Dates

    15–18 Nov 2026

    City / country

    Gent, Belgium

    Venue

    Flanders Expo

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Horeca Expo Ghent 2026

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Horeca Expo Ghent 2026 include 3 Studio, 3sjes Droge Worstjes, A.G., Aapi BV and AB INBEV FRANCE.

    • 3 Studio
    • 3sjes Droge Worstjes
    • A.G.
    • Aapi BV
    • AB INBEV FRANCE

    Event overview

    Overview

    Horeca Expo is the largest total trade fair for the Belgian hospitality sector and large kitchens, taking place from November 15 to 18, 2026, at Flanders Expo in Gent.

    This event gathers over 600 exhibitors and 47,000 professional visitors under one roof, offering a comprehensive program of culinary competitions, inspiring talks, and masterclasses.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Date: November 15-18, 2026
    2. 2Location: Flanders Expo, Gent, Belgium
    3. 3Over 600 exhibitors expected
    4. 447,000 professional visitors anticipated
    5. 5Comprehensive program with culinary competitions and masterclasses

    Why visit

    Visitors can expect to discover the latest products and services in the hospitality sector, participate in culinary competitions, and attend masterclasses led by top chefs.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience of industry professionals, the chance to showcase their innovations, and opportunities to establish new business relationships and contracts. Horeca Expo serves as a vital platform for the hospitality industry, showcasing the latest trends, products, and innovations. It facilitates networking and business opportunities, making it essential for professionals in the sector.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Restaurant owners and managers
    Catering professionals
    Hospitality suppliers
    Food and beverage industry stakeholders
    Chefs and culinary experts
    Hospitality students and educators

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food and beverage manufacturers
    Kitchen equipment suppliers
    Hospitality technology providers
    Catering service providers
    Interior design firms for hospitality
    Food service consultants

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Kitchen equipment and appliances
    Food and beverage products
    Hospitality furniture and decor
    Culinary tools and utensils
    Food service technology solutions
    Sustainable hospitality products

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    8
    Hall 1Hall 2Hall 3Hall 4Hall 5Hall 6Hall 7Hall 8

    Flanders Expo

    Maaltekouter 1, 9051 Gent, Belgium

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    Hall 1Hall 8

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –6:00 PM

    • General Admission

      Tickets must be printed for entry.

      €70.00
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Easyfairs

    EmailCallWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    1

    Competition

    1

    Seminar

    1

    Event days

    09:30–18:00

    Typical time

    Sunday, Nov 15, 2026

    09:30 – 11:30

    Horeca Academie – Horeca Vlaanderen

    Seminar
    Flex Seminarieruimte
    10:00 – 18:00

    Eerste Kok van België 2027

    Competition
    Competition Kitchen

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2024

    Completed

    This edition

    2026

    Exhibitors: 600

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Horeca Expo is the largest total trade fair for the Belgian hospitality sector and large kitchens, taking place from November 15 to 18, 2026, at Flanders Expo in Gent. This event gathers over 600 exhibitors and 47,000 professional visitors under one roof, offering a comprehensive program of culinary competitions, inspiring talks, and masterclasses. Horeca Expo serves as a vital platform for the hospitality industry, showcasing the latest trends, products, and innovations. It.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors gain visibility among a targeted audience of industry professionals, the chance to showcase their innovations, and opportunities to establish new business relationships and contracts. Horeca Expo serves as a vital platform for the hospitality industry, showcasing the latest trends, products, and innovations. It facilitates networking and business opportunities, making it essential for professionals in the sector. Exhibitor categories include Food and beverage manufacturers, Kitchen equipment suppliers,.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Benelux — Flanders, Belgium (Gent, East Flanders)

    Why it matters

    Horeca Expo is the regional meeting point for the Belgian and wider Benelux hospitality trade: operators, hotel and restaurant groups, caterers, bakery and retail foodservice buyers visit Flanders Expo to source equipment, food and drink, packaging and digital systems in one trip. The show pairs its exhibition halls with association-backed training (Horeca Academie with Horeca Vlaanderen) and live skills competitions such as Eerste Kok van België, so a single visit combines purchasing, supplier benchmarking and staff-up skilling. For suppliers, it is the most efficient way to reach Flemish and Dutch-language buyers before the end-of-year contracting cycle; for buyers, it is a compact November window to compare quotes ahead of the next season.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Staff shortage drives kitchen efficiency tech

    Belgian hospitality continues to report hard-to-fill kitchen and service roles, pushing operators toward combi-ovens, automated warewashing, self-order kiosks and reservation/POS systems that reduce labour per cover.

    02

    Energy and food cost pressure on margins

    Gas, electricity and ingredient inflation have reshaped menu engineering, portioning and supplier contracts across Benelux operators.

    03

    Sustainability and packaging regulation

    EU single-use plastics rules and Belgian deposit-return schemes are changing takeaway, delivery and bar operations.

    04

    No- and low-alcohol drinks growth

    Alcohol-free beer, mocktails and premium soft drinks keep expanding in Belgian bars and restaurants, with younger guests driving the shift.

    05

    Data-led guest experience

    Reservation systems, loyalty programmes and menu analytics are converging into single platforms for smaller operators.

    Benelux and Western Europe hospitality trade circuit

    Plan the circuit annually: Horecava (Jan) and Internorga (Mar) for Q1, HostMilano (Oct) and EquipHotel / Horeca Expo (Nov) for Q4 in even/odd year cycles.

    Horeca Expo Gent sits in a dense circuit of hospitality and foodservice events. Pair it with Horecava (Amsterdam, January) for Dutch buyers and Internorga (Hamburg, March) for German-speaking markets; use EquipHotel (Paris) and HostMilano (Milan) for the wider European buyer base, and Sirha (Lyon) for chef-led foodservice.

    Q1 circuit

    Horecava Amsterdam (January) and Internorga Hamburg (March) — annual, easiest to combine with a Benelux sales trip.

    Q4 circuit

    HostMilano (October) plus EquipHotel Paris and Horeca Expo Gent (November) — space these out to avoid overlapping build and travel.

    Peer events identified from sector circuit knowledge; confirm exact dates and hall allocations on each organiser's website before booking.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Gent city centre (Sint-Pieters / Zuid) and Dampoort, 2–3 km from Gent-Sint-Pieters

    USD 75–120 / night

    Typical November midweek rates for simple double rooms; book early because show week lifts city occupancy. Tram line 1 from Gent-Sint-Pieters reaches Flanders Expo in about 15 min.

    source
    Mid-range
    Flanders Expo / Sint-Denijs-Westrem plus central Gent

    USD 120–190 / night

    Staying at the venue side removes daily tram travel; central Gent options are 15–25 min away by tram from Gent-Sint-Pieters. Room rates shown are typical, not contracted show rates.

    source
    Premium
    Gent centre (Korenmarkt, Reylof, city ring) and the Expo district

    USD 195–330 / night

    Best for hosting customers or combining the show with an evening in the historic centre; confirm cancellation terms as November demand is high.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    tram

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 2.50–3.00 single ticket (contactless/app); about EUR 7.50 for a day pass
    Best forGent-Sint-Pieters station → Flanders Expo (De Lijn tram line 1)

    About 15 min, direct to the venue and the standard route from central hotels; buy via the De Lijn app or contactless on board.

    train

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 18–22 one way, 2nd class
    Best forBrussels Airport (BRU) station → Gent-Sint-Pieters

    Roughly 55 min on direct intercity services; the airport station is inside the terminal building. Add tram line 1 for the final leg to Flanders Expo.

    taxi

    Estimated costApprox. EUR 110–150 taxi estimate (about USD 120–165); ride-hailing similar and variable
    Best forBrussels Airport (BRU) to Flanders Expo

    50–70 min off-peak via the E40; add buffer time in weekday peak. Pre-book or use the official airport taxi rank.

    car

    Estimated costVenue parking approx. EUR 10–15 per day (estimate — confirm current tariff with the venue)
    Best forE40 motorway toward Gent, exit for Sint-Denijs-Westrem → Flanders Expo

    On-site parking at Flanders Expo; if you drive daily, arrive before the morning seminar slot. Central Gent is inside a low-emission zone, so check vehicle rules if you drive into the city.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Tourist VisaNon-EU citizens—2-4 weeks

    Weather

    November in Gent is cool and damp: daytime highs typically around 9–10°C with overnight lows near 4°C, and rain on roughly half the days of the month (monthly rainfall in the 70–80 mm range). Expect grey, changeable weather and plan indoor transfers between tram stops and halls.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Belgium.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping and paying

    Service is included by law in Belgian bills, so tipping is optional; rounding up or leaving about 5–10% is appreciated for good service. Card and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, but keep a little cash for small cafés.

    Language and greetings

    Dutch (Flemish) is the local language in Gent; English is widely spoken in hospitality and at the show, and French is common. Open with a greeting and a handshake before getting to business — it is expected in Belgian meeting culture.

    Punctuality and dress

    Meetings and session start times are taken seriously, so arrive a few minutes early. Business dress at the show is smart-casual, with many exhibitors in branded workwear; bring a water-resistant coat for the walk between tram stop and halls.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: BRU

    Book flights to BRU (Gent) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.

    Visa

    Visa may be required for non-EU citizens.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: 2-4 weeks

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Brussels Airport (BRU). Allow road or rail time to Flanders Expo; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Flanders Expo: Gent city centre (Sint-Pieters / Zuid) and Dampoort, 2–3 km from Gent-Sint-Pieters: ibis budget Gent Centrum, Campanile Gent, B&B Hotel Gent Centrum; Flanders Expo / Sint-Denijs-Westrem plus central Gent: Holiday Inn Gent Expo (walking distance to Flanders Expo), ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal, NH Gent Belfort; Gent centre (Korenmarkt, Reylof, city ring) and the Expo district: Van der Valk Hotel Gent, Ghent Marriott Hotel, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel R

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing and taxis serve Gent; confirm local apps and ranks before travel.

    Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving Flanders Expo; check operator timetables.

    Parking: On-site or nearby parking is available at Flanders Expo; confirm rates and hall access on the venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November

    Temperature: 4–10°C (November daytime highs around 9–10°C, overnight lows near 4°C, frequent rain)

    Seasonality: Possible rain

    Packing: Bring warm clothing and an umbrella.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Monday

    Most exhibitors and events are available.

    1

    Register for the event

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Sun 15 Nov, 09:30–11:30

    Open with the Horeca Academie seminar run with Horeca Vlaanderen — sector policy, staffing and training topics to frame the show.

    Flex Seminarieruimte, Flanders Expo
    Sun 15 Nov, 11:30–13:00

    Walk the equipment and kitchen-tech aisles, shortlisting suppliers for floor plans in progress.

    Flanders Expo exhibition halls
    Sun 15 Nov, 13:00–14:00

    Lunch at the hall catering and informal networking with exhibitors and fellow buyers.

    Flanders Expo catering / lounge area
    Sun 15 Nov, 14:00–17:30

    Watch the Eerste Kok van België 2027 competition heats and use the surrounding stands to meet chef talent and food suppliers.

    Competition Kitchen, Flanders Expo

    Side trips

    2

    Gent historic centre (Graslei, Gravensteen, St Bavo's Cathedral)

    Cultural

    About 15–20 min by tram line 1 to Gent-Sint-Pieters, then tram/bus or a 20 min walk into the centre

    Medieval waterfront, museums and Belgium's best-known food and beer scene — the obvious half-day break between show days.

    Brugge (Bruges)

    Cultural

    About 45–50 km; roughly 25–30 min by direct train from Gent-Sint-Pieters

    UNESCO-listed canal city that pairs well with a hospitality trip and is reachable as a comfortable day trip.

    Networking spots

    3

    Competition Kitchen (Eerste Kok van België 2027 arena)

    Networking

    Chef community and food-supplier audience gathers around the live competition on 15 Nov — good for talent and product conversations.

    Flex Seminarieruimte / Horeca Academie area

    Networking

    Seminar room doorstep is the easiest place to meet association staff, trainers and operators after a session.

    Flanders Expo catering and hall lounge zones

    Networking

    Central catering is the natural midday meeting point; agree a stand number or a fixed time rather than relying on bumping into contacts.

    First-timer guide

    Follow-up playbook

    1. Send thank you emails to contacts made during the event.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Shell scheme

    —

    Raw space

    EUR 140–170 / m²

    Standard booth

    9 m²

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    Booth Space

    exhibitor · Standard

    EUR 140–170 / sqm

    unknown

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · General Admission

    EUR 70 / per person

    official

    booth_space

    exhibitor · raw space

    EUR 140–170 / per sqm

    official

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · Standard Booth

    EUR 1500 / per stand

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Find out if you should visit, exhibit, or skip the event.

    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

    You buy or specify for hotels, restaurants, catering, bakery or retail foodservice and can attend at least one full show day.

    Best for

    Hospitality and foodservice professionals sourcing suppliers, equipment, ingredients and menu ideas

    Min. budget

    $510.00

    Timeline

    2–4 weeks (longer if a Schengen visa is required)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals (EUR 70 entry ticket, mid-range Gent hotel, EUR 75/day per diem) — confirm live rates.

    Show days are busy and halls are large; without a plan you can miss priority suppliers.

    exhibit

    You want direct sales conversations and distributor/wholesaler leads in Flanders, Wallonia and the Netherlands.

    Best for

    Suppliers of kitchen equipment, food, drink, packaging, POS/tech and services targeting Benelux hospitality buyers

    Min. budget

    $4,400.00

    Timeline

    3–5 months (stand booking, build, freight and staffing)

    Risks

    Exhibit floor budget is an estimate from travel cost signals plus a typical 9 m² turnkey stand at a Benelux venue — confirm stand and shell-scheme pricing with Easyfairs.

    November slot means freight, staff travel and accommodation must be booked early.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    skip

    You are not buying, specifying or selling into the hospitality/foodservice sector.

    Best for

    General public, hobby cooks and companies outside the hospitality supply chain

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Book with

    Partners

    Easyfairs

    Event Organizer

    Leading organizer of trade shows and events.

    Visit partner

    Gallery

    Photos

    Dog show highlights at Horeca Expo Ghent 2026
    Dog show highlights at Horeca Expo Ghent 2026

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Can I visit Horeca Expo for free?
    If you have a registration code, you can register online for free entry to Horeca Expo.
    How can I register for a visit to Horeca Expo?
    You can register as a visitor on our website. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to your entry ticket.
    What is the entry price for visitors without an invitation?
    For professional visitors without an invitation, the entry price is €70, payable on-site.
    Can I visit Chef's Place with my entry ticket for Horeca Expo?
    No, Chef’s Place is only accessible by invitation.
    Can I bring my children to the fair?
    Horeca Expo is a professional fair. Children are not allowed.
    Are pets allowed at the fair?
    No, pets are prohibited for hygiene reasons.

    Glossary

    1
    Hospitality
    The industry that encompasses businesses providing services to guests, including hotels, restaurants, and catering.
    2
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
    3
    Masterclass
    An advanced class taught by an expert in a specific field, often involving hands-on experience.
    4
    Culinary Competition
    A contest where chefs showcase their cooking skills and creativity.
    5
    Sustainability
    Practices that aim to reduce environmental impact and promote ecological balance.
    6
    Networking
    The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    3

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Easyfairs

    2

    Horeca Expo

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