Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night is set for March 24-25, 2027, at the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. This event brings together thousands of food industry professionals, offering a unique platform for networking and showcasing innovations.
Attendees can expect to engage with a diverse range of suppliers and participate in insightful seminars, making it a must-attend for anyone in the food sector. Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night takes place in Orlando, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 24-25 March 2027 at Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Florida - the golf outing runs on 24 March and the food expo day on 25 March.
- 2Sector Focus: A Florida Section IFT gathering for food scientists, QA/QC teams, R&D and product-development staff, plant operations, ingredient and lab-service suppliers, and food-science students from across the state.
- 3Organiser and Access: Hosted by IFT Florida (iftflorida.org); registration is separate for the golf outing and for the expo, so sign up for the component you actually plan to attend.
- 4Format: A regional section meeting rather than a national mega-show - supplier tabletop displays sit alongside technical and section programming, which makes it practical for Florida manufacturers who cannot send a full team to Chicago or Las Vegas.
- 5Travel Anchor: Orlando International (MCO) is the main gateway, roughly 30-45 minutes by road from the Universal Blvd / International Drive venue district; International Drive hotels are 2-5 km from the venue.
Why visit
Attendees will gain access to a wide array of suppliers and products, enhancing their industry knowledge and networking opportunities. Dates and Venue: Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night takes place from March 24 to 25, 2027, at Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Florida. Buyer Authority: Attendees include food technologists, suppliers, and industry leaders with purchasing influence.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night offers unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of food professionals. Buyer Authority: Attendees include food technologists, suppliers, and industry leaders with purchasing influence. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Ingredient suppliers offering innovative food solutions., Packaging companies showcasing the latest in food packaging technology., Equipment manufacturers presenting machinery for food.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Food technologists and scientists looking for new ingredients and solutions.
Purchasing managers from food manufacturing companies seeking suppliers.
Sales representatives aiming to network with industry professionals.
Quality assurance specialists interested in the latest food safety innovations.
Marketing professionals looking for trends in the food industry.
Food service operators seeking new products and suppliers.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Ingredient suppliers offering innovative food solutions.
Packaging companies showcasing the latest in food packaging technology.
Equipment manufacturers presenting machinery for food processing.
Consultants providing expertise in food safety and compliance.
Distributors looking to connect with food manufacturers.
Service providers offering logistics and supply chain solutions.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Food ingredients and additives for various applications.
Packaging solutions tailored for the food industry.
Processing equipment for food manufacturing.
Food safety and quality assurance services.
Consulting services for food innovation and development.
Logistics and distribution services for food products.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Rosen Shingle Creek
Orlando, United States
Facilities
Parking
Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando 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: Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando 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 Rosen Shingle Creek for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
IFT Florida
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Orlando, United States
Why it matters
Attending Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night on 2027-03-24 to 2027-03-25 in Orlando 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.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
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.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Orlando International Airport
MCO is the primary commercial gateway for the IFT Florida meeting. Rideshare and taxi pick-up is at the terminal; allow 30-45 minutes to the Universal Blvd / International Drive venue district, and up to 60 minutes in rush hour or theme-park traffic. Confirm live transfer options before travel
Approx. 22 km from Rosen Shingle Creek
to venue
30-45 min by road, longer in peak traffic
by car
Orlando Sanford International Airport
SFB is a secondary Orlando gateway used mainly by some international and leisure carriers. It is farther north than MCO, so allow 50-70 minutes by road to the venue and pre-book a transfer if you arrive late
Approx. 55 km from Rosen Shingle Creek
to venue
50-70 min by road
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Rosen Shingle Creek
4-star
Universal Blvd, on-site at the venue0 km - connected to the convention venue to venueThe host resort and convention property, which removes daily transfers entirely. Expect resort and parking fees; book early because late-March Orlando demand is strong and the event room block can close.
Spark by Hilton Orlando Universal Blvd
3-star
Universal Blvd / International Drive4.2 km from Rosen Shingle Creek to venueGuest rating 3.8 (598 reviews); eco-certified; free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly. A practical budget option if you have a car or use rideshare.
Rosen Inn International
3-star
International Drive4.8 km from Rosen Shingle Creek to venueGuest rating 4.1; paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, paid parking, outdoor pool, bar, fitness center, pet-friendly. Mid-range I-Drive base with restaurants within walking distance.
Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Conv. Center/International Dr
2-star
International Drive / Convention Center district2.6 km from Rosen Shingle Creek to venueGuest rating 3.7; listed about 18% below its usual rate at capture time; free parking, outdoor pool, breakfast, restaurant, fitness center. Closest budget option among the sampled hotels.
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
3-star
Pointe Orlando / International DriveOn the International Drive corridor near Rosen Shingle Creek, roughly 4-5 km to venueGuest rating 4.0 in the Google Hotels comparison list for the Rosen Shingle Creek area. Pointe Orlando puts dining and shopping within walking distance.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-60 one way, more with surge or tolls; confirm in-app before booking
Best forOrlando International Airport (MCO) to Rosen Shingle Creek
Allow 30-45 minutes by road; longer during afternoon rush hour or theme-park traffic. Rideshare pick-up at MCO is signposted from the terminal.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forOrlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Rosen Shingle Creek
SFB is roughly 55 km north of the venue; allow 50-70 minutes and pre-book if your flight lands late.
public bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2-4 per single ride; exact fare and day-pass options on the LYNX site
Best forLYNX bus from the MCO area to International Drive
LYNX serves the International Drive corridor, but airport-to-venue trips usually involve a transfer and 60-90 minutes. Best for budget travellers with light luggage.
trolley
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per ride or about USD 6 for an unlimited day pass; confirm current rates
Best forI-Ride Trolley along International Drive
The I-Ride Trolley runs the length of International Drive and is useful for hotel-to-restaurant and hotel-to-venue-district hops, but it is not a direct airport service.
rail / intercity
Estimated costVaries by destination and booking window; confirm on the Brightline site
Best forBrightline Orlando station at MCO to other Florida cities
Brightline connects MCO with West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Miami for visitors extending a Florida trip. It does not replace the local transfer from MCO to International Drive.
walking
Estimated costNo fare
Best forInternational Drive hotels to Rosen Shingle Creek
Sidewalks exist along Universal Blvd and International Drive, but 2.5-5 km in Florida heat and humidity makes rideshare or the trolley more practical for most attendees.
Weather
Late March in Orlando is warm and generally drier than the summer months. Typical daytime highs sit around 24-27 C (75-81 F) with overnight lows near 13-16 C (55-61 F), and rain showers are possible rather than constant. This is a climatological band, not a forecast - check a live Orlando forecast in the final week before travel. Conference rooms at Rosen Shingle Creek are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful even on warm days.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks use 4G/5G on bands compatible with most modern international phones; check your handset and roaming plan before departure. An eSIM or prepaid US SIM is the usual cost-effective option for international visitors, while US-based attendees can rely on their existing plan. Wi-Fi is typically available in the Rosen Shingle Creek guest rooms and public areas, but confirm whether meeting-room Wi-Fi is included in your registration or exhibitor package. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs, so UK, EU and Australian visitors need a plug adapter and a voltage-converter check for non-dual-voltage devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is standard for IFT Florida section meetings - collared shirts, slacks, dresses and comfortable shoes for the expo floor. Suits are uncommon outside formal section events, and golf attire is appropriate only for the 24 March outing.
Tipping and service
US service norms apply in Orlando: 15-20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, a few dollars per bag for hotel bell staff, and optional housekeeping tips of USD 2-5 per night. Rideshare tips are optional but customary.
Florida weather and indoor cooling
Late March is warm outside but heavily air-conditioned inside the venue. Locals often carry a light layer for conference rooms, and afternoon showers can arrive quickly, so a compact umbrella or rain shell is useful.
Arrival and badge pickup
Arrive early on 25 March for registration and badge pickup, especially if you are also collecting a golf-outing credential on 24 March. Keep your registration confirmation on your phone in case the welcome desk needs it.
Alcohol and ID
Florida's legal drinking age is 21 and venues routinely check photo ID for alcohol service, including international passports. Expect a carding policy at hotel bars and restaurants near International Drive.
Local etiquette
Small talk is normal before business conversations, and first names are common in US professional settings. Exchange business cards freely and follow up by email within a few days, since regional IFT contacts often lead to year-round supplier relationships.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MCO
For the March 2027 sample, the cheapest New York JFK-MCO round trip was captured at USD 312 per adult in economy including taxes and fees but excluding bags, and the route was flagged as high at capture time. The cheapest booking window shown was roughly 10 December to 10 March, so set a fare alert rather than waiting until the final week. Chicago-MCO and London-MCO bands in the cost section are planning estimates, not live quotes, and international fares should be compared with baggage and seat fees included. Book into MCO rather than SFB unless the fare difference is large, because MCO is about 22 km from the venue versus roughly 55 km from Sanford. Late March overlaps with Orlando spring-break and theme-park demand, so hotel and flight availability can tighten together.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Orlando International Airport (MCO): 30-45 min by road, longer in peak traffic; Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): 50-70 min by road. Allow road or rail time to Rosen Shingle Creek; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Rosen Shingle Creek: Universal Blvd, on-site at the venue: Rosen Shingle Creek; Universal Blvd / International Drive: Spark by Hilton Orlando Universal Blvd; International Drive: Rosen Inn International.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Orlando, including MCO, International Drive and the Rosen Shingle Creek area. From MCO to the venue district, expect roughly USD 35-60 and 30-45 minutes depending on traffic and surge. Rideshare pick-up at MCO is signposted from the terminal, and app-based rides are usually the fastest option from International Drive hotels to the venue for 2.5-5 km trips. Confirm the fare in the app before booking, and allow extra time on 25 March if multiple events are running in the convention district.
Public transit: LYNX is the regional bus operator and covers the International Drive corridor, but airport-to-venue trips generally involve a transfer and 60-90 minutes with luggage. The I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive near many hotels and costs about USD 2 per ride, with day passes available. SunRail commuter rail serves the broader Orlando region but is not a direct venue service, and Brightline connects MCO with other Florida cities rather than with International Drive. For a two-day business meeting, rideshare is usually the better use of time; for hotel-to-restaurant hops, the trolley is cheap and frequent.
Parking: Rosen Shingle Creek has on-site self-parking and valet for resort and convention guests. Current daily rates are set by the venue, so confirm the fee with the hotel or on the Rosen Shingle Creek site before driving in. Exhibitors should ask about loading-dock access, temporary unloading and overnight parking for vehicles or vans, and should not assume complimentary parking is included in a tabletop package. Nearby International Drive hotels often advertise free parking, which can offset the venue fee if you do not mind a short rideshare each morning.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 24-27 C (75-81 F); overnight lows typically 13-16 C (55-61 F). These are climatological bands for late March in Orlando, not a specific forecast.
Seasonality: Late March sits in Orlando's drier shoulder season before the summer afternoon-storm pattern. Rain is possible but not usually an all-day event; check a live forecast in the final week and keep a compact umbrella or rain shell in your bag.
Packing: Pack light business casual clothing, comfortable shoes for the expo floor, a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned session rooms, sunglasses and sunscreen for outdoor walks, and a compact umbrella for short showers. A refillable water bottle helps in the Florida heat, and international visitors should add a Type A/B plug adapter for US 120 V outlets.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day -14: Confirm your IFT Florida registration and note whether you are signed up for the 24 March golf outing, the 25 March expo, or both - they are separate registrations.
T-2
Day -13: Book flights into Orlando International (MCO), the closest gateway to the Universal Blvd / International Drive venue district.
T-3
Day -12: Reserve a hotel; Rosen Shingle Creek is on site, while International Drive alternatives 2.5-5 km away are usually cheaper.
T-4
Day -10: Check your US entry status - ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a B-1 business visitor visa - and make sure your passport is valid for the trip.
T-5
Day -9: Download or print the schedule from iftflorida.org/schedule and shortlist the sessions and suppliers you want to see on 25 March.
T-6
Day -7: Build a one-page list of technical questions for suppliers - formulations, allergen data, shelf life, certifications, MOQs - so floor time is productive.
T-7
Day -6: If you are attending the golf outing, confirm clubs, tee time and dress requirements with the organiser, and arrange rental clubs in advance if needed.
T-8
Day -5: Save your badge confirmation and the venue address; Rosen Shingle Creek is at 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando.
T-9
Day -4: Arrange airport transfer - rideshare from MCO is typically USD 35-60 and 30-45 minutes to the venue district.
T-10
Day -3: Check the Orlando forecast and pack business casual layers plus a rain shell for short showers.
T-11
Day -2: Charge devices, load the venue map and set up a lead-capture note or spreadsheet for supplier conversations.
T-12
Day -1: Travel day; if you arrive early, collect any essentials on International Drive and confirm the next morning's start time.
T-13
Day 0 (24 March): Golf outing day for registered players; non-golfers can use the day for supplier meetings or arrival.
T-14
Day 0 (25 March): Expo day - arrive early for badge pickup, work the floor in priority order, and leave time for follow-up notes before departure.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Rosen Shingle Creek
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night registration concourse
Rosen Shingle Creek
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Rosen Shingle Creek
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
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.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the IFT Florida food expo in 2027?
The 2027 IFT Florida gathering is scheduled for 24-25 March 2027 at Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida. The golf outing takes place on 24 March and the expo day on 25 March. Confirm the final schedule on iftflorida.org before booking travel.
Who attends the IFT Florida expo?
The audience is Florida's food and beverage community: food scientists, product-development and R&D staff, QA/QC and food-safety managers, plant and operations leads, ingredient and lab-service suppliers, packaging and processing vendors, and food-science students from Florida universities. It is a working regional meeting rather than a consumer food festival.
How do I register for the expo or the golf outing?
Registration is handled through IFT Florida at iftflorida.org. The golf outing on 24 March and the expo on 25 March are separate sign-ups, so register for each component you plan to attend and keep the confirmation email for badge pickup.
Is the expo open to non-members or is it IFT-members only?
IFT section meetings generally welcome food-industry professionals and students, but access terms can vary by component and by year. Check the registration page on iftflorida.org for the current attendee categories, guest rules and any member/non-member difference before you travel.
What will I find on the expo floor?
Expect supplier tabletop displays and technical conversations covering ingredients, lab and testing services, processing and packaging support, food-safety and QA services, and other suppliers that Florida food and beverage manufacturers use in day-to-day operations. The scale is regional, so the value is in focused conversations rather than a multi-hall national trade fair.
Is the expo useful for a small Florida food startup?
Yes, if you are looking for co-packers, ingredient suppliers, lab testing, label and regulatory guidance, or food-safety support. Come with a specific product brief, target price point and volume estimate so suppliers can give you usable answers rather than generic brochures.
Can I exhibit or take a tabletop at the event?
Supplier participation is arranged by IFT Florida. Contact the section through iftflorida.org for current exhibitor or tabletop availability, what is included in the package, and shipping and setup rules at Rosen Shingle Creek.
Where should I stay for the IFT Florida expo?
Rosen Shingle Creek is both the venue and a resort hotel, which is the simplest option if you want to walk to sessions. Alternatives on International Drive and Universal Blvd include 3-star and 2-star hotels roughly 2.5-5 km away, typically in the USD 70-150 per night range depending on season and booking window.
How do I get from Orlando International Airport to Rosen Shingle Creek?
MCO is about 22 km from the venue. Rideshare or taxi is the most direct option, typically 30-45 minutes and roughly USD 35-60 depending on traffic and surge. LYNX buses and the I-Ride Trolley serve International Drive but usually require a transfer, so allow 60-90 minutes.
What is the weather like in Orlando in late March?
Late March is warm and mostly dry by Orlando standards, with daytime highs typically around 24-27 C (75-81 F) and overnight lows around 13-16 C (55-61 F). Rain is possible but this is before the summer afternoon-storm pattern; pack a light layer for heavily air-conditioned session rooms.
Is parking available at Rosen Shingle Creek?
Yes, the Rosen Shingle Creek resort has on-site self-parking and valet. Rates are set by the venue and can change, so confirm the current daily fee with the hotel or on the Rosen Shingle Creek site before you drive in.
What should I wear to the IFT Florida meeting?
Business casual is the norm for regional IFT section meetings - collared shirts, slacks or dresses, and comfortable shoes for the expo floor. A light jacket or sweater helps in cold conference rooms, and golf attire is appropriate only for the 24 March outing.
Glossary
- IFT
- Institute of Food Technologists, the US professional society for food science and technology. IFT Florida is the state section that organises this Orlando meeting.
- IFT Florida
- The Florida Section of IFT, a regional member group that runs local technical meetings, supplier expos and student-support activities for food professionals working in Florida.
- Food science
- The applied science behind food safety, preservation, processing, packaging, sensory quality and shelf life - the core discipline connecting most attendees at this expo.
- HACCP
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, the preventive food-safety management system used by processors to identify biological, chemical and physical hazards and set control limits.
- FSMA
- The US Food Safety Modernization Act, which shifted federal food-safety regulation toward preventive controls, supplier verification and produce-safety rules for facilities selling into the US market.
- Preventive controls
- The FSMA-aligned food-safety plan elements - process, allergen, sanitation and supply-chain controls - that QA and plant teams document and verify.
- GMP
- Good Manufacturing Practice, the facility, hygiene and documentation standards that food and beverage plants must follow and that suppliers at the expo are often asked to evidence.
- Sensory evaluation
- Structured tasting and consumer or trained-panel testing used to measure flavour, texture and acceptability during product development and reformulation.
- Shelf-life testing
- Accelerated or real-time storage studies that establish how long a food or beverage product retains safety, quality and label claims under defined conditions.
- Water activity (aw)
- A measure of free water in a food that predicts microbial growth and stability; a routine specification for baked goods, snacks, sauces and intermediate-moisture products.
- Scale-up
- Moving a formulation from bench or pilot batch to commercial production, a common pain point discussed between R&D teams and co-manufacturers at regional food expos.
- Co-manufacturer / co-packer
- A third-party plant that produces or packs a brand's product under contract; Florida food startups and growing brands often use the expo to source these partners.
- Certified Food Scientist (CFS)
- A professional credential administered by IFT that recognises demonstrated competence and experience in food science.
- Better Process Control School
- A training programme for thermal processing, acidified and low-acid canned food operations; relevant to Florida processors working under FDA requirements.
- Allergen control
- The procedures - segregation, cleaning validation, labelling and supplier verification - that prevent undeclared major allergens from reaching consumers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night 2027
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night Orlando
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers Night Orlando 2027
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers 2027
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers Orlando
- Florida Section IFT Suppliers Orlando 2027
- Night
- Night 2027
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.