From Dough to Dollars: Your Essential Guide to the International Pizza Expo, Las Vegas!

In the glittering, high-energy city of Las Vegas, where lights sparkle and innovation thrives, there’s one annual event that truly captures the heart (and stomach!) of an entire industry: the International Pizza Expo. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s the largest and most comprehensive gathering of pizza professionals in the world, a vibrant melting pot of dough experts, sauce masters, cheese connoisseurs, and technology innovators. Imagine a sprawling exhibition hall filled with the aroma of freshly baked crusts, melting mozzarella, and tantalizing toppings, where every piece of equipment, every ingredient, and every business solution for the pizza industry comes to life. For pizzeria owners, operators, chefs, distributors, and aspiring pizza entrepreneurs, the International Pizza Expo is not merely an option—it is an absolutely indispensable annual pilgrimage to stay ahead of the curve, find inspiration, and cultivate unparalleled growth in the ever-evolving world of pizza.

The pizza industry is a colossal force in the global culinary landscape, constantly evolving with new flavors, dietary preferences, and technological advancements. From the timeless appeal of a classic Neapolitan to the explosion of gourmet and plant-based options, pizza continues to captivate diners worldwide. The International Pizza Expo is the ultimate forum where these trends are unveiled, new products are launched, and invaluable knowledge is exchanged. If you’re looking to perfect your crust, discover revolutionary oven technology, source the freshest ingredients, navigate staffing challenges, or simply immerse yourself in the passionate global community of pizza makers, attending the International Pizza Expo offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, discover, and propel your pizza business to new heights.

The Heart of Pizza Innovation: Venue and Time

The International Pizza Expo has found its enduring home in Las Vegas, a city perfectly suited to host an event of this scale and energy.

The Grand Stage: The Venue The International Pizza Expo is consistently held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Specifically, it often utilizes the West Hall of the convention center, known for its modern facilities and ample exhibit space. The address for the LVCC is 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The LVCC is one of the largest and most advanced convention centers globally, capable of accommodating the Expo’s vast array of exhibitors, competition stages, and educational areas. Its strategic location in Las Vegas, just a short distance from Harry Reid International Airport and numerous hotels, makes it incredibly convenient for attendees from around the world.

The Annual Slice: The Schedule The International Pizza Expo is an annual event, consistently taking place in late March. This timing is highly strategic, allowing pizza professionals to gather after the busy holiday season and before the full swing of spring and summer operations, making it ideal for planning and procurement for the year ahead.

For 2025, the International Pizza Expo is scheduled to run from March 25-27, 2025. Education sessions typically begin a day or two prior to the exhibit hall opening, offering even more in-depth learning opportunities.

Looking ahead, for 2026, the Show will take place from March 24-26, 2026.

The event typically spans three full days for the main exhibit hall, with additional days for pre-show education and workshops. The schedule is packed to ensure maximum engagement:

• Show Floor Hours: Generally from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM on the first two days, and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the final day.
• Education Sessions: A comprehensive program of seminars, workshops, and keynote speeches runs throughout the show, sometimes starting earlier in the mornings (e.g., 8:00 AM) and extending beyond show floor hours.
• Live Competitions: The renowned International Pizza Challenge and World Pizza Games run continuously on the show floor, captivating audiences with high-stakes culinary and acrobatic dough-tossing contests.
• Demonstration Stages: Various stages feature live cooking demos, product showcases, and expert presentations.
• Networking Events: Numerous formal and informal networking opportunities, including the popular Beer & Bull Idea Exchange and the Pizza Block Party, are woven into the event.

This extensive and dynamic schedule ensures that every attendee, whether an experienced operator or a budding entrepreneur, finds valuable content and connections.

The Ingredients for Success: Key Product and Service Categories

The International Pizza Expo is a truly comprehensive marketplace, covering every single component needed to operate a successful pizzeria, from the foundational ingredients to the latest technological solutions. Key product and service categories typically featured include:

• Ingredients & Toppings:
  • Dough & Flour: Specialty flours, pre-made dough balls, dough mixes, gluten-free options.
  • Cheese: Mozzarella (fresh, shredded, block), provolone, specialty cheeses (ricotta, parmesan, burrata), plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Sauces: Tomato sauces (crushed, diced, pureed), specialty sauces (pesto, white sauces, BBQ, hot sauces), organic options.
  • Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, ham, chicken, specialty cured meats, plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Produce: Fresh and prepared vegetables, mushrooms, olives, fruits.
  • Spices & Seasonings: Herbs, spices, flavor blends, oils (olive oil, chili oil).
• Ovens & Cooking Equipment:
  • Pizza Ovens: Deck ovens, conveyor ovens, brick ovens, wood-fired ovens, electric ovens, portable ovens.
  • Prep Equipment: Dough mixers, dough presses, dough rollers, proofing cabinets, refrigeration units (prep tables, walk-ins, reach-ins).
  • Cooking Line Equipment: Fryers, griddles, ranges for wings, appetizers, and other menu items.
  • Ventilation & Exhaust Systems.
  • Dishwashing & Sanitation Equipment.
• Technology & POS Systems:
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Integrated systems for order taking, payment processing, online ordering, delivery management.
  • Online Ordering Platforms & Apps: Solutions for direct customer orders.
  • Delivery & Logistics Software: Route optimization, driver management.
  • Inventory Management Systems: Tracking ingredients, waste, and costs.
  • Marketing & Loyalty Programs: Digital marketing tools, customer engagement platforms.
  • Security Systems & Surveillance.
• Packaging & Supplies:
  • Pizza boxes (standard, custom, sustainable options).
  • Cutlery, plates, napkins, beverage containers.
  • Delivery bags, pizza bags, hot bags.
  • Cleaning supplies, food safety items.
• Business Services:
  • Franchising opportunities.
  • Financial services, loans, insurance.
  • Consulting (restaurant design, menu development, operational efficiency).
  • Marketing & advertising agencies.
  • Training programs, certifications.
  • Uniforms & apparel.
• Beverages:
  • Soft drinks, craft sodas, teas, coffees.
  • Beer, wine, spirits suppliers (where permitted).

This incredibly comprehensive array ensures that any professional in the pizza business, from a small independent shop to a large chain, can find solutions to improve every aspect of their operation.

The Global Slice: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The International Pizza Expo is a truly global phenomenon, drawing a massive and dedicated audience from every corner of the pizza world.

• Visitor Count: The Show consistently attracts a huge number of attendees. While exact numbers fluctuate year to year, the Expo typically welcomes tens of thousands of foodservice professionals, with previous events reporting over 10,000 to 12,000 unique attendees. This makes it the largest gathering of pizza professionals globally, with a significant portion of visitors being pizzeria owners, operators, and key decision-makers.
• Exhibitor Count: The International Pizza Expo features an impressive number of exhibitors, often over 1,000 companies showcasing their latest products, equipment, ingredients, and services. This vast exhibition floor provides an unparalleled opportunity for discovery and direct engagement with suppliers.
• Attendee Demographics: The audience at the International Pizza Expo is highly targeted and incredibly diverse, encompassing all facets of the pizza industry:
  • Pizzeria Owners & Operators: From independent single-unit shops to multi-unit chains and national franchises.
  • Restaurant & Foodservice Professionals: Chefs, general managers, and F&B directors from full-service restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice establishments that feature pizza on their menu.
  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Individuals looking to open their first pizzeria, seeking guidance, suppliers, and business strategies.
  • Distributors & Brokers: Scouting new products and forging partnerships with manufacturers.
  • Food Manufacturers & Suppliers: Showcasing ingredients, equipment, and services.
  • Bakers & Dough Specialists: Focused on dough science, fermentation, and crust development.
  • Marketing & Technology Professionals: Providing solutions specific to the pizza industry.
  • International Delegates: A significant portion of attendees come from outside the U.S., reflecting pizza’s global appeal and the Expo’s international standing.

The high concentration of qualified buyers and decision-makers makes this event incredibly efficient for business development and market penetration.

The Secret Ingredient for Growth: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the International Pizza Expo is more than just walking an exhibit floor; it’s an immersive experience designed to deliver tangible benefits that can transform a pizza business.

• Unparalleled Product Sourcing: Discover thousands of new ingredients, innovative equipment, and essential supplies all under one roof. Compare products side-by-side, taste test new flavors, and find the perfect solutions for your operation.
• Cutting-Edge Education: Access a robust program of expert-led seminars, workshops, and demonstrations. Learn about everything from perfecting dough recipes and optimizing oven performance to managing labor costs, improving marketing strategies, and implementing new technologies. Gain actionable insights from industry veterans and top-performing pizzerias.
• Live Culinary & Performance Competitions: Witness the thrilling International Pizza Challenge, where master pizzaiolos compete for global bragging rights, and the exhilarating World Pizza Games, showcasing acrobatic dough tossing and speed competitions. These events are not only entertaining but also offer immense inspiration and insights into technique.
• Direct Supplier Engagement: Meet directly with manufacturers and distributors. Build relationships, negotiate deals, and get answers to your specific questions directly from the source.
• Trend Spotting: Get a first-hand look at the latest trends in pizza, including new flavor combinations, plant-based options, sustainable practices, delivery innovations, and evolving consumer preferences. Stay ahead of the curve.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with thousands of fellow pizzeria owners, chefs, operators, and industry leaders from around the world. Share challenges, exchange ideas, and build a valuable professional network. The Beer & Bull Idea Exchange and Pizza Block Party are prime networking events.
• Solutions for Operational Challenges: Whether you’re struggling with rising ingredient costs, labor shortages, or improving delivery efficiency, the Expo provides a platform to discover solutions and strategies from industry experts and innovative suppliers.
• Inspiration for Menu Innovation: Discover unique ingredients, learn new culinary techniques, and get inspired to diversify your menu beyond traditional pizzas, adding appetizers, desserts, and beverages that boost profitability.
• Exclusive Deals & Discounts: Exhibitors often offer special “show-only” discounts and promotions on equipment, ingredients, and services, allowing attendees to make cost-effective purchases.
• Professional Development: Invest in yourself and your team by attending workshops that enhance skills in dough making, pizza assembly, oven management, and business operations.

Your Vegas Slice: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Las Vegas offers an unparalleled selection of hotels to suit every budget and preference, and the International Pizza Expo’s location at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) ensures convenient access.

• On-Site / Connected Hotels: The LVCC boasts direct access to several large hotels. The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is directly adjacent to the Convention Center, offering excellent convenience and a monorail station. The Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World is another luxury option, connected to the LVCC via a pedestrian bridge, providing easy access to the West Hall.
• Monorail Access: The Las Vegas Monorail offers efficient transportation along the Las Vegas Strip, with a station directly at the LVCC. This means attendees can choose from a vast array of hotels along the Strip, including the MGM Grand, Horseshoe Las Vegas, Flamingo, Harrah’s, LINQ, Harrah’s, The Venetian Resort, Wynn/Encore, and more, and still have direct access to the show.
• Official Housing Block: The International Pizza Expo typically partners with an official housing provider (e.g., OnPeak) to offer discounted room blocks at various hotels throughout Las Vegas. Booking through these official channels is highly recommended as it often provides the best rates, flexible cancellation policies, and reliable service.
• Off-Strip Options: While the Strip offers the most glitz, there are also numerous hotel options just off-Strip or downtown that may offer more budget-friendly rates, though they might require a short taxi, rideshare, or bus ride to the Convention Center.

Given that Las Vegas is a bustling convention city, and the International Pizza Expo draws a massive crowd, it is highly advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible – ideally immediately after registering for the show – to secure your preferred hotel and rate.

The Investment in Every Slice: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending the International Pizza Expo is an investment in the growth and profitability of your pizza business. While specific pricing can vary slightly year-to-year and depending on when you register, here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• Expo Only Pass: This basic pass, granting access to the exhibit hall, typically ranges from $50 – $80 USD for early bird registration. Prices increase for standard and on-site registration.
• Conference Package / All-Access Pass: This comprehensive pass includes access to the exhibit hall, all education sessions, keynote speakers, and sometimes additional workshops. Early bird rates for this package usually range from $250 – $350 USD. Prices for standard and on-site registration will be higher.
• School of Pizzeria Management Workshops: These intensive, multi-day workshops often require a separate, additional registration fee, typically ranging from $300 – $600 USD, but they offer invaluable in-depth training.
• Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer/Supplier (NONEX) Policy: For companies that are typically suppliers to the industry but choose not to exhibit, there is a higher registration fee, usually a minimum of $250 – $300+ USD per person, to access the show floor. This policy is in place to encourage exhibition.

These fees generally cover access to the show itself. Attendees should also budget for personal travel (flights/trains), accommodation, and dining expenses in Las Vegas. For the unparalleled access to innovation, education, and networking with key decision-makers across the entire pizza industry, the return on this investment is considered essential for staying competitive and profitable.

Master Your Craft: Your Journey to Pizza Excellence Begins Here!

The International Pizza Expo is more than just an event; it’s the beating heart of the pizza industry, a vibrant and inspiring convergence of ideas, passion, and unparalleled expertise. It’s where the latest dough innovations are unveiled, where groundbreaking oven technology transforms kitchens, and where vital connections are forged that drive businesses forward. Whether you are a seasoned pizzeria owner seeking to refine your craft, an emerging entrepreneur ready to launch your dream, or a supplier looking to connect with the best in the business, attending this Show is an essential experience that will ignite your passion, broaden your knowledge, and empower you to lead in the exciting world of pizza. Don’t just make pizza; master it!

To learn more about the International Pizza Expo and to plan your attendance, visit: pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com