Top 10 Restaurant Conferences in the South in Winter 2026
In 2026, the South in Winter runs 14 Restaurant conferences.
The busiest sub-area is Florida (6); South Carolina (2) and Georgia (1) round out the top three.
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.
With 2k–5k industry professionals on the floor, ICR Conference sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Restaurant space. If you're selling into the Restaurant space, this conference should be on your shortlist.
2
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.
Jan 27–29, 2026·Myrtle Beach, SC·5k–10k attendees·$ ticket
Our take
Given its 5k–10k expected attendees, Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast has cemented its place as a dependable event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, and the Orbital team rates it in the mid tier based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Restaurant space, this conference deserves a line item in your event budget.
3
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.
Feb 9–11, 2026·Tampa, FL·500–1k attendees·$ ticket
Our take
With 500–1k industry professionals on the floor, NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show sits firmly as a solid mid-tier show across the Restaurant space. Ticket pricing at $ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, and our team places it among Silver 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.
4
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.
Performance Foodservice Valdosta Foodcentric Event has cemented its place as a dependable 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 mid tier informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. Exhibitors focused on the Restaurant market, the show merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
5
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.
Feb 3–3, 2026·Wilmington, DE·500–1k attendees·$ ticket
Our take
Given its 500–1k expected attendees, Restaurant Industry Fast Forward has cemented its place as a dependable event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $ signals a serious operator audience, and the Orbital team rates it in the mid tier drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. If you're selling into the Restaurant category, this gathering deserves a line item in your event budget.
6
BronzeOrbital’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 annual attendees, BITAC Food & Beverage ranks solidly as an entry-level conference within the Restaurant sector. If you're selling into the Restaurant market, this event belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.
7
BronzeOrbital’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.
Feb 25–26, 2026·Atlanta, GA·500–1k attendees·$ ticket
Our take
Given its 500–1k expected attendees, Georgia Hospitality Expo & ProStart Invitational has cemented its place as a niche event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, and the Orbital team rates it in the specialist tier drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. If you're selling into the Restaurant category, this gathering merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
8
BronzeOrbital’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.
Dec 13–15, 2026·Bonita Springs, FL·500–1k attendees
Our take
With 500–1k industry professionals on the floor, Healthtac Food & Beverage sits firmly as an accessible show across the Restaurant space. For teams targeting the Restaurant industry, this event deserves a line item in your event budget.
9
BronzeOrbital’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 <500 industry professionals on the floor, NBBQA Awards of Excellence Judging sits firmly as an accessible show across the Restaurant space. Ticket pricing at $ suggests a filtered, high-intent room, and our team places it among Bronze events using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. Operators building pipeline in the Restaurant space, this conference is worth a serious look.
10
BronzeOrbital’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.
Feb 23–23, 2026·Durham, NC·<500 attendees·$ ticket
Our take
Considering <500 registered participants, NCRLA Annual Meeting stands as a Bronze-rated gathering for the Restaurant vertical. Registration at $ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, leading Orbital to rate it as a Bronze event reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Sales teams working the Restaurant industry, this show should be on your shortlist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BronzeOrbital’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.
BronzeOrbital’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.
BronzeOrbital’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.
BronzeOrbital’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.
BronzeOrbital’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?
ICR Conference is one of the largest events on this list with approximately 2k–5k attendees. It takes place Jan 11–13, 2026. Location: Orlando, FL.
What's the cheapest Restaurant conference to attend?
NCRLA Annual Meeting has the lowest ticket price on this list ($). It's held in Durham, NC. Expected attendance: approximately <500.
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.