The grocery sector has always been defined by change, but retailers are now facing an exceptionally disruptive period that is reshaping the industry.
Shoppers across the income spectrum are heavily focused on value as grocers deal with uncertain forces beyond their control, from inflation and tariffs to government regulations. Technologies that underlie key elements of retailing, from checkout to e-commerce to personalization, are evolving at a rapid pace. And specialty retailers, discounters and mass merchants are exerting growing pressure on traditional supermarket chains.
Conferences serve as venues for grocery industry executives, CPG representatives and retail experts to understand and respond to the trends and innovations that are unfolding across the food retailing landscape. Some events, such as the National Retail Federation’s Big Show and FMI — The Food Industry Association’s Midwinter Executive Conference, allow for a wider look at retail innovations and latest developments. Others, like the Seafood Expo North America and the Sweets & Snacks Expo, delve into niche industry markets.
Here’s a roundup of key grocery industry conferences to keep on your radar for 2026.
Top grocery conferences in 2026
NRF’s “Big Show”
Jan. 11-13
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York
NRF’s annual conference is a marquee event for the retail industry, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to the Javits Center to share ideas and show off products. Confirmed speakers include BJ's Wholesale Club CEO Bob Eddy, Costco Wholesale Assistant Vice President of Retail Media Mark Williamson and Sam's Club Chief Experience Officer Diana Marshall.
The SFA Winter Fancy Faire
Jan. 11-13
San Diego Convention Center, San Diego
The Specialty Food Association’s first show of the year attracts executives in retail, distribution and foodservice for awards, samples, networking and a “first look” at new brands. The conference will include a “tasting trail” around San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference
Jan. 21-24
Gaylord Pacific, Chula Vista, California
FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference offers a mix of panels, private executive meetings and social events designed to connect retailers, wholesalers and technology vendors. The event includes a pitch competition for early-stage innovations in the food industry.
Pamela Stewart, chief customer officer of retail North America at The Coca-Cola Co., and Emily Taylor, chief merchandising officer at Dollar General, will co-chair the conference.
The NGA Show
Feb. 1-3
MGM Grand, Las Vegas
The NGA’s annual show brings together grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers for educational sessions and workshops as well as hundreds of exhibits. New additions to the show in 2026 will include a speed networking format called Fresh Pitches, expanded breakfast roundtable discussions, and a new forum focused on leadership and human resources.
Travis Mills, a retired United States Army staff sergeant of the 82nd Airborne Division, will deliver the keynote.
Annual Meat Conference
March 2-4
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Sponsored by the Meat Institute and FMI, the Annual Meat Conference focuses on issues that are top of mind for the nation’s beef, pork and poultry producers. The event drew over 2,500 attendees and featured more than 140 exhibitors in 2025.
Natural Products Expo West
March 3-6
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California
This marquee natural products convention focuses on trending health and beauty items, organic and natural products, and specialty foods, connecting industry experts with innovative offerings as well as educational opportunities.
Seafood Expo North America
March 15-17
Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston
The Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America conference is designed to bring together seafood processors and buyers. The show attracts attendees from across the seafood industry, including company owners, purchasing and category managers, and private label and packaging buyers. The event included more than 30 education sessions in 2025.
Sweets & Snacks Expo
May 19-21
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
The National Confectioners Association’s annual conference focuses on the products, strategies and trends that define the candy and snack sectors. The event will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors, over 400 product releases and more than 40 educational sessions.
GroceryLab
June 2-4
Gem Theatre, Detroit
GroceryLab, a new conference organized by FMI, is intended to foster the development of a “zero-friction grocery ecosystem” and make it easier for leaders of retailers and CPGs to share how they use technology to run their companies. The event is aimed at C-suite executives, retail media specialists and marketing leaders.
IDDBA
June 7-9
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s annual show brings together buyers, merchandisers, and executives from across the dairy, bakery, deli and foodservice sectors. In 2025, over 10,000 people attended the show, which attracted over 1,000 exhibitors.
Newtopia Now
Aug. 19-21
Colorado Convention Center, Denver
Started in 2024, Newtopia Now brings together representatives of retailers and CPGs to focus on natural products with keynotes and networking from retailers, suppliers and other industry stakeholders.
Groceryshop
Sept. 22-24
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
Groceryshop is an annual one-stop shop for a look at the latest grocery trends and impactful industry developments. Keynote sessions include an array of top industry executives, while panel discussions and a vast exhibit hall offer more specific insights and solutions.
The Global Produce & Floral Show
Oct. 15-17
Orlando, Florida
This conference, hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association, allows attendees to closely explore two key grocery categories. The show includes an exhibit hall for vendors, networking events and sessions with key industry professionals.
PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show
Nov. 15-17
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago
PLMA’s private label trade show allows retailers and manufacturers to come together to discover new products, network and explore ways to support store brand growth.
