Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show is set for February 12-13, 2027, at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, MI.
This event brings together industry professionals from the ice cream and fast food sectors, showcasing products, services, and innovative ideas tailored for these markets.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, attend educational sessions, and explore the latest trends in the industry.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 12-13 February 2027 at Kellogg Arena, Battle Creek, Michigan.
- 2Scope and Format: the annual convention of the Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Association (GLICFFA), built around a supplier trade show plus operator education sessions and networking.
- 3Who Should Go: independent scoop shops and ice cream plants, drive-in and quick-service restaurant operators, concessionaires, and the mix, freezer, packaging, menu and POS suppliers that serve them.
- 4Registration: handled directly by the association - attendee and exhibitor forms, class times and floor details are published on glicffa.com.
- 5Travel Window: mid-February in southwest Michigan is deep winter, so lock in a downtown Battle Creek room early and leave slack on arrival day for snow delays.
Why visit
Attendees will benefit from networking with industry leaders, gaining insights into market trends, and discovering new products and services tailored for the ice cream and fast food sectors. The event also features educational sessions designed to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers in the ice cream and fast food industries, providing an opportunity to showcase their products and services. Scale and Focus: This event targets the ice cream and fast food sectors, connecting suppliers and buyers in the industry. Buyer Authority: Attendees include operators and suppliers from the ice cream and fast food industries, influencing purchasing decisions. Entry Details: Registration is open for qualified.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Ice cream shop owners and operators
Fast food restaurant managers
Suppliers of ice cream and fast food products
Food service distributors
Equipment manufacturers for the food industry
Marketing professionals in the food sector
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Ice cream manufacturers and distributors
Fast food equipment suppliers
Food service technology providers
Packaging companies for food products
Ingredient suppliers for ice cream and fast food
Marketing and advertising agencies for food brands
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Ice cream mixes and bases
Soft serve machines and equipment
Frozen dessert toppings and syrups
Fast food cooking equipment
Packaging solutions for ice cream and food products
Point of sale systems for food service
Location & Facilities
Venue
Kellogg Arena
1 McCamly Plaza Square, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Facilities
Parking
Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek 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: Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek 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 Kellogg Arena for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
:12:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Association (GLIC+FFA)
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Battle Creek, USA
Why it matters
Attending Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show on 2027-02-12 to 2027-02-13 in Battle Creek 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.
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
Closest airport to Kellogg Arena and the simplest transfer for a two-day show. Regional jet service with connections through larger hubs - check current routings before booking
TBA
to venue
Approx. 30-35 minutes by car (roughly 20-25 miles / 32-40 km) via I-94
by car
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
More carriers and connections than AZO. Good option if nonstop service to your origin is only available into Grand Rapids
TBA
to venue
Approx. 55-70 minutes by car (roughly 55 miles / 90 km) via US-131 and I-94
by car
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Best choice for international arrivals and the widest domestic network, but plan a road transfer or a connecting flight onward
TBA
to venue
Approx. 1 h 45 min to 2 hours by car (roughly 110-120 miles / 180-195 km) via I-94
by car
Capital Region International Airport
Smaller alternative north of Battle Creek; useful only if its limited schedule happens to match your dates
TBA
to venue
Approx. 50-60 minutes by car (roughly 50 miles / 80 km) via I-69 and I-94
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
4-star
Downtown Battle Creek, 120 m from Kellogg ArenaApprox. February night band, not an organiser-published rate. Closest listed property to the arena, about a 2-3 minute walk.
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar
2-star
Downtown Battle Creek, 560 m from Kellogg ArenaApprox. February night band. Google Hotels guest rating 3.6 from 952 reviews as captured; about a 7-minute walk to the arena.
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, restaurant
3-star
About 6 km from Kellogg Arena (Battle Creek outskirts)Approx. February night band. Better suited to travellers with a car; the arena is not a walkable distance from these properties.
Indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, free parking, fitness center; breakfast included at Country Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn, paid at Holiday Inn
2-star budget
About 6.7 km from Kellogg ArenaApprox. February night band. Google Hotels returned 41 properties near Kellogg Arena for a 12-13 February 2027 stay; live nightly rates vary with dates and demand.
Free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, pet-friendly rooms; breakfast at Best Western Executive Inn
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walking
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown Battle Creek hotels to Kellogg Arena
About 0.4 mile, roughly 9-10 minutes via Capital Ave NE or McCamly St; all routes are mostly flat. The default option for the DoubleTree and Baymont.
Battle Creek Transit city bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forDowntown Battle Creek transfer points to the arena district
Fixed-route service is weekday-oriented with limited evening and Sunday runs; check battlecreekmi.gov for current routes and timetables before relying on it.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-14 for a short downtown hop; approx. USD 15-25 from the 6 km suburban hotels
Best forDowntown or suburban Battle Creek hotels to Kellogg Arena
Coverage in Battle Creek is thinner than in Detroit or Chicago - request a car with lead time, especially after evening sessions or in snow. Confirm live fares in the app.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-15 metered short hop from downtown; approx. USD 20-30 from the outskirts
Best forBattle Creek hotels to Kellogg Arena
Local taxi companies serve Battle Creek but are not hail-friendly - phone ahead or ask your hotel front desk to book.
Amtrak (Wolverine / Blue Water services)
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 one-way from Kalamazoo; approx. USD 25-45 from Detroit; Chicago bands run higher - confirm at amtrak.com
Best forBattle Creek Transportation Center to downtown Battle Creek
Battle Creek is on the Chicago-Detroit corridor, and the station sits in the downtown area within walking distance of the arena district. Confirm train times and the current walk route before travel.
Rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-80 per day for a compact, plus fuel and any winter equipment fee
Best forAZO, GRR or DTW airport to Battle Creek
Useful for suburban hotels and for site visits; Michigan fleets are winter-ready but allow extra time on I-94 in snow.
Parking (Kellogg Arena)
Estimated costApprox. USD 5-10 per vehicle per event day; downtown ramps may charge hourly
Best forKellogg Arena event lots and downtown ramps
Rates are set by the venue and its operators. Confirm the event parking charge with Kellogg Arena before you drive in.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from AZO to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forKalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) to Kellogg Arena
Approx. 30-35 minutes by car (roughly 20-25 miles / 32-40 km) via I-94; Closest airport to Kellogg Arena and the simplest transfer for a two-day show. Regional jet service with connections through larger hubs - check current routings before booking.
Weather
The 12-13 February 2027 dates fall in the coldest part of the southwest Michigan winter. Typical conditions are daytime highs around 30-36 F (-1 to 2 C) and overnight lows around 18-25 F (-8 to -4 C), with wind chill making it feel colder on the walk between downtown hotels and the arena. Snow, sleet and icy pavements are realistic possibilities, and lake-effect bands off Lake Michigan can slow I-94 and US-131. Daylight is short, so late-afternoon departures feel like night. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Battle Creek (weather.gov) in the final week and again on the morning of travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover Battle Creek, with 5G in much of the downtown core but weaker signal inside the arena's concrete concourses. Visitors from outside the US should check roaming costs or buy a prepaid eSIM before departure. Power: 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A/B plugs - bring an adapter for UK, EU or Australian devices, and note that most US hotel rooms have limited outlets. Wi-Fi: ask your hotel about guest networks; do not assume reliable free Wi-Fi on the show floor, and download the schedule and any exhibitor lists before you arrive.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress on the floor
Business casual is the norm: collared shirts, sweaters, trousers and comfortable shoes. Ice cream and foodservice suppliers often wear branded polos and aprons, so a logoed shirt will not look out of place. February means a warm coat you can check or leave in the car.
Greetings and meetings
Expect a handshake and first names quickly. Midwestern business small talk usually comes before the pitch - a question about the weather or the drive in is normal. Bring business cards and ask before photographing a booth or a new machine.
Tipping
US tipping norms apply in Battle Creek: 15-20 percent at sit-down restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at the bar, and a tip in rideshare apps. Hotel housekeeping is usually tipped per night.
Sampling etiquette
Dairy samples and machine demos are a large part of a show like this. Ask before tasting, mention any allergies, and do not carry open product between booths. Exhibitors will often want a business card before running a full demo.
Timing
Trade floors in the US Midwest typically run from morning into late afternoon over the show days. Arrive early on the first day for badge pickup, and leave buffer time at the end of day two if you are catching an evening flight.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: AZO
Book into Kalamazoo/Battle Creek (AZO) if the schedule works - it is the shortest transfer at roughly 30-35 minutes to the arena. Grand Rapids (GRR) has the better network for most US origins at about 55-70 minutes by car, and Detroit (DTW) is the practical entry point for international travellers at roughly 1 h 45 min to 2 hours. Tuesday and Wednesday departures around a midweek February show are usually cheaper than Friday returns. Book 6-10 weeks out, watch for winter storm waivers on the I-94 corridor, and if you are connecting through Chicago O'Hare or Detroit allow a longer layover in February. Fares in this listing are approximate planning bands - confirm live prices with the airline or an OTA.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO): Approx. 30-35 minutes by car (roughly 20-25 miles / 32-40 km) via I-94; Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR): Approx. 55-70 minutes by car (roughly 55 miles / 90 km) via US-131 and I-94; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): Approx. 1 h 45 min to 2 hours by car (roughly 110-120 miles / 180-195 km) via I-94; Capital Region International Airport (LAN): Approx. 50-60 minutes by car (roughly 50 miles / 80 km) via
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Kellogg Arena: Downtown Battle Creek, 120 m from Kellogg Arena: D, o, u; Downtown Battle Creek, 560 m from Kellogg Arena: B, a, y; About 6 km from Kellogg Arena (Battle Creek outskirts): H, o, l.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate in Battle Creek but with far fewer cars than in Detroit or Chicago, so request a ride 15-20 minutes ahead and expect longer waits after the show floor closes or during snow. From downtown hotels the trip to Kellogg Arena is only a few minutes, and walking is usually quicker in good weather. From the 6-7 km suburban hotels, budget roughly USD 15-25 each way; rideshare quotes in the app are the only reliable fare, so confirm before you request. Local taxi companies remain a useful fallback when no car is available - ask your hotel front desk to book one.
Public transit: Battle Creek Transit runs fixed-route city buses, but the network is weekday-oriented with limited evening and Sunday service, so it will not cover late sessions reliably. For downtown hotels the practical answer is to walk: Central Battle Creek to Kellogg Arena is about 0.4 mile, roughly 9-10 minutes via Capital Ave NE or McCamly St, on flat streets. If you are staying at the Holiday Inn, Country Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn or the budget properties 6-7 km out, plan on a car, a rideshare or a taxi rather than a bus connection. Check battlecreekmi.gov for current routes, timetables and fares before relying on transit.
Parking: Kellogg Arena has on-site event parking and there are downtown lots and ramps within a short walk of the building. Parking is charged by the venue or lot operator rather than by the association, so check the Kellogg Arena website or call ahead for the current event rate - budget roughly USD 5-10 per day as a planning figure. Arrive 20-30 minutes before the doors open on the first day, expect snow banks to reduce usable spaces in February, and never leave valuables visible in the car.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027 (mid-winter)
Temperature: Typical daytime highs 30-36 F (-1 to 2 C); overnight lows 18-25 F (-8 to -4 C). Wind chill regularly makes it feel 10-15 F colder, especially on the walk between downtown hotels and Kellogg Arena.
Seasonality: February is a snowy month in southwest Michigan rather than a rainy one: snow showers, occasional freezing drizzle and lake-effect bands off Lake Michigan are all realistic. Pavements and arena car parks can be icy, and a snow event can add an hour to the drive from Grand Rapids or Detroit. Daylight is short, with sunset before many attendees leave the floor, so plan evening walks accordingly and check the National Weather Service forecast for Battle Creek before departure.
Packing: Pack a warm, wind-resistant coat, gloves, a hat and a scarf, plus waterproof boots or shoes with real tread for icy downtown pavements. Bring layers for the show floor - arena halls can be cool near loading doors and warm in packed aisles. Add business casual clothing for two days, a US Type A/B plug adapter (120 V), a portable charger, and lip balm or moisturizer for dry heated interiors. If you are exhibiting, pack a winter kit for the loading dock as well as booth supplies.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: confirm your attendee registration on glicffa.com and save the confirmation to your phone - the association registers attendees directly, there is no separate ticket agency.
T-2
14 days out: book the flight into Kalamazoo/Battle Creek (AZO) for the shortest transfer, or Grand Rapids (GRR) if you need more connections; Detroit (DTW) is the international fallback.
T-3
12 days out: reserve a downtown Battle Creek room - the DoubleTree is 120 m from Kellogg Arena and the Baymont is 560 m, and February availability tightens close to the dates.
T-4
10 days out: open glicffa.com/schedule and pick the education sessions that match your equipment, menu or production plans so the two days are not spent wandering.
T-5
10 days out: write a short buying list by category - freezers, mix and ingredients, novelties, packaging, fryers, POS - and note the three questions you want answered at each booth.
T-6
7 days out: if you are travelling from outside the US, confirm your ESTA approval or B-1 visa status and carry the confirmation.
T-7
7 days out: check the National Weather Service forecast for Battle Creek and add a buffer to your arrival day; lake-effect snow can slow the I-94 corridor.
T-8
5 days out: pack a warm coat, gloves, a hat and waterproof boots with grip - the downtown walk to the arena is short but exposed in February.
T-9
3 days out: confirm your ground transport from AZO or GRR, and screenshot the route in case mobile data is slow on arrival.
T-10
2 days out: pack a US Type A/B plug adapter (120 V, 60 Hz) and charge power banks and your laptop for two full days on the floor.
T-11
1 day out: check Kellogg Arena's bag policy and event parking plan, and confirm which entrance is being used for attendee badge pickup.
T-12
On the day: wear business casual with comfortable shoes; the show floor is a concrete arena and you will be standing most of the day.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Kellogg Arena
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show registration concourse
Kellogg Arena
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Kellogg Arena
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 Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show 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 2027 Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Association convention?
The 2027 convention runs 12-13 February 2027 at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan. Kellogg Arena sits downtown, roughly 120 m from the DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek, so most attendees can walk to the floor.
Who attends the Great Lakes Ice Cream + Fast Food Association show?
The audience is the ice cream and fast-food trade: independent scoop shop owners, dairy and ice cream plant staff, drive-in and quick-service restaurant operators, concessionaires, and the distributors, equipment dealers and ingredient suppliers who sell to them. Confirm the current attendee registration categories on glicffa.com before you book travel.
How do I register for the convention?
Registration is handled by the association rather than a third-party ticketing agency. Use the attendee or exhibitor forms on glicffa.com and keep the confirmation email; badge pickup is at the venue on arrival.
Is the show open to the public or trade only?
It is an industry convention for ice cream and foodservice operators and their suppliers. If you are unsure whether your business qualifies for an attendee badge, ask the association before registering.
What is on the trade show floor?
Expect the equipment and supply categories this sector actually buys: batch and continuous freezers, soft-serve machines, dipping cabinets, mix and ingredient suppliers, novelties, cones and packaging, fryers and kitchen equipment, menu and POS systems, and shop fit-out suppliers. The current exhibitor list and floor plan are posted on glicffa.com.
Are there education sessions during the two days?
Yes - operator education sessions run alongside the trade show. Session titles and times are published on glicffa.com/schedule; check it in the weeks before the show, as the agenda is set by the association rather than fixed months ahead.
What does attendance or a booth cost?
Ticket and booth prices are set by the association and are not published in our sources. Check glicffa.com or contact the GLICFFA office directly for current attendee fees, booth rates and any member discount.
Which airport should I fly into for Battle Creek?
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) is the closest, roughly 30-35 minutes by car. Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) in Grand Rapids has more connections at about 55-70 minutes, and Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) is the international fallback at roughly 1 h 45 min to 2 hours.
Where should I stay near Kellogg Arena?
Downtown Battle Creek is the practical choice: the DoubleTree by Hilton is about 120 m from the arena and the Baymont by Wyndham Downtown is about 560 m. Holiday Inn, Country Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn and the budget properties sit around 6-7 km out and suit travellers with a car.
Where do I park at Kellogg Arena?
The arena has on-site event parking and there are downtown lots within a short walk. Rates are set by the venue, so check the Kellogg Arena website or call ahead for the current event parking charge.
What is the weather like in Battle Creek in February?
Mid-February is the coldest stretch of the year in southwest Michigan, with daytime highs typically around 30-36 F (-1 to 2 C), overnight lows around 18-25 F (-8 to -4 C) and a real chance of snow or ice. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Battle Creek in the final week before travel.
Do international visitors need a visa for the United States?
Entry rules depend on nationality. Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries normally need an approved ESTA; everyone else needs a visitor visa, usually B-1 for business. Exhibitors should apply well before February 2027 and can ask the organiser for an invitation letter. This is general guidance, not legal advice - confirm with the US embassy or consulate.
Glossary
- Overrun
- The air whipped into ice cream during freezing, measured as a percentage of volume increase. Higher overrun gives a lighter texture and more servings per gallon, which is why shop owners and plant managers argue over it at the booth.
- Ice cream mix
- The blended dairy base - milk fat, milk solids, sugar, stabilizers and water - that a freezer whips and freezes into finished ice cream or soft serve.
- Butterfat (milk fat)
- The fat content of the mix. US standards of identity set minimums (10 percent milk fat for ice cream and for frozen custard, which also requires egg yolk solids), so butterfat is a costing and labeling number, not just a taste description.
- HTST pasteurization
- High-temperature short-time pasteurization: the mix is heated to a set temperature for a short hold and then rapidly cooled before freezing. It is the standard food-safety step in both plant and shop-scale production.
- Batch freezer
- A machine that freezes and whips one batch of mix at a time. Common in scoop shops, small dairies and test kitchens; batch size drives how many flavors a shop can run in a day.
- Continuous freezer
- A production freezer that draws a steady flow of mix and freezes it continuously. Standard in ice cream plants and high-volume shops where throughput per hour matters.
- Soft-serve machine
- A countertop or floor-standing freezer that holds mix at a softer consistency and dispenses by draw handle or valve. Throughput, recovery time and cleaning routine are the numbers operators compare.
- Dipping cabinet
- A reach-in display freezer that keeps tubs at scooping temperature, usually with a glass guard. Cabinet temperature control is what keeps tubs scoopable without ice crystals.
- Novelty item
- Molded, extruded or stick-based frozen items with compound coating, as distinct from bulk tubs, soft serve and cones. Novelty lines are a separate equipment and packaging conversation.
- Servings per gallon
- A yield metric showing how many scoops of a given size a gallon of mix produces. It links overrun, scoop size and menu price, and is one of the fastest ways to compare suppliers on the floor.
- QSR
- Quick-service restaurant: counter-order or drive-thru format with short ticket times, limited seating and a menu engineered for speed. Most of the fast-food side of the association's membership operates this way.
- Drive-in / drive-thru
- Service formats where the customer orders and receives food from a vehicle. Menu boards, headset systems, window flow and lot layout are the practical buying categories.
- HACCP
- Hazard analysis and critical control points - the food-safety system used across dairy and foodservice to identify biological, chemical and physical risks and set control limits.
- Fryer oil life
- How long frying oil stays usable before quality drops. Filtering routine, oil type and daily volume determine oil cost per menu item, a recurring topic for fast-food operators.
- Walk-in cooler / freezer
- A refrigerated room used to hold mix, tubs, novelties and foodservice product. Sizing and door placement are usually decided when a shop or kitchen is built out.
- Concessionaire
- An operator selling food and beverage at fairs, parks, arenas and events. Concessionaires buy mobile freezers, soft-serve trailers, menu programs and disposables rather than fixed shop fit-out.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Great Lakes Ice Cream Trade Show
- Battle Creek Ice Cream Show
- GLICFFA 2027
- Ice Cream Industry Events
- Fast Food Industry Events
- Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show
- Great Lakes Ice Cream 2027
- Great Lakes Ice Cream Battle Creek 2027
- Fast Food Association Trade 2027
- Fast Food Association Trade Battle Creek 2027
3 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.