KeHE Holiday Show / Summer Show, Varies, USA

The KeHE Holiday Show / Summer Show is one of the most influential and professionally acclaimed events in the North American natural, organic, specialty, and fresh product sectors. Held annually in different locations across the United States, this event brings together hundreds of vendors, thousands of retail buyers, and some of the top names in the food and beverage industry. Whether you are a retailer seeking new brands or a producer aiming to expand market reach, this show offers a one-of-a-kind platform to showcase, connect, and innovate.

venue and locations

The KeHE Holiday Show / Summer Show is hosted in multiple venues across the United States. Traditionally, the Holiday Show is held in Chicago, Illinois, while the Summer Show rotates across cities such as Nashville, Tennessee, or San Antonio, Texas. The precise venue may vary each year, but the locations are always chosen for their business accessibility, robust infrastructure, and proximity to accommodation and transport hubs.

Example Venue Locations (Subject to Change Annually):

KeHE Summer Show – Music City Center, Nashville, TN
KeHE Holiday Show – McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

The selected venues feature expansive exhibition halls, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for product sampling, networking lounges, and keynote stages.

dates and show timings

KeHE typically organizes two major trade events:

Summer Show – Held in June or July
Holiday Show – Held in January or February

Both events span two to three full days, with extended hours to allow for in-depth engagement and networking. Exact dates change yearly and are released on the official KeHE events calendar several months in advance.

visitor profile and attendee count

Each KeHE show attracts over 5,000 professional attendees, including:

Retail chain buyers
Independent grocers
E-commerce retailers
Foodservice professionals
International importers
Brand managers and distributors

Exhibitors range from well-known established companies to emerging start-ups specializing in organic foods, gourmet snacks, beverages, wellness products, natural personal care items, and more.

product categories on display

A wide range of categories is represented, including:

Organic and natural food products
Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Snacks and confectionery
Plant-based and alternative protein foods
Specialty pantry items
Natural supplements and vitamins
Sustainable packaging innovations
Fresh and frozen food solutions

Buyers have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge trends, sample new launches, and pre-order high-demand seasonal merchandise.

benefits of attending the kehe holiday show / summer show

1. Early access to seasonal products

Retailers attending the Holiday Show can view and purchase products far in advance of the winter season. Similarly, the Summer Show offers previews of trending items months before they hit mainstream shelves.

2. Direct interaction with brands

Face-to-face meetings with manufacturers, product specialists, and brand representatives create valuable networking opportunities and help forge long-term partnerships.

3. Exclusive product deals and promotions

Attendees enjoy special show-only pricing, exclusive launches, and promotional bundles that are unavailable outside the event.

4. Trend education and industry insights

The show hosts educational sessions, expert panels, and keynote addresses from leaders in health-conscious living, sustainability, and consumer behavior analytics.

5. Marketing and merchandising support

KeHE provides support resources to help retailers display and sell showcased products effectively, including marketing kits and planogram guidance.

exhibitor opportunities

For brands seeking to exhibit, the KeHE Shows offer an unparalleled opportunity to gain exposure in high-value retail markets. Exhibitors benefit from:

Access to thousands of qualified buyers
Media coverage and social amplification
Onsite product demo areas
Sampling opportunities with feedback
Integration into the KeHE CONNECT Platform

Registration for exhibitors is typically available six to eight months before the show.

cost to attend

KeHE Shows are trade-only events, and general public admission is not permitted. Attendance is free for qualified buyers and retailers who are part of KeHE’s distribution network. Non-member brands and select industry professionals may need to pay a registration or participation fee, depending on eligibility.

nearby hotels and accommodations

Each show is hosted in major cities with a wide range of nearby hotel options. Attendees are advised to book accommodations early, as hotels fill quickly during show dates. Some of the frequently recommended hotels include:

For Chicago (Holiday Show):

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Marriott Marquis Chicago
Hilton Chicago
Hotel Essex

For Nashville (Summer Show):

Omni Nashville Hotel
Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
The Westin Nashville

KeHE typically partners with select hotels to offer discounted room blocks, which can be accessed through the attendee portal after registration.

travel and transportation

The venues are located near major airports such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Nashville International Airport, with reliable shuttle services and public transportation. Local parking options, taxi services, and rideshare options (like Uber and Lyft) are easily accessible to ensure smooth commute for attendees.

perks of participating

VIP Buyer Programs: Early access to the show floor and one-on-one scheduling with top brands.
Innovation Pavilions: Dedicated areas for first-time exhibitors and trend-forward products.
Sustainability Spotlights: Special showcases for eco-conscious brands and packaging.
Show App & Digital Tools: A personalized digital experience for planning meetings, navigating the floor, and bookmarking favorite products.

why kehe holiday show / summer show stands out

KeHE is a recognized leader in natural and organic product distribution across the U.S. These events are invitation-only for buyers, which ensures that every connection made is high-value and professionally relevant. The blend of business focus, innovation, and educational elements makes KeHE Shows a must-attend for serious industry players.

These shows are not just trade events but strategic growth platforms where decisions are made, trends are born, and brands scale rapidly through premium exposure and curated matchmaking.