On the heels of a 2017 debut that organizers hail as a success, the Vegas Food Expo, America’s newest curated food trade show, is being planned for a second show in April 2018. Designed to give emerging food producers a forum to showcase their bounty, the event will grow to include 250 of the nation’s up-and-coming brands in a new, larger setting: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino’s 32,000 square foot Paradise Center North.
On April 15th and 16th, attendees can listen, taste, and interact with devoted individuals who continue striving to push food forward. From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, up to 250 innovative brands will present to retail buyers, chefs, potential investors, and culinary/hospitality students. New this year is the opportunity to independently purchase tickets to the series of speakers.
Officials say the show is designed to bridge the gap between innovative flavors and brands and consumers, who may not recognize the small, emerging brands on the grocery store shelf. The issue, they say, is that innovation sometimes is overshadowed at large, mainstream food shows, but this forum shines a spotlight on the emerging brands that can be difficult to come by in a larger arena. “After our successful first show, we’re excited to introduce more small and innovative companies to a broader audience of retailers, distributors, chefs, media, and investors at this year’s larger show,” said event creator Brett Ottolenghi. “Our team hopes to welcome back exhibitors and introduce new ‘on the brink’ brands poised to become top of mind with discriminating consumers.”
According to organizers, larger shows struggle to include and feature smaller brands, Vegas Food Expo accommodates them with exhibitor packages that are all-inclusive, costing roughly one-third of the larger mainstream trade shows. Rounding out the show, in addition to the exciting brand exhibits, will be speaker series hosted by Robin Leach in Westgate’s Cabaret theatre. This year’s larger, curated exhibition will feature up to 250 up-and-coming brands, introducing food producers to attendees ranging from retail buyers, and chefs, to potential investors and allied professionals. Admission is complimentary for buyers, $50 for general admission including the speaker series and $20 for limited access to the speaker series only. For more information, visit www.vegasfoodexpo.com.
