Orbital

Grocery Stores · Vertical x Region

Top 6 Grocery Stores Conferences in the Midwest in Spring 2026

In 2026, the Midwest in Spring runs 6 Grocery Stores conferences.

Ranked list

6 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.

    Connected Commerce Summit

    May 27–28, 2026Chicago, IL500–1k attendees

    Our take

    With 500–1k industry professionals on the floor, Connected Commerce Summit sits firmly as a strong-performing show across the Grocery Stores space. If you're selling into the Grocery Stores space, this event deserves a line item in your event budget.

  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.

    CheeseExpo

    Apr 14–16, 2026Milwaukee, WI2k–5k attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    Given its 2k–5k expected attendees, CheeseExpo has cemented its place as a dependable event in the Grocery Stores industry. Attendance pricing of $$ reflects a deliberate barrier that filters for committed buyers, and the Orbital team rates it in the mid tier using a framework weighted toward decision-maker access and verified exhibitor ROI. Operators building pipeline in the Grocery Stores industry, this event merits inclusion in your annual conference calendar.

  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.

    Conference for Food Protection

    Apr 24–28, 2026Grand Rapids, MI500–1k attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    With 500–1k industry professionals on the floor, Conference for Food Protection sits firmly as a solid mid-tier show across the Grocery Stores space. Ticket pricing at $$$ points to a buyer-rich attendee base, and our team places it among Silver events reflecting a holistic view of buyer density, lead quality, and industry footprint. Exhibitors focused on the Grocery Stores industry, this event belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

  4. PlatinumOrbital’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.

    Food Safety Summit

    May 11–14, 2026Rosemont, IL1k–2k attendees$$$ ticket

    Our take

    With 1k–2k industry professionals on the floor, Food Safety Summit sits firmly as a Platinum-rated show across the Grocery Stores space. Ticket pricing at $$$ signals a serious operator audience, and our team places it among Platinum events based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. Sales teams working the Grocery Stores vertical, this show belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

  5. PlatinumOrbital’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.

    National Restaurant Association Show

    May 16–19, 2026Chicago, IL10k+ attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    Considering 10k+ registered participants, National Restaurant Association Show stands as a top-tier gathering for the Grocery Stores vertical. Registration at $$ signals a serious operator audience, leading Orbital to rate it as a Platinum event based on a combination of attendee quality, exhibitor ROI data, and industry relevance. If you're selling into the Grocery Stores vertical, the show belongs on any serious exhibitor's planning list.

  6. 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.

    Rural Grocery Summit

    May 5–7, 2026Fargo, ND<500 attendees$$ ticket

    Our take

    Considering <500 registered participants, Rural Grocery Summit stands as a Silver-rated gathering for the Grocery Stores vertical. Registration at $$ implies a vetted crowd of decision-makers, leading Orbital to rate it as a Silver event drawing on multi-cycle exhibitor feedback and verified attendee role data. Operators building pipeline in the Grocery Stores market, this conference deserves a line item in your event budget.

Quick reference

All 6 conferences at a glance

ConferenceTier
Connected Commerce SummitGoldOrbital’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.
CheeseExpoSilverOrbital’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.
Conference for Food ProtectionSilverOrbital’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.
Food Safety SummitPlatinumOrbital’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.
National Restaurant Association ShowPlatinumOrbital’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.
Rural Grocery SummitSilverOrbital’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 Grocery Stores conferences are happening in Midwest?

There are 6 Grocery Stores conferences listed for Midwest in this guide. Browse the full list above to compare dates, locations, and expected attendance.

When is the biggest Grocery Stores event in Midwest?

Connected Commerce Summit is one of the largest events on this list with approximately 500–1k attendees. It takes place May 27–28, 2026. Location: Chicago, IL.

What's the cheapest Grocery Stores conference to attend?

Rural Grocery Summit has the lowest ticket price on this list ($$). It's held in Fargo, ND. Expected attendance: approximately <500.

Further reading

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