With in-person events on the rise once again, here are five conferences and trade shows that every restaurant operator should consider attending. We've tracked down foodservice shows that are not only well-respected, but will highlight what's to come in the food industry.
Foodservice Shows for Restaurant Owners
1. Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo (August 22-24)
2. Northwest Food Show (August 1-2)
3. Interactive Customer Experience (ICX) Summit (June 1-3)
4. Marcum New York Food & Beverage Summit (September 9)
5. The 24th Annual Taste of Middlesex
1. Western Foodservice & Hospitality Exposition
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Exposition will provide restaurant owners/operators access to the latest menu trends and educational content on marketing and social media, employees and staffing, technological advances, operational excellence and efficiency, and menu development.
Website: https://www.westernfoodexpo.com/
When: August 22-24
Where: Anaheim, CA
Who should attend: Restaurant operator, chef, cater, etc.
Register here

2. Northwest Food Show
Northwest Food Show will feature more than 300 exhibitors who will provide information on how to lower fixed costs and techniques for brand marketing. You will have the chance to schedule private appointments and meet with experts in foodservice related fields.
Website: https://www.nwfoodshow.com/
When: August 1-2
Where: Portland, Oregon
Who should attend: Restaurant operator, chef, cater, etc.
Register here
Psst: Food Network star, Scott Conant will be on the cooking stage August 1 at 12:30pm - don't miss out on their advice not only at making memorable dishes but great businesses as well. You may even be lucky and see him make his signature spaghetti that people can't get enough of.

3. Interactive Customer Experience (ICX) Summit
This interactive Customer Experience Summit is an exclusive event for business to customer ventures interested in leveraging technologies to improve customer experience. You will get to hear from a wide range of keynote speakers such as Sarah Beddoe- Chief Brand Officer of Main Event, Renee Cachillo - Customer Experience Officer of Safelite Group - and Brent Reston - Client Service Transformation & Platform Executive of Bank of America.
Website: https://icxsummit.com/
When: June 1-3, 2022
Where: Columbus, OH
Who should attend: B2C businesses interested in using technologies to enhance the customer experience
Register here

4. Marcum New York Food & Beverage Summit
Marcum New York Food & Beverage Summit gathers the best food and beverage executives for a night of networking and learning. Guest speakers at this event include Ben Scotto, President of Villa Restaurant Group, and Jeff Swearingen, Global Senior Vice President of Demand Accelerator and be able to ask questions in real time.
Website: https://www.marcumevents.com/events/marcum-new-york-food-beverage-summit
When: September 9, 2021
Where: NYC
Who should attend: Food and beverage executives
Register here
Psst: At this summit, they will crown the 'Most Innovative Emerging Food & BeverageCompany" - any food or beverage venture with less than $10 million in annual revenue with the chance for long-term success. There is a nomination form along with tear sheets/and or product information under the Nominee tab to be completed by August 2, 2021 and sent to flo.federman@marcumllp.com.

5. The 24th Annual Taste of Middlesex
The 24th Annual Taste of MiddleSex is an event co-hosted by The Edison Chamber of Commerce and The Pines Manor and and provides a space to market your businesses with a sponsorship and put your name and logo in front of dozens of restaurants and local shoppers. Don't miss out!
Website: https://www.edisonchamber.com/events/details/2021-taste-of-middlesex-3397
When: September 27, 2021
Where: Edison, NJ
Who should attend: Restaurants in the Greater Edison area, as well as in and around Middlesex County.
Register here or call the Chamber at (732) 738-9482 and they will send over an application.