The South has 56 Restaurant conferences on the 2026 calendar — the 1st largest count of any region.
Florida heads the count with 18; Georgia (7) and Texas (6) follow.
Ranked list
10 conferences
1
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Oct 5–8, 2026·San Antonio, TX·10k+ attendees·$$ ticket
Our take
Given its 10k+ expected attendees, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) has cemented its place as a well-regarded event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $$ signals a serious operator audience, and the Orbital team rates it in the second tier informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. For teams targeting the Restaurant vertical, this show should be on your shortlist.
2
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Considering 2k–5k registered participants, Foodcentric LIVE Spring Show stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Restaurant vertical. Registration at $ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, leading Orbital to rate it as a Gold event informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. Exhibitors focused on the Restaurant category, this event is worth a serious look.
3
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Given its 10k+ expected attendees, GSX has cemented its place as a well-regarded event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $$$$ signals a serious operator audience, and the Orbital team rates it in the second tier based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Restaurant space, this conference belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.
4
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Nov 17–20, 2026·Orlando, FL·10k+ attendees·$$ ticket
Our take
Considering 10k+ registered participants, IAAPA Expo stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Restaurant vertical. Registration at $$ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, leading Orbital to rate it as a Gold event informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. Exhibitors focused on the Restaurant category, this event is worth a serious look.
5
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Considering 2k–5k registered participants, ICR Conference stands as a Gold-rated gathering for the Restaurant vertical. Sales teams working the Restaurant vertical, this show deserves a line item in your event budget.
6
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
With 10k+ industry professionals on the floor, IFA Franchise Show sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Restaurant space. Ticket pricing at $$ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and our team places it among Gold events reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Exhibitors focused on the Restaurant industry, this event belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.
7
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Oct 14–16, 2026·Orlando, FL·10k+ attendees·$$$ ticket
Our take
Given its 10k+ expected attendees, IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show has cemented its place as a well-regarded event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $$$ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and the Orbital team rates it in the second tier using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. Operators building pipeline in the Restaurant industry, this event is worth a serious look.
8
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Based on 5k–10k annual attendees, Texas Restaurant Show ranks solidly as a high-value conference within the Restaurant sector. Entry at $ signals a serious operator audience, which is why Orbital rates it at Gold based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. If you're selling into the Restaurant space, this gathering belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.
9
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Nov 2–4, 2026·Miami Beach, FL·2k–5k attendees·$$$ ticket
Our take
With 2k–5k industry professionals on the floor, The Hospitality Show sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Restaurant space. Ticket pricing at $$$ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, and our team places it among Gold events based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Restaurant vertical, this show deserves a line item in your event budget.
10
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Based on 500–1k annual attendees, ALIS CALA ranks solidly as a reliable conference within the Restaurant sector. Entry at $$$ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, which is why Orbital rates it at Silver using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. For teams targeting the Restaurant industry, this show merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
GoldOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
SilverOrbital’s proprietary rating for how valuable a conference is for selling to businesses in that vertical. Based on attendee quality, exhibitor ROI, and industry relevance.
Frequently asked questions
How many Restaurant conferences are happening in South?
There are 10 Restaurant conferences listed for South in this guide. Browse the full list above to compare dates, locations, and expected attendance.
When is the biggest Restaurant event in South?
Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) is one of the largest events on this list with approximately 10k+ attendees. It takes place Oct 5–8, 2026. Location: San Antonio, TX.
What's the cheapest Restaurant conference to attend?
Texas Restaurant Show has the lowest ticket price on this list ($). It's held in San Antonio, TX. Expected attendance: approximately 5k–10k.
Which Restaurant events are happening in 2026?
9 of the 10 conferences on this list have confirmed 2026 dates. Check each event above for the latest schedule and registration details.
Further reading
More Orbital conference guides in related industries
Orbital's verified directory covers 1,924 trade events across 12 industries — with attendee counts, ticket pricing, exhibitor costs, and tier ratings for every listing.
