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Trade showB2B
The Global Produce & Floral Show
IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show 2026 is the premier North American trade event for the fresh produce and floral supply chain, offering three days of expo, networking, and education in Orlando.
The 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show, hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), is North America's largest fresh produce and floral expo.
It brings together 20,000+ global decision-makers from over 70 countries to source products, discover supply chain solutions, and build revenue-driving relationships.
The event takes place October 14-16, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, with a new Wednesday-through-Friday schedule designed for business efficiency.
TL;DR
1New Wednesday-Friday schedule (Oct 14-16, 2026) aligns with the workweek for better business engagement.
220,000+ attendees from over 70 countries, including 3,500+ buyers and 1,000+ exhibitors.
3Expo floor is categorized into Core Products and Business Solutions & Innovations for efficient sourcing.
4All Access Pass ($1,395) includes keynotes, VIP networking meals, and welcoming reception.
5Expo Only Pass ($995) provides access to the full expo and show floor education sessions.
Why visit
Attend to source the freshest products, discover supply chain solutions, and build relationships that drive revenue. The event offers unmatched networking through the State of the Industry, Education Festival, and Welcoming Reception. With 79% of peers rating keynotes and panels as highly valuable, it is a critical opportunity to stay ahead of industry trends and connect with top buyers from the world's largest retail chains.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show connects you directly with 1,364 retailers, 441 foodservice operators/distributors, and 869 wholesalers/distributors. Meet grower-shippers, suppliers, and solution providers across the supply chain. The show is where operational challenges are solved and strategic partnerships are formed, with a buyer-to-exhibitor ratio of 8:1 for solutions and 11:1 for produce/complementary items.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Retailers (1,364 buyers)
Foodservice operators and distributors (441)
Wholesalers and distributors (869)
Top management personnel (36% of attendees)
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Grower-shippers and processors of fresh floral and produce
Suppliers of flowers and plants
Sellers of value-added commodities, organics, and natural foods
Solution providers for packaging, food safety, traceability, labeling, transportation, and more
Associations, government agencies, and universities
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Core Products: fresh produce, floral, and complementary products
Business Solutions & Innovations: retail tech, supply chain logistics, sustainable packaging, heavy machinery, and science & technology
The venue offers more than 23,000 parking spaces across the West Building, North/South Building, and Destination Parkway Garage. Cost is $20/day plus tax; oversized vehicles $42.50/day. The venue is cashless and accepts major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Overnight parking is prohibited.
23,000 spaces · $20.00/day
Accessibility
The venue provides wheelchair ramps, automatic doors, passenger elevators, and accessible restrooms; all restrooms meet ADA standards. Scootaround offers on-site wheelchair and scooter rentals (scooter $70/day, wheelchair $25/day); advance reservations recommended. Wheelchair drop-off/pick-up points are at A Lobby, E/F Lobby, and West C Lobby. Trained service animals are permitted.
Prayer rooms
The venue has Wellness Rooms and Quiet Rooms for prayer, meditation, or nursing. Specific locations include: Level 1 – 2 Wellness Rooms in the B Reg Area; Level 2 – 1 each in C Lobby and E/F Lobby; Level 3 – 2 near W315 elevator in the C Lobby overlook; Level 4 – 1 near W414D elevator in the C Lobby overlook. In addition, room W205C is also used as a meditation/prayer room.
Cloakroom
Bags (Baggage Airline Guest Services) provides coat check and luggage storage services, including multi-airline remote Skycap operations and valet services.
Luggage storage
Bags provides luggage storage services, combining comprehensive multi-airline remote Skycap operations with luggage/coat check services. The FedEx Office business center also offers packing, shipping, and receiving services.
Charging points
The venue has electric vehicle charging stations. The FedEx Office business center provides scooter battery charging services. Bringing a portable power bank for personal devices is recommended.
Food options
Osprey Café, Gary Sain Café, Food Courts (4 locations)
On-site dining
Parking: West Building parking lot accessible via Exhibit Way (north entrance), Convention Way (south entrance), and West Entrance Drive off Westwood Boulevard. Overflow parking available at the OCCC Destination Parkway Garage with shuttle service.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Trade-only
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Wed Oct 14, 2026State of the Industry Keynote, General Sessions and Education Festival (no expo floor)
Thu Oct 15 and Fri Oct 16, 2026Expo/show floor open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Event dayseach day
All Access Pass, 1-4 Attendees (Member)
Per person
$1,695.00
All Access Pass, 1-4 Attendees (Non-Member)
Per person
$2,545.00
All Access Pass, 5-19 Attendees (Member)
Per person; multi-discount for 5+ member attendees registering together
$1,565.00
All Access Pass, 20+ Attendees (Member)
Per person; multi-discount for member attendees registering together
$1,445.00
Retailer All Access Pass
Complimentary; requires business type and employment verification at Customer Service Desk
Foodservice Operator All Access Pass
Complimentary; requires business type and employment verification at Customer Service Desk
Foodservice Distributor All Access (Member)
Requires business type and employment verification at Customer Service Desk
$770.00
Foodservice Distributor All Access (Non-Member)
Requires business type and employment verification at Customer Service Desk
$1,095.00
Student All Access Pass
For full/part-time students in an accredited program, not currently working in produce industry; requires verification
$195.00
Educator All Access Pass
For instructors in a certificate or degree program at a higher education institution; requires verification
Badges for Retailer, Foodservice Operator, Foodservice Distributor, Student, and Educator passes are issued onsite at the Exhibitor & Customer Service Desk in the West Building, Level 1 of the Orange County Convention Center, after presenting documentation for business type and employment verification. A complimentary child badge is available for children under 18 accompanied by a registered adult; it grants access to the Welcoming Reception and the expo during show hours, but children under 18 are not permitted on the show floor during set-up and dismantle hours, even if wearing a booth personnel badge. Child badges are issued onsite only, and the child must be present at issuance.
Ticket notes
Registration for the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show is available as either an Expo Only pass or an All Access Pass. The All Access Pass includes all general sessions and keynote addresses, VIP networking meals (including the Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast), the multi-day Global Show Expo, and an exclusive welcoming reception. The event is a B2B trade show open to industry professionals only, not the general public. Registration opened May 12, 2026 and is available at the official IFPA website.
This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.
Speakers
CB
Cathy Burns
CEO @ International Fresh Produce Association
State of the Industry
JW
Justin Wren
Former UFC and Bellator MMA Fighter and Humanitarian @ Fight For The Forgotten
Fighting for What Matters: Purpose, Resilience, and Impact in a Global Industry
JS
Jade Simmons
Rockstar Concert Pianist, Activational Speaker, & CEO @ Jade Media Global
Play Bigger. Lead Bolder.
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026
08:45 – 10:00
State of the Industry
General Session
Thursday, Oct 15, 2026
Fighting for What Matters: Purpose, Resilience, and Impact in a Global Industry
General Session
Friday, Oct 16, 2026
Play Bigger. Lead Bolder.
Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast
Topic tracks
General SessionsEducation FestivalExpo Floor Activations
Awards
Retail Produce Manager Awards
Annual
Recognizes produce managers for excellence in increasing produce sales, merchandising creativity and execution, community engagement, and delivering customer satisfaction. Winners are recognized at the Global Produce & Floral Show retail awards reception.
Increasing Produce SalesMerchandising Creativity and ExecutionCommunity EngagementDelivering Customer Satisfaction
U.S. Department of Commerce (T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı)
Trade support (Turkey)
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Promotes Jersey Fresh produce at the event
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Current edition
2026 · 20,000 visitors · 1,100 exhibitors
IFPA's official 2026 exhibitor prospectus and event website describe the show as connecting 20,000+ attendees from 70+ countries, with 1,100+ exhibitors and 5,000+ decision-makers. These are pre-show organiser projections, not final audited results.
Forecast — not final
Visitors
20,000
Exhibitors
1,100
Visitor countries
50
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show took place October 16-18 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. IFPA's official recap described it as a record-breaking edition: almost 1,100 exhibiting companies met with more than 3,500 buyers, the largest buyer turnout in the show's history, while attendees came from more than 50 countries. The event also saw the largest representation of global retailers ever at the show. IFPA CEO Cathy Burns closed the show by thanking exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers and guests and previewing the move to Orlando for 2026.
New this edition
1
Weekday show schedule
For 2026 the Global Show moves off its traditional weekend format to a Wednesday-Friday, October 14-16 schedule, with Wednesday devoted to the State of the Industry keynote, general sessions and Education Festival, and Thursday-Friday devoted to the Expo/show floor.
The 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show returns to the Orange County Convention Center (West Building, Halls A-C) in Orlando, Florida, for the first time in several years.
A heartfelt thank you to our exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and guests for joining us in Anaheim. I can't wait for Orlando in 2026!
“
GPFS 2025 is in the books, and oh, what a show in sunny Anaheim! Navigating through a packed house all day Friday was educational, coupled with productive meetings and conversations.
Next edition outlook
2026-10-14 – 2026-10-16
high
The 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show returns to Orlando, Florida for the first time in several years, taking place Wednesday through Friday at the Orange County Convention Center. The schedule has moved off the weekend based on member feedback to create three full, strong days of engagement. The event will feature high-impact general sessions, the State of the Industry address, keynote presentations, education experiences, and a multi-day expo.
Moved from a weekend schedule to a midweek Wednesday-Friday format (Oct. 14-16) Returns to Orlando after several years in Anaheim Registration opened May 12, 2026 All Access Pass includes general sessions, Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, multi-day Global Show Expo, and Welcome Reception
Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The 2025 edition in Anaheim drew more than 20,000 attendees from over 50 countries, with a record 3,500+ buyers engaging nearly 1,100 exhibiting companies. IFPA CEO Cathy Burns delivered the State of the Industry address emphasizing the 'Fight for Fresh' campaign, and the show featured the largest representation of global retailers in its history, including senior leaders from major retail organizations in Asia and Latin America. The event concluded with the announcement of the 2025 Expo Award winners.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The 2025 show attracted a high-quality global audience with more than 3,500 buyers and decision-makers from over 70 countries, including the largest representation of global retailers in show history. Bob Huskey, VP GMM—Fresh Foods for Costco, stated the event is 'extremely valuable' for aligning global strategies and engaging suppliers as a unified team. Yan Branco of Sobeys noted the show 'is where true innovation meets real solutions,' while Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores described it as 'shopping for retailers' with a wide variety of innovation under one roof.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
Exhibitors reported fruitful experiences with ample networking opportunities and productive deal-making. One testimonial states: 'The return on investment that participation in The Global Produce & Floral Show gives is beyond measurement. It is a not-to-be-missed event.' (2024 data) Chris Keetch of The GIANT Company noted the packed show floor allowed productive meetings, and the layout made it easy to navigate and accomplish objectives.
Intelligence
Exhibitors
995
Exhibitors
22
Categories
34
Countries
15
Pavilions
Top exhibitor countries
Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
North America (United States), with a globally sourced exhibitor and buyer base spanning 70+ countries
Why it matters
The Global Produce & Floral Show is IFPA's flagship event and the largest fresh produce and floral trade gathering in the Americas, drawing 1,100+ exhibitors and 20,000+ attendees from 70+ countries. It sits at the intersection of several live industry forces: AI and automation are being rapidly adopted across growing, packing, quality control and logistics; U.S. tariff policy toward Canada, Mexico and other trading partners remains volatile and is directly affecting fresh produce and floral trade costs; and import competition is increasingly overlapping with domestic U.S. harvest windows, pressuring grower margins. Against this backdrop, the show's record global retailer and buyer turnout in recent editions signals it is becoming an increasingly important venue for sourcing decisions, supply chain risk management, and technology adoption conversations across the entire fresh produce and floral value chain.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
01
AI and automation reshaping the fresh produce supply chain
The FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report 2026 (Ctrl+Alt+Refresh), produced with Fruitnet Media International, finds AI and automation are moving from experimental to essential across production, quality control, logistics and retail forecasting. Companies cited in the report report AI-driven quality grading roughly doubling inspector productivity while cutting waste/claims by 25-35%, alongside growing interest in autonomous harvesting and intelligent cold-chain management.
Shifting U.S. tariffs on Canadian, Mexican and other trading-partner goods (including a 50% tariff on Canadian goods that took effect in August 2026) continue to disrupt fresh produce and floral trade. IFPA has publicly flagged the risk to the roughly $6.5 billion in annual U.S. Canada fresh produce trade and to Canada's role as a major supplier of cut flowers and floral inputs.
Rising import competition inside domestic harvest windows
American Farm Bureau Federation data cited by FreshPlaza shows fresh produce imports (e.g., tomatoes) increasingly overlapping with U.S. domestic harvest seasons; June-October tomato import volumes rose 64% and July-September volumes rose 77% over the past decade, pressuring pricing and margins for U.S. growers even as some duties (like the Tomato Suspension Agreement termination and a 17.09% antidumping duty) reduce Mexican import volumes.
Record global retail buyer engagement at the Global Show circuit
IFPA's own show data shows escalating global retail participation at the Global Produce & Floral Show: the 2025 Anaheim edition drew the largest global retailer presence in the show's history along with a record 3,500+ buyers, momentum IFPA is carrying into the 2026 Orlando edition with a stated focus on international sourcing relationships.
Industry reacts to newly ramped-up tariff announcements
IFPA issued a statement on new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, warning of uncertainty for the integrated North American fresh produce supply chain; Canada accounted for 48% of U.S. fresh produce exports and is also a major supplier of cut flowers and floral inputs.
From gratefulness to rejection: the fresh produce industry reacts to the newest US tariffs
Following new USTR tariff announcements, IFPA welcomed exemptions for produce the U.S. doesn't commercially grow while trade bodies in affected countries, including Australia's National Farmers Federation, criticized new duties such as a 12.5% tariff on Australian exports.
U.S. produce growers face rising import competition
American Farm Bureau Federation analysis shows fresh produce imports increasingly overlapping with domestic U.S. harvest windows, with tomato import volumes rising sharply over the past decade even as new antidumping duties reshape Mexican tomato trade flows.
FRUIT LOGISTICA Trend Report 2026 highlights AI-driven supply chain transformation
The newly released Trend Report, titled Ctrl+Alt+Refresh, surveys global fresh produce companies on AI adoption in quality control, crop forecasting, cold-chain management and logistics, concluding AI is now essential rather than experimental for the sector.
Following its largest-ever 2026 Convention and Trade Show in Toronto, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association reports its April 2027 Vancouver show is already 80% sold out with 700+ booths, signaling continued strong exhibitor demand across the North American produce show circuit.
Global fresh produce and floral trade show circuit
Next 6-12 months from the 2026 Global Show (October 2026 October 2027)
The Global Produce & Floral Show sits within a recurring annual circuit of fresh produce, floral and grocery trade events spanning North America and Europe. Regional U.S. shows (East Coast Produce Expo, Southern Exposure, Viva Fresh, West Coast Produce Expo) and national/international flagship events (CPMA in Canada, FRUIT LOGISTICA in Europe) give exhibitors and buyers recurring touchpoints throughout the year, with FRUIT LOGISTICA in February functioning as the leading global counterpart event in scale and international reach.
6–8 Oct 2026
Fruit Attraction
Madrid, Spain
Dates per industry trade calendar; not independently confirmed on an official event site.
2–4 Dec 2026
New York Produce Show
New York, United States
Dates per industry trade calendar; not independently confirmed on an official event site.
28–30 Jan 2027
East Coast Produce Expo
Miami, United States
Dates per industry trade calendar; not independently confirmed on an official event site.
3–5 Feb 2027
FRUIT LOGISTICA
Berlin, Germany
Officially confirmed dates from FRUIT LOGISTICA's own site; the 2026 edition (Feb 4-6, 2026) drew around 90,000 participants from 151 countries per organiser figures.
Only month-level date (June 2027) found in the industry trade calendar source; exact dates not confirmed.
Q4 2026 (Oct-Dec)
Fruit AttractionNew York Produce Show
Fruit Attraction (Madrid) lands just before the Global Show; New York Produce Show follows shortly after, giving exhibitors back-to-back regional touchpoints.
Q1 2027 (Jan-Mar)
East Coast Produce ExpoFRUIT LOGISTICASouthern Exposure
The busiest stretch of the circuit: a U.S. regional show, the leading global European show (FRUIT LOGISTICA), and a major Southeast U.S. regional show, all within about six weeks.
Q2 2027 (Apr-Jun)
Viva Fresh Produce ExpoCPMA Annual Convention and Trade ShowWest Coast Produce Expo
Regional Texas and West Coast U.S. shows bookend CPMA's national Canadian flagship event in mid-April.
Most circuit dates are drawn from a third-party industry trade calendar (frutasdechile.cl) rather than each event's own official site, except FRUIT LOGISTICA and CPMA, which are corroborated by organiser/trade-press sources; treat unconfirmed dates as subject to change.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
MCO
Orlando International Airport
Primary airport and closest to the venue. Offers taxis, rideshare, Lynx bus (Link 311), and other transportation options.
Approx. 11.3 miles / 18 km
to venue
Approx. 15–20 minutes
by car
SFB
Orlando Sanford International Airport
Secondary airport, mainly serving airlines such as Allegiant and Sun Country. Rideshare costs about $50–$70; taxi about $70–$80.
Approx. 40 miles / 64 km
to venue
Approx. 45–60 minutes
by car
MLB
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Secondary airport on the Space Coast with limited route options. Suitable for travelers arriving from Florida's East Coast.
Approx. 55 miles / 89 km
to venue
Approx. 60–70 minutes
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
International Drive corridor (near OCCC)
USD 120–189 / night
Official 2026 IFPA room-block rate sheet lists budget-tier options such as Avanti Resort ($120/night), Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando ($129/night), Hyatt House Orlando/International Drive ($149-169/night) and Spark by Hilton Orlando ($189/night), roughly 1.0-3.2 miles from the venue. Rates are subject to change per the organiser's rate sheet.
mid range
International Drive / OCCC district
USD 192–259 / night
Official rate sheet mid-tier options include Residence Inn Orlando Convention Center ($192/night), SpringHill Suites Orlando Convention Center ($183/night), Courtyard Orlando Intl Dr/Conv Ctr ($205/night), Homewood Suites Intl Dr/Conv Ctr ($246/night) and Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld ($259/night), generally 0.9-2.3 miles from the venue.
premium
Adjacent to / connected to OCCC
USD 295–399 / night
Official rate sheet premium options include Rosen Plaza Hotel ($295/night, 1.2 mi), Rosen Shingle Creek ($308/night, 1.3 mi), Hilton Orlando ($313/night, 0.7 mi), Rosen Centre Hotel ($328/night, adjacent to OCCC) and Hyatt Regency Orlando ($399/night, across the street, plus a mandatory $20+tax daily resort fee).
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Estimated costApprox. $30-50
Best forOrlando International Airport (MCO) to Orange County Convention Center / International Drive hotels
OCCC has coordinated dedicated rideshare pickup/drop-off zones with Uber and Lyft for event traffic.
Taxi
Estimated cost$45-50
Best forMCO to Orange County Convention Center
Fare cited by OCCC's own attendee travel page; OCCC has vetted about 30 independent taxi companies plus 4 dedicated operators serving the center.
I-RIDE Trolley
Estimated costLow-cost fare (trolley passes sold at OCCC Guest Services desk)
Best forInternational Drive corridor, with stops directly in front of the OCCC West and North/South buildings
Convenient way to reach nearby hotels along International Drive without a car; operates roughly 8:00 am-10:30 pm daily.
LYNX public bus
Estimated costStandard local bus fare (check LYNX website for current rates)
Best forOrlando International Airport / Downtown Orlando to Orange County Convention Center
Public bus system with routes servicing the OCCC; connects to MCO and downtown Orlando, per OCCC's official travel page.
Self-parking at OCCC
Estimated cost$20 plus tax ($21.30) standard vehicle; $40 plus tax ($42.60) oversized vehicle
Best forOn-site West Building parking lots (Exhibit Way, Convention Way, West Entrance Drive access points)
OCCC is cashless; accepts credit/debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Parking is first-come, first-served with over 23,000 on-site/off-site spaces in the district.
Walking / pedestrian bridge
Estimated costFree
Best forConnected International Drive hotels directly to OCCC
OCCC connects to more than 5,200 guest rooms via pedestrian bridges; nearly 10,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance of the center.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa required
ATA Carnet: accepted
Type
Who needs it
Fee
Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
Nationals of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program who are traveling to the U.S. for business activities such as attending trade shows, conferences, consulting with business associates, or negotiating contracts.
$185.00
Varies significantly by consular post; interview wait times can range from weeks to 12+ months. An optional $750 expedited interview pilot (July 1 – December 31, 2026) guarantees an interview within 10 business days at select posts.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including most European Union nations, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Chile, Israel, and Qatar.
$40.27
Most applications are approved within minutes; some cases require manual review and may take up to 72 hours. CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel.
B-1/B-2 Combined Visitor Visa
Applicants who may need to travel for both business (B-1) and tourism/pleasure (B-2) purposes. Most non-VWP applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa.
$185.00
Same as B-1: varies by consulate, with interview wait times ranging from weeks to 12+ months at high-demand posts.
Citizens of 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program do not need a traditional visa but must obtain an approved ESTA before travel. VWP countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Nationals of all other countries must obtain a B-1/B-2 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary duty-free importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for exhibitions and fairs. ATA Carnets are valid for one year from date of issuance and can be used for unlimited exits and entries during that period. They simplify customs clearance by replacing multiple documents and fees with a single document. Food, perishable items, disposable goods, giveaways, and items to be sold are NOT allowed under an ATA Carnet. The U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) is the designated U.S. guaranteeing association. Paper ATA Carnets are currently accepted; digital (eATA) Carnets are expected to be implemented in the U.S. in the second half of 2026.
October is autumn in Orlando. Daytime highs are about 29°C (85°F), overnight lows about 23°C (73°F), with high humidity. Average monthly rainfall is about 86 mm, with around 8 rainy days. Tropical storms are possible but low probability. Lightweight breathable clothing, rain gear, and sun protection are recommended.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The venue is connected to Orlando International Airport (MCO) via the Lynx bus system (Link 311), fare $2, about 40 minutes. The I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive, connecting the venue with nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Several hotels are directly connected to the venue via pedestrian bridges and skywalks. Uber and Lyft have designated pickup/drop-off points around the venue. The Brightline high-speed rail station is about 11 miles from the venue.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is common in U.S. service industries. Standard restaurant tipping is 15%–20% of the pre-tax bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up or 10%–15% is suggested. Bellhops $1–$2 per bag; housekeeping $2–$4 per night.
Business Dress
Business casual is typical during the show. Comfortable shoes are recommended because the convention center is very large and walking distances are long. Business formal is suitable for evening events.
Social and Communication Style
U.S. business culture values punctuality and direct communication. Handshakes are a common greeting. Exchanging business cards is standard business etiquette. Respect personal space.
Cash and Payments
The venue is a cashless facility and accepts only credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MCO
Booking flights 2–3 months in advance is recommended for better fares. October is early peak tourist season in Orlando, and airfare may rise. Consider flying to MCO and then using Lynx Link 311 bus, taxi, or rideshare to reach the venue.
Visa
Most international visitors require either a B-1 business visa or an approved ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program country nationals). Attendees from non-VWP countries should apply for a B-1 visa well in advance due to potentially long interview wait times at consular posts.
Estimated cost: 185.00
Processing: ESTA: typically minutes to 72 hours. B-1 visa: interview wait times vary by consulate, ranging from weeks to over 12 months at high-demand posts. Optional $750 expedited interview pilot available at select posts from July 1 – December 31, 2026.
Attendees should apply for ESTA or a B-1 visa as early as possible. The B-1 visa permits attending trade shows, conferences, and business meetings but does not permit employment or receiving compensation from a U.S. source. Spouses and children of B-1 holders must apply separately for B-2 visas.
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-10-14
Check-out (recommended)
2026-10-16
Areas to stay
International Drive corridor near the Orange County Convention Center · SeaWorld / Universal Boulevard area · Hotels directly connected to or adjacent to OCCC via pedestrian bridge (e.g., Hyatt Regency Orlando, Rosen Centre Hotel, Hilton Orlando)
budget
$120-$189/night
mid range
$192-$259/night
premium
$295-$399/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Approx. 11.3 miles / 18 km — Approx. 15–20 minutes — Primary airport and closest to the venue. Offers taxis, rideshare, Lynx bus (Link 311), and other transportation options.
Hotel → venue: Downtown Atlanta and convention-center hotels are typically within walking distance or a short ride-hail/MARTA trip to the venue.
Ride-hail: OCCC has coordinated dedicated Uber/Lyft pickup and drop-off zones on-site for event traffic; taxis (about 30 independently vetted companies plus 4 dedicated operators) also serve the center, with fares of roughly $45-50 to/from MCO.
Public transit: The I-RIDE Trolley serves the International Drive resort corridor with stops directly in front of the OCCC West and North/South buildings (trolley passes sold at the OCCC Guest Services desk); the LYNX public bus system also services the OCCC with connections to MCO and downtown Orlando.
Parking: The venue offers more than 23,000 parking spaces across the West Building, North/South Building, and Destination Parkway Garage. Cost is $20/day plus tax; oversized vehicles $42.50/day. The venue is cashless and accepts major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Overnight parking is prohibited.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October
Temperature: 23°C – 29°C (73°F – 85°F)
Seasonality: Average monthly rainfall is about 86 mm, with around 8 rainy days. October is still late Atlantic hurricane season; occasional tropical storms are possible but low probability.
Packing: Lightweight breathable clothing, rain gear (folding umbrella or light rain jacket), sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Indoor air conditioning can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
Plan your trip
Planning
T-60
Define priority sourcing, supplier, technology, or partnership goals — Guidance: use the 2026 exhibitor directory and show-floor categories to decide whether produce, floral, packaging, logistics, technology, food safety, traceability, machinery, or other business solutions are priority areas.
T-45
Register and choose the appropriate event access — Guidance: registration cost varies by membership and pass type. The official 2026 cost-estimate sheet lists an early Trade Show Only Pass at $1,195 for members and $1,795 for non-members before September 21.
T-30
Shortlist target exhibitors and save them in the show planner — Guidance: use the official 2026 Map Your Show directory, including exhibitor search, product categories, Fresh Ideas, first-time exhibitors and the floor plan.
T-21
Book an official-room-block hotel and plan local transport — Guidance: the official 2026 hotel rate sheet lists properties around the Orange County Convention Center with published single/double rates ranging from $129 to $328 before applicable taxes and fees.
T-14
Request meetings with high-priority companies — Guidance: prioritize companies directly relevant to active buying, distribution, technology, packaging, logistics or supplier decisions rather than attempting to cover the entire show floor.
T-7
Build a booth route using the official floor plan — Guidance: group appointments and target exhibitors geographically to reduce backtracking across the Orange County Convention Center show floor.
T-1
Confirm meetings, badge access and a lead-note format — Guidance: prepare a consistent way to record company, contact, opportunity, next action and follow-up timing for each meaningful conversation.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
09:30
Arrive at the Orange County Convention Center, orient using the official floor plan and confirm the first meeting route
Orange County Convention Center
10:00
Start with pre-booked priority supplier or buyer meetings when the expo floor opens
Expo floor
11:30
Walk one targeted show-floor segment and review new products, packaging or technology relevant to your objectives
Expo floor
13:00
Use lunch time for a scheduled customer or supplier conversation rather than unstructured floor walking
Convention center or nearby International Drive area
14:00
Continue pre-qualified booth visits and record opportunity, fit, decision timing and next action after each meaningful conversation
Expo floor
16:15
Revisit the highest-value booths, close open questions and confirm post-show meetings before the expo closes at 17:00
Expo floor
17:30
Hold a short team debrief and rank contacts for same-day, 24-hour and later follow-up
Hotel or nearby meeting venue
19:00
Optional customer dinner or informal networking
Pointe Orlando or Restaurant Row
Side trips
4
Pointe Orlando
Dining and Entertainment
Recommendation for an easy post-show dinner or informal team outing with multiple restaurants and entertainment venues in one walkable complex.
Near the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive
ICON Park
Attractions, Dining and Entertainment
Recommendation for an evening side trip with dining plus attractions including. The Orlando Eye and other entertainment options.
International Drive area
Restaurant Row
Dining District
Recommendation for customer dinners or small-group meetings where a quieter restaurant setting is preferable to a large entertainment complex.
Sand Lake Road, close to the International Drive district
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Team Entertainment
Recommendation for a casual team or customer activity after show-floor hours; this is not an IFPA-hosted event.
Adjacent to International Drive and the convention center area
Networking spots
4
Orange County Convention Center expo floor
Event Venue
Best for planned buyer, supplier and peer conversations during official expo hours. Use the official directory to identify targets before walking the floor.
Pointe Orlando
Recommended Offsite Dining and Nightlife Hub
Recommendation only, not an IFPA-hosted networking venue. Its location near the convention center makes it practical for post-show dinners and informal meetings.
Restaurant Row
Recommended Customer-Dinner Area
Recommendation only, not event affiliated. Useful for smaller client or partner dinners with a broad choice of restaurants.
ICON Park
Recommended Informal Social Venue
Recommendation only, not event affiliated. Suitable for relaxed evening conversations combined with dining or entertainment.
Budget
Costs & budget
Shell scheme
USD 559.72–1119.45 / m²
Raw space
USD 559.72–1119.45 / m²
Standard booth
9.29 m²
2026 pricing confirmed by official IFPA exhibitor page: Members $52 per sq ft, Non-members $104 per sq ft. Standard booth is 10x10 ft (100 sq ft / 9.29 sq m). Per-sqm values converted from per-sq-ft rates (1 sq m ≈ 10.7639 sq ft). Carpet/flooring, electricity, utilities, and furnishings are NOT included. Groupe Export Agroalimentaire offers turnkey packages for Canadian companies: regular 100 sq ft booth at CAD 8,350 and corner 100 sq ft booth at CAD 8,850, including structure with carpet, 2 exhibitor badges, 1 counter with graphic, backlit back wall, 1 stool, 1 trash bin, and on-site coordination.
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
Booth 9 m² × $839.59/m²$7,556.27
Hotel × 3 nights$387.00
Estimated total$7,943.27
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth_space
exhibitor · IFPA member 10x10 ft booth
USD 5200 / per 100 sq ft booth
officialAs of 2026-09-21
booth_space
exhibitor · Non-member 10x10 ft booth
USD 10400 / per 100 sq ft booth
officialAs of 2026-09-21
visitor_registration
visitor · Trade Show Only Pass, early member rate
USD 1195 / per person
officialAs of 2026-09-21
visitor_registration
visitor · Trade Show Only Pass, early non-member rate
USD 1795 / per person
officialAs of 2026-09-21
exhibitor_registration
exhibitor · Exhibitor Trade Show Only Pass, member
USD 295 / per person
officialAs of 2026-09-21
exhibitor_registration
exhibitor · Exhibitor Trade Show Only Pass, non-member
USD 475 / per person
officialAs of 2026-09-21
installation_dismantling_labor
exhibitor · GES standard-time labor
USD 97.24–137.8 / per hour
officialAs of 2026-09-21
installation_dismantling_labor
exhibitor · GES overtime labor
USD 146.12–206.7 / per hour
officialAs of 2026-09-21
material_handling
exhibitor · Standard shipment, 25 lb or more within posted date range
USD 1.09 / per lb
officialAs of 2026-09-21
material_handling
exhibitor · Non-standard shipment outside posted date range
USD 1.37 / per lb
officialAs of 2026-09-21
hotel
both · Official housing range
USD 129–328 / single/double room per night before applicable taxes and fees
officialAs of 2026-09-21
Item
For
Tier
Estimated range
Status
As of
booth_space
exhibitor
IFPA member 10x10 ft booth
USD 5200 / per 100 sq ft booth
official
2026-09-21
booth_space
exhibitor
Non-member 10x10 ft booth
USD 10400 / per 100 sq ft booth
official
2026-09-21
visitor_registration
visitor
Trade Show Only Pass, early member rate
USD 1195 / per person
official
2026-09-21
visitor_registration
visitor
Trade Show Only Pass, early non-member rate
USD 1795 / per person
official
2026-09-21
exhibitor_registration
exhibitor
Exhibitor Trade Show Only Pass, member
USD 295 / per person
official
2026-09-21
exhibitor_registration
exhibitor
Exhibitor Trade Show Only Pass, non-member
USD 475 / per person
official
2026-09-21
installation_dismantling_labor
exhibitor
GES standard-time labor
USD 97.24–137.8 / per hour
official
2026-09-21
installation_dismantling_labor
exhibitor
GES overtime labor
USD 146.12–206.7 / per hour
official
2026-09-21
material_handling
exhibitor
Standard shipment, 25 lb or more within posted date range
USD 1.09 / per lb
official
2026-09-21
material_handling
exhibitor
Non-standard shipment outside posted date range
USD 1.37 / per lb
official
2026-09-21
hotel
both
Official housing range
USD 129–328 / single/double room per night before applicable taxes and fees
official
2026-09-21
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Answer eight questions about market fit, buyer access, budget, readiness, timing and ROI to compare visiting, exhibiting or skipping the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show.
QUESTION 1 OF 8
How closely does your business align with fresh produce, floral, retail, foodservice, wholesale or supply-chain solutions?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Choose the visit path when you can name specific suppliers, buyers, partners or technologies to evaluate and can build a focused meeting and booth route before arrival.
Best for
Buyers, sourcing teams, distributors, operators, investors and solution evaluators who can identify relevant exhibitors or meetings but do not need a permanent show-floor presence.
Min. budget
$1,600.00
Timeline
Plan approximately 2 to 6 weeks ahead for registration, hotel, target-company research and meeting requests.
Risks
A broad, unplanned visit can become inefficient because of the scale of the exhibitor base.
Travel and registration cost can outweigh value if few target meetings are identified.
Two expo days create limited time for both discovery and scheduled meetings.
exhibit
Choose the exhibit path when the show audience overlaps directly with your target accounts, your team can actively staff and qualify booth conversations, and potential account value can justify the full event cost.
Best for
Produce and floral suppliers, grower-shippers, processors, packaging, logistics, food-safety, traceability, machinery, technology and other solution providers with an active North American or international commercial pipeline.
Min. budget
$6,500.00
Timeline
Allow at least 6 to 12 weeks for booth execution, freight, insurance, staffing, services, meeting outreach and follow-up preparation; more time is preferable for custom builds or international shipments.
Risks
Official booth rent is only part of the total exhibiting cost; labor, utilities, furnishings, freight and travel can materially increase spend.
A booth without pre-booked meetings or a qualification process may generate traffic without measurable pipeline.
Freight arriving outside target or published receiving windows can create surcharges and operational delays.
skip
Skip this edition when you cannot connect attendance or exhibiting to identifiable customers, suppliers, partners, sourcing needs or measurable post-show actions.
Best for
Teams with weak produce/floral market fit, no target-account list, no defined 2026 commercial objective or insufficient budget and staffing to execute effectively.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
No event execution timeline is required; reassess when buyer fit, budget or commercial timing changes.
Risks
Skipping can mean missing in-person access to a concentrated produce and floral industry audience.
Competitors or suppliers may build relationships during the event that are harder to replicate remotely.
Book with
Partners
GES
Official General Contractor and Exhibitor Services
GES is identified in the official 2026 IFPA cost-estimate and exhibitor-service materials as the designated official contractor, with services covering freight and material handling, installation and dismantling labor, furnishings and other show services.
Referenced as the ordering platform for exhibitor services.
Recommended providers
Hotels
IFPA Hotel Reservation Office (c/o Expovision)
Official 2026 Global Show hotel bookings and the room-block rate sheet are managed by Expovision on IFPA's behalf. Contact: (866) 774-0457 or IFPAhotels@expovision.com. No public self-service booking URL was found in available sources.
Designated official contractor for the 2026 event. The event-specific portal publishes warehouse receiving, direct-delivery, move-in, move-out and material-handling information.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
1
IFPA
International Fresh Produce Association, the organizer of the Global Produce & Floral Show.
2
GPFS
Global Produce & Floral Show, the annual trade event for the fresh produce and floral industry.
3
Expo Floor
The exhibition area where 1,000+ exhibitors showcase products and solutions.
Trust footer
Sources
30
References
18
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
International Fresh Produce Association / ExpoBadge, Inc.
