideas. The event typically attracts over 11,000 attendees and features over 1,000 exhibitors.
Sept. 13-15
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
The annual Groceryshop conference shines a spotlight on the latest trends and developments in the grocery and CPG industries. The event features a comprehensive lineup of keynote sessions and breakout sessions along with an expansive exhibit hall. Speakers in 2026 included Kroger Chief Digital Officer Yael Cosset, Hy-Vee CEO Jeremy Gosch and Instacart CEO Chris Rogers.
Sept. 14-16
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois
Newtopia Now will give attendees the chance to connect with over 350 emerging brands in the functional wellness, sustainability and clean beauty space before they go mainstream. The annual event, launched in 2024, is organized by the New Hope Network, which is part of the Informa Markets division of Informa TechTarget’s parent company.
The Global Produce & Floral Show
Oct. 20-22
Atlanta
This event, presented by the International Fresh Produce Association, allows attendees to source products in two key grocery categories. The show includes networking events, an exhibit hall and sessions on an array of topics related to the fresh produce and floral industries.
PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show
Details TBA
The Private Label Manufacturers Association’s annual label trade show enables retailers and manufacturers to discover new products and explore ways to drive store brand growth. Grocery industry leaders scheduled to speak at the show in 2026 include John Conlin, Target’s senior vice president of food and beverage merchandising, and Abby Cook, senior vice president of Ahold Delhaize USA’s Own Brands division.
Natural Products Expo West and Newtopia Now are events organized by the Informa Markets division of Informa, the majority owner of Informa TechTarget, which is the publisher of Grocery Dive. Informa has no influence over Grocery Dive’s coverage.
