Restaurant · Vertical x Region
Restaurant leaders based in the Southeast have a packed schedule this winter, with eight conferences running from January through mid-February 2026.
Looking deeper, the tables below slice the list two ways.
| State | Conferences |
|---|---|
| Florida | 6 |
| South Carolina | 2 |
| Tennessee | 1 |
| Virginia | 1 |
Out of the 10 Restaurant conferences in the Southeast in winter 2026, 0 are rated Tier A. Orlando hosts the most events in this cut, with 2 on the calendar. January is the busiest month, with 6 conferences scheduled. Ticket pricing splits 6 at the $ tier and 2 at the $$$ tier, so entry costs vary widely across the set. ICR Conference tops the Tier-ranked list, held in Orlando. The most common stated purpose is Growth / Revenue, covering 7 of the 10 events in this cut. Event length averages 2.4 days across the set, with the longest running 4 days.
Jan 11–13, 2026Orlando, FL2k–5k attendees
Based on 2k–5k annual attendees, ICR Conference ranks solidly as a high-value conference within the Restaurant sector. For teams targeting the Restaurant category, this conference is worth a serious look.
Jan 20–20, 2026Columbia, SC<500 attendees$ ticket
Based on <500 annual attendees, South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Annual Meeting & Conference ranks solidly as an entry-level conference within the Restaurant sector. Entry at $ signals a serious operator audience, which is why Orbital rates it at Bronze using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. For teams targeting the Restaurant industry, this show is worth a serious look.
Jan 21–21, 2026Clearwater, FL<500 attendees$ ticket
Given its <500 expected attendees, SHFM Florida Local has cemented its place as a niche event in the Restaurant industry. Attendance pricing of $ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, and the Orbital team rates it in the specialist tier informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. For teams targeting the Restaurant vertical, this show should be on your shortlist.
Jan 24–26, 2026Nashville, TN<500 attendees$$$ ticket
Based on <500 annual attendees, NACE Evolve Conference for Chapter Leaders ranks solidly as an entry-level conference within the Restaurant sector. Entry at $$$ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, which is why Orbital rates it at Bronze drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. Operators building pipeline in the Restaurant category, this event deserves a line item in your event budget.
Jan 27–29, 2026Myrtle Beach, SC5k–10k attendees$ ticket
Considering 5k–10k registered participants, Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast stands as a Silver-rated gathering for the Restaurant vertical. Registration at $ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, leading Orbital to rate it as a Silver event informed by verified attendance composition, post-show exhibitor outcomes, and editorial assessment. Exhibitors focused on the Restaurant category, this event should be on your shortlist.
Jan 27–27, 2026Fort Walton Beach, FL$ ticket
Performance Foodservice Valdosta Foodcentric Event stands as a Silver-rated gathering for the Restaurant vertical. Registration at $ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, leading Orbital to rate it as a Silver event drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. If you're selling into the Restaurant industry, this show merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
Feb 1–4, 2026Orlando, FL1k–2k attendees$$$ ticket
With 1k–2k industry professionals on the floor, RILA LINK Retail Supply Chain Conference 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 drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. If you're selling into the Restaurant market, the show merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
Feb 1–3, 2026Fort Myers, FL<500 attendees
With <500 industry professionals on the floor, BITAC Food & Beverage sits firmly as an accessible show across the Restaurant space. Operators building pipeline in the Restaurant category, this conference should be on your shortlist.
Feb 2–3, 2026Richmond, VA<500 attendees$ ticket
With <500 industry professionals on the floor, VRLTA Day on the Hill & Taste of VRLTA 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 merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
Feb 9–11, 2026Tampa, FL500–1k attendees$ ticket
Based on 500–1k annual attendees, NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show ranks solidly as a reliable conference within the Restaurant sector. Entry at $ signals a serious operator audience, which is why Orbital rates it at Silver drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. Operators building pipeline in the Restaurant category, this event merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.
All 10 conferences at a glance
| Conference | Tier |
|---|---|
| ICR Conference | 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. |
| South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Annual Meeting & Conference | 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. |
| SHFM Florida Local | 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. |
| NACE Evolve Conference for Chapter Leaders | 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. |
| Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast | 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 | 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. |
| RILA LINK Retail Supply Chain Conference | 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. |
| BITAC Food & Beverage | 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. |
| VRLTA Day on the Hill & Taste of VRLTA | 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. |
| NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show | 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. |
There are 10 Restaurant conferences listed for Southeast in this guide. Browse the full list above to compare dates, locations, and expected attendance.
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.
NICA Business Expo & Fare Foods Food Show has the lowest ticket price on this list ($). It's held in Tampa, FL. Expected attendance: approximately 500–1k.
More Orbital conference guides in related industries
Orbital Conference Directory
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.
