Dates

    11–13 Feb 2027

    City / country

    Orlando, USA

    Venue

    Orange County Convention Center

    Time

    Feb · 11 – 13, 2027: 9:00 AM · – 5:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The NAFEM Show is the premier event for foodservice equipment and supplies, bringing together operators, dealers, consultants, chefs, and manufacturers to explore innovations that enhance efficiency and creativity in foodservice operations.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates: The NAFEM Show 2027 runs Feb. 11-13, 2027 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
    2. 2Scale: About 20,000 foodservice industry professionals and more than 600 exhibitors are expected at the show.
    3. 3Buyer authority: Attendees are foodservice operators and sourcing professionals evaluating equipment and supplies.
    4. 4Product scope: Global manufacturers exhibit foodservice equipment, supplies and kitchen technology across the show floor.
    5. 5Logistics: Orlando International (MCO) is the nearest major gateway, roughly 25 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain insights into the latest foodservice equipment and supplies, network with industry leaders, and participate in training sessions designed to enhance their operational capabilities. Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. Expected attendance: 20,000 foodservice professionals. Networking opportunities with industry leaders. Training sessions available for attendees.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of foodservice professionals, build brand awareness, and connect with potential buyers. Scale: About 20,000 foodservice industry professionals and more than 600 exhibitors are expected at the show. Buyer authority: Attendees are foodservice operators and sourcing professionals evaluating equipment and supplies. The NAFEM Show is crucial for foodservice professionals to discover the latest.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Operators from restaurants and hotels
    Foodservice consultants and designers
    Dealers and distributors of foodservice equipment
    Culinary professionals and chefs
    Healthcare foodservice managers
    Education foodservice directors

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Manufacturers of foodservice equipment
    Suppliers of kitchen tools and smallwares
    Dealers of refrigeration and cooking equipment
    Providers of foodservice technology solutions
    Consultants specializing in kitchen design
    Distributors of foodservice supplies

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Food preparation equipment and supplies
    Refrigeration and ice machines
    Cooking equipment and technology
    Serving and storage solutions
    Warewashing and janitorial supplies
    Furnishings and decor for foodservice environments

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Orange County Convention Center

    Orlando, USA

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Event daysFeb
    11 – 13, 2027:9:00 AM
    –5:00 PM
    • General Admission

      Onsite registration

      $150.00
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2025

    Completed

    This edition

    2027

    Visitors: 20,000

    Exhibitors: 600

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The NAFEM Show is the premier event for foodservice equipment and supplies, bringing together operators, dealers, consultants, chefs, and manufacturers to explore innovations that enhance efficiency and creativity in foodservice operations. The NAFEM Show is crucial for foodservice professionals to discover the latest trends and innovations that drive efficiency and profitability in their operations. Join us for The NAFEM Show, Feb. 11-13, 2027, in Orlando, FL, showcasing the latest in foodservice equipment.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Operators from restaurants and hotels, Foodservice consultants and designers, Dealers and distributors of foodservice equipment, Culinary professionals and chefs. Dates: The NAFEM Show 2027 runs Feb. 11-13, 2027 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Scale: About 20,000 foodservice industry professionals and more than 600 exhibitors are expected at the show. Buyer authority: Attendees are foodservice operators and sourcing professionals evaluating equipment.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of foodservice professionals, build brand awareness, and connect with potential buyers. Over 600 exhibitors showcasing innovative products. Networking opportunities with industry leaders. The NAFEM Show is crucial for foodservice professionals to discover the latest trends and innovations that drive efficiency and profitability in their operations. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of foodservice equipment, Suppliers of.

    Intelligence

    Market context

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

    North America — United States (Southeast): Orlando, Florida

    Why it matters

    The NAFEM Show is North America's largest biennial commercial foodservice equipment and supplies show, and it is run by the manufacturer association itself — so the exhibitor base is equipment OEMs, dealers, and parts/service suppliers rather than food brands. The buying audience skews toward distributors, foodservice consultants, chain-operator specifiers, and non-commercial procurement (hospitality, healthcare, education, corporate dining), giving vendors, specifiers, and dealers a concentrated, technical audience with high capital-equipment purchasing intent. Because the show only runs every two years, product launches and specification decisions tend to cluster around it.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Labour-saving automation and kitchen robotics

    Automated frying, grilling, dispensing, and dish-handling systems keep expanding as operators offset persistent back-of-house labour shortages; expect the strongest presence in the cooking and warewashing categories.

    02

    Electrification and energy efficiency

    Induction cooking, heat-pump and CO2 refrigeration, and electrification incentives in several US jurisdictions are pushing portfolios toward higher efficiency ratings and lower emissions.

    03

    Connected kitchens and service data

    IoT telemetry, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance are becoming standard selling points, tying equipment sales to service contracts and data subscriptions.

    04

    Sustainability and food-waste reduction

    Waste-reduction equipment, water-saving warewashing, and reusable/recyclable packaging increasingly tie into operator ESG reporting and utility-cost targets.

    05

    Off-premise formats and cold chain

    Delivery, takeout, and ghost-kitchen operations continue to reshape specification — ventless cooking, high-speed ovens, and improved cold-chain logistics for distributed sites.

    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

    Lynx bus and rideshare serve International Drive corridor.

    to venue

    25–40 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

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

    Budget
    International Drive South, 1–3 km from the Orange County Convention Center

    USD 120–190 / night

    source
    Mid-range
    International Drive, within walking distance of the OCCC West Concourse

    USD 180–260 / night

    source
    Premium
    Adjacent to the convention centre (walkway or short shuttle connection)

    USD 260–450 / night

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 45–65 metered taxi estimate
    Best forOrlando International (MCO) to Orange County Convention Center

    Taxi ranks at both MCO terminals; typical trip is 15–25 minutes off-peak, longer in afternoon traffic on International Drive.

    rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 30–50 Uber/Lyft estimate (surge pricing may apply at peak)
    Best forMCO to OCCC and International Drive hotels

    Rideshare pick-up is on Level 2 of both MCO terminals; drop-off at the West Concourse entrance.

    taxi/rideshare

    Estimated costUSD 70–100 estimate
    Best forOrlando Sanford International (SFB) to Orange County Convention Center

    Smaller alternative gateway north of the city; allow 45–60 minutes and compare fares before choosing SFB over MCO.

    bus

    Estimated costUSD 2 per ride (day pass available)
    Best forLYNX public bus from MCO toward International Drive / convention centre area

    Cheapest option but slower with luggage (often 60+ minutes); check routes and timetables before relying on it.

    trolley

    Estimated costUSD 2 per ride / approx. USD 6 all-day pass
    Best forI-Ride Trolley along International Drive, serving OCCC-area hotels

    Frequent loop between I-Drive hotels and the convention centre — useful if you stay off the show campus.

    parking

    Estimated costUSD 20–25 per day typical estimate
    Best forOn-site parking at the Orange County Convention Center

    Confirm current rates with the venue; garages fill early on show mornings and during co-located events.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser

    Weather

    February in Orlando is mild and comparatively dry: daytime highs typically reach 22–24 °C (72–75 °F) and overnight lows drop to about 11–12 °C (52–54 °F), with roughly 55–65 mm (2–2.6 in) of rain across the month. Expect crisp mornings and heavily air-conditioned halls, so a light jacket or layer is worth packing.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

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

    Tipping

    Restaurant servers expect 15–20% (often shown as a suggested line on the bill); budget USD 1–2 per drink at bars and USD 2–3 per bag for hotel bell staff.

    Business dress and greetings

    Business casual is the show-floor norm — smart trousers or skirt with a jacket — and a firm handshake on introduction. First names are used quickly, including with senior counterparts.

    Taxes and payments

    Displayed prices exclude sales tax: 6.5% in Orange County (6% Florida state tax plus a 0.5% county surtax). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; ATMs are available in the convention centre.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

    Flights

    Destination: MCO

    Book flights to MCO when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare SFB only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need either a US visa or an approved visa-waiver authorisation. Business travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries may enter for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA (USD 21 fee, apply online at least 72 hours before departure). All other nationalities require a B-1 business visitor visa: USD 185 application fee, interview at a US embassy/consulate, and processing/wait times that vary widely by post — apply 3–6 months ahead. Carry an employer letter and event registration confirmation; ATA Carnets are accepted for temporarily imported exhibition goods (confirm with US Customs and Border Protection).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Transport

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

    Airport → venue: Orlando International (MCO) to Orange County Convention Center: USD 45–65 metered taxi estimate. Taxi ranks at both MCO terminals; typical trip is 15–25 minutes off-peak, longer in afternoon traffic on International Drive.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Orange County Convention Center: International Drive South, 1–3 km from the Orange County Convention Center: Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive Convention Center, Holiday Inn Express Orlando International Drive, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando I-Drive; International Drive, within walking distance of the OCCC West Concourse: Rosen Plaza Hotel, Rosen Centre Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center; Adjacent to the convention

    Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft are widely available around Orlando International Airport, International Drive, and the convention center.

    Public transit: I-Ride Trolley along International Drive serves the convention campus.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Orange County Convention Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: February 2027

    Temperature: 11–24 °C (52–75 °F) typical February daily range in Orlando

    Seasonality: February falls in Orlando's drier winter season — roughly 55–65 mm (2–2.6 in) of rain over about 6–7 rain days. Humidity is low to moderate; mornings and evenings are cool enough for a light jacket, while afternoons are warm and sunny.

    Packing: February in Orlando is mild and comparatively dry: daytime highs typically reach 22–24 °C (72–75 °F) and overnight lows drop to about 11–12 °C (52–54 °F), with roughly 55–65 mm (2–2.6 in) of rain across the month. Expect crisp mornings and heavily air-conditioned halls, so a light jacket or layer is

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 — Friday 12 February 2027

    On a three-day run, exhibitor staffing and buyer attendance typically peak on the middle day, while day one is absorbed by registration and keynotes and day three thins out as stands begin packing. Visiting on day two also leaves day three free for follow-up meetings, and travel in/out is easier than on the opening morning.

    1

    Confirm event dates, venue and opening hours — The NAFEM Show runs Feb. 11-13, 2027 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., USA.

    2

    Check passport validity and business travel entry rules — Confirm whether you need a US business visitor visa or visa waiver before booking travel, and ensure your passport is valid well beyond the show dates.

    3

    Book flights to Orlando — Orlando International (MCO) is the nearest major gateway, about 25 min / 24 km from the venue; Orlando Sanford (SFB) is an alternative gateway.

    4

    Reserve a hotel room — Use onPeak, the official housing provider listed in the show FAQ, and check each hotel's cancellation policy before confirming.

    5

    Complete online registration and badge request — Register via thenafemshow.org so your badge confirmation arrives before you travel.

    6

    Download the exhibitor list, floor plan and session programme — Note hall locations and session times to plan efficient routes across the three show days.

    7

    Pre-schedule meetings with target exhibitors — Contact foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers you want to evaluate and agree booth meeting slots.

    8

    Plan local transport and venue access — Allow road time from MCO or SFB to International Drive and confirm parking arrangements for the Orange County Convention Center.

    9

    Prepare meeting documents and packing list — Business casual attire is recommended; bring business cards, specification sheets and a notebook for equipment comparisons.

    10

    Day one arrival and badge collection — Arrive early on Feb. 11 to collect your badge and walk priority halls before peak hours.

    Side trips

    2

    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

    Winter Park and Park Avenue

    Networking spots

    3

    Show-floor B2B and networking zones

    The primary place to meet exhibitor engineering and sales leads; book meetings in advance as the aisles are dense during peak hours.

    Hyatt Regency Orlando lobby and pool terrace

    Adjacent to the halls, so it absorbs the after-show crowd — practical for informal follow-ups without leaving the campus.

    International Drive dining and entertainment corridor

    Concentration of restaurants and bars used for team dinners and dealer hospitality along the I-Ride Trolley route.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · General Admission

    USD 150 / per person

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers 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

    You buy, specify, or benchmark commercial foodservice equipment and want a concentrated technical exhibitor base in one hall set.

    Best for

    Distributors, foodservice consultants, chain-operator specifiers, and non-commercial procurement teams evaluating equipment and supplier programmes.

    Min. budget

    $950.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks before opening day for registration, flights, and hotel booking on International Drive.

    Risks

    Session times and show hours not published in captured sources — confirm the agenda before booking flights.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    exhibit

    You have a defined lead-generation or product-launch goal with North American dealers and chain operators this cycle.

    Best for

    Equipment manufacturers, dealers, parts/service suppliers, and foodservice technology vendors seeking qualified specifier meetings.

    Min. budget

    $2,850.00

    Timeline

    3–6 months for stand booking, freight, rigging, and pre-show marketing to booked buyers.

    Risks

    Stand space, freight, rigging, and install costs are not published in captured sources — request the NAFEM exhibitor prospectus.

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    skip

    The audience is consumer food brands rather than commercial equipment buyers, or your next-year budget cycle rules out a US booth.

    Best for

    Teams whose category, region, or commercial goals do not match a biennial North American equipment show.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where does The NAFEM Show take place?
    The NAFEM Show takes place Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 11-13, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, Fla., USA.
    Who exhibits at The NAFEM Show?
    Global foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers exhibit at The NAFEM Show.
    What is the expected attendance at the show?
    20,000 foodservice industry professionals.
    Where should I stay for The NAFEM Show?
    There are many options for accommodations. onPeak, the official housing provider for The NAFEM Show, can assist you in making your hotel reservations.
    What is the refund policy for hotel reservations?
    Most hotels in our block have a 72-hour cancellation policy. While a credit card is required at the time of reservation through onPeak, many of the hotels do not charge the deposit until closer to the show.
    What is the attire for The NAFEM Show?
    There is no formal dress code for the show. Business casual is recommended.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    10

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers

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