BBQ Expo is the premier European trade show for barbecue and outdoor cooking, taking place from April 3 to 6, 2027, in Parma, Italy, featuring over 300 brands and numerous events.
Dates
3–6 Apr 2027
City / country
Parma, Italy
Venue
Fiere di Parma
Event overview
BBQ Expo is set to take place from April 3 to 6, 2027, at Fiere di Parma, Italy. This event is recognized as the largest gathering in Europe dedicated to barbecue and outdoor cooking.
It will showcase over 300 brands, offering a platform for networking, innovation, and business opportunities in the outdoor cooking sector. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with live demonstrations, competitions, and educational sessions led by renowned pitmasters.
BBQ Expo takes place in Parma,.
TL;DR
Attendees will have the chance to discover the latest products and innovations in outdoor cooking, network with industry professionals, and participate in engaging events and tastings. The event promises a unique experience for barbecue enthusiasts and professionals alike, with opportunities to learn from experts and see products in action.
Exhibitors will gain access to a targeted audience of buyers and professionals, allowing them to showcase their products and innovations directly to potential customers. The event provides a strategic platform for building relationships, generating leads, and expanding business opportunities in the growing outdoor cooking market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Viale delle Esposizioni 393, Parma, Italy
Fiere di Parma in Parma typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Fiere di Parma in Parma typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Fiere di Parma for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Who runs the show
Fiere di Parma
Area Fiera SRL
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
New this edition
—
The previous edition programme included a Kansas City Barbeque Society contest, bringing competition pitmasters and judges to Parma alongside the trade exhibition.
—
Technical sessions on rubs and cooking technique for butchers and pitmasters were part of the programme, linking product displays to practical outdoor cooking training.
—
Grills, smokers, pellet and gas devices, accessories, fuels, rubs and sauces formed the core exhibition sectors at Fiere di Parma.
Impact
BBQ Expo's official site lists a dedicated 2026 edition page and an exhibitors catalogue for the 2026 show at Fiere di Parma. The 2026 programme also included an opening ceremony. The available search results did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for the edition.
Audience quality
BBQ Expo's official site lists a dedicated 2026 edition page and an exhibitors catalogue for the 2026 show at Fiere di Parma. The 2026 programme also included an opening ceremony. The available search results did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for the edition.
Exhibitor outcomes
BBQ Expo's official site lists a dedicated 2026 edition page and an exhibitors catalogue for the 2026 show at Fiere di Parma. The 2026 programme also included an opening ceremony. The available search results did not state visitor or exhibitor totals for the edition.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending BBQ Expo on 2027-04-03 to 2027-04-06 in Parma lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Latest updates from across the market.
Italy Barbeque Grill Market Size, Competitors & Forecast
ReadBbq Expo - Outdoor Cooking - 3/6 April 2027 | Fiere Di Parma
ReadItaly Outdoor Grill Market (2026-2032) | Trends, Outlook & Forecast
ReadOutdoor Cooking Equipment Market in Italy | Report - IndexBox
ReadBBQ EXPO 2026 Opening Ceremony | BBQ Expo - Outdoor Cooking
ReadBBQ Expo | Parma - Facebook
ReadPlan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Parma Airport Giuseppe Verdi
Closest airport to the venue; scheduled flights are limited, so check seasonal connections before relying on PMF. Confirm transfer times before travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 10-20 minutes by taxi to Fiere di Parma
by car
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
A practical international gateway for Parma with frequent rail connections. Allow extra time for the station-to-fairground transfer
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car; train from Bologna Centrale to Parma roughly 50-70 minutes plus local transfer
by car
Milan Linate Airport
Useful for Milan-based flights; connect by train from Milano Centrale or Milano Rogoredo to Parma, then take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Fiere di Parma
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car; train from Milan to Parma roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes plus local transfer
by car
Milan Malpensa Airport
Long-haul gateway with onward rail via Milan. Confirm train times and leave buffer for the airport-to-station transfer
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 hours by car; Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale then train to Parma
by car
Verona Villafranca Airport
Alternative northern Italian gateway; check rail connections to Parma before booking. Confirm times before travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car; rail via Verona or Bologna may require a change
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
B&B and guesthouse options within roughly 1-2 km of Fiere di Parma, including Villa Viola b&b Parma (about 1.9 km from the fairground) and b&b Ospedale Maggiore Parma affittacamere (about 5.1 km).
Three-star options close to the venue, including The Owl Hotel (about 1 km from the fairground) and Best Western Hotel Green City Parma; typical amenities listed include free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking.
Four-star properties such as Hotel Villa Ducale (about 4 km from the fairground) with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, fitness centre, bar and restaurant.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus / shuttle
Shuttle bus
Taxi
taxi
Approx. 10-20 minutes by taxi to Fiere di Parma; Closest airport to the venue; scheduled flights are limited, so check seasonal connections before relying on PMF. Confirm transfer times before travel.
taxi
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car; train from Bologna Centrale to Parma roughly 50-70 minutes plus local transfer; A practical international gateway for Parma with frequent rail connections. Allow extra time for the station-to-fairground transfer.
taxi
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car; train from Milan to Parma roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes plus local transfer; Useful for Milan-based flights; connect by train from Milano Centrale or Milano Rogoredo to Parma, then take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Fiere di Parma.
taxi
Approx. 2 hours by car; Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale then train to Parma; Long-haul gateway with onward rail via Milan. Confirm train times and leave buffer for the airport-to-station transfer.
taxi
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by car; rail via Verona or Bologna may require a change; Alternative northern Italian gateway; check rail connections to Parma before booking. Confirm times before travel.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Weather
Parma in April is spring-like: daytime temperatures typically in the mid-teens to low 20s Celsius, with cool evenings. Rain is possible across the month, so a light waterproof layer is sensible for the walk between halls and parking at Fiere di Parma.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Italian mobile networks (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre) cover Parma and Fiere di Parma well. EU visitors can use their home allowance under EU roaming rules; non-EU visitors should check roaming costs or pick up a local prepaid SIM at the airport or in central Parma.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Coffee and aperitivo
In Parma, coffee is often taken standing at the bar, and aperitivo runs roughly 18:00-20:00. At Fiere di Parma, use the hall coffee points for short meetings and keep evening aperitivo for supplier dinners in the city centre.
Business greetings
A handshake with eye contact is standard when meeting exhibitors or buyers. Italian is common in local businesses, while English is widely used in the trade fair context; exchange business cards and confirm names and titles.
Meal times
Lunch in Parma typically runs from about 12:30 to 14:00 and dinner from about 19:30 to 22:00. Some restaurants close between services, so plan sit-down meetings around show hours and book evening tables during fair week.
Dress code
Smart casual is appropriate for the trade fair, with comfortable shoes for walking the halls at Fiere di Parma. April weather can be mild by day and cool in the evening, so bring layers and a light rain jacket.
Local specialties
Parma is known for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, along with tortelli d'erbetta and local Lambrusco. These are useful reference points for hosting buyers or choosing a restaurant after the show.
Tipping and payments
Service charges are often included in restaurant bills; rounding up or adding 5-10% is common for good service. Cards are widely accepted in Parma, but keep some euros for small purchases, buses or market stalls.
Sunday and opening hours
Some shops and restaurants in Parma close on Sunday or pause in the afternoon. Check opening hours if you plan city visits around the BBQ Expo programme, and confirm restaurant bookings for evenings during the fair.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: PMF
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Parma; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Italy follows Schengen entry rules. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens travel on an ID card or passport. Holders of UK, US, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passports can generally enter visa-free for short business visits; visa-national travellers must obtain a Schengen short-stay business visa before departure.
Processing: Varies by consulate and season; apply several weeks ahead through the Italian diplomatic post or an authorised centre such as VFS Global.
Use the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 'Visa for Italy' portal to confirm whether your nationality needs a visa, then book an appointment at the competent consulate or visa centre. Carry passport, invitation or exhibitor confirmation and accommodation details for the border check.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Parma Airport Giuseppe Verdi (PMF): Approx. 10-20 minutes by taxi to Fiere di Parma; Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ): Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car; train from Bologna Centrale to Parma roughly 50-70 minutes plus local transfer; Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by car; train from Milan to Parma roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes plus local transfer; Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Approx. 2 hours by car; Malpensa Ex
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Fiere di Parma: Parma city and ring-road outskirts: Parma city and ring-road outskirts; Fiere di Parma district / Parma north: Fiere di Parma district / Parma north; Parma city: Parma city.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Parma; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: TEP runs city buses serving Fiere di Parma, and fair periods add shuttle buses between Parma railway station, the city centre and the exhibition centre. Buy tickets locally or via TEP channels and allow extra time on the first show morning.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Fiere di Parma; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Approx. 8-20 C (April averages for Parma)
Seasonality: April is a shoulder-season month in Emilia-Romagna with a real chance of rain showers; expect changeable spring conditions rather than sustained heat.
Packing: Pack layers for mild days and cool mornings, a compact umbrella or rain shell, and comfortable shoes for walking the Fiere di Parma halls. Business-casual dress suits both the show floor and Parma city restaurants.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at BBQ Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Register or buy your BBQ Expo ticket via ticket.bbqexpo.it and check the organiser site for the final hall layout, opening hours and whether any days are trade-only.
Book accommodation near Fiere di Parma or in central Parma, and confirm check-in before 2 April and check-out after 6 April 2027 if you plan to attend all show days.
Book rail or air travel into Parma using Parma PMF, Bologna BLQ, Milan LIN or Milan MXP; allow extra time for the onward train or bus to Parma if you fly into Bologna or Milan.
Download the TEP bus and shuttle information for Parma railway station, the city centre and Fiere di Parma, and plan your first-morning arrival at the halls.
Check whether your nationality needs a Schengen visa for Italy and confirm passport validity of at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Print or download your badge and check the KCBS competition schedule, cooking demos and technical sessions so you can plan booth visits around the programme.
Pack layers, a rain shell and comfortable shoes for April in Parma; charge devices and prepare a list of exhibitors in the outdoor cooking, fuel, rub and sauce categories.
Set an early start to reach Fiere di Parma at opening, confirm parking or shuttle details, and keep your ticket and business documents ready for badge collection.
Registration and hall orientation at Fiere di Parma
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
BBQ Expo registration concourse
Fiere di Parma
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Fiere di Parma
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether BBQ Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
8 more alternate names hidden
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
