The Refrigerated Foods Association Exhibition, Varies, USA is a premier annual event designed for professionals and businesses engaged in the refrigerated and prepared foods sector. This event is a significant platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and logistics providers within the chilled and prepared food industries to connect, showcase innovations, and foster long-term business relationships. Held in rotating cities across the United States, this event consistently draws a wide range of attendees, making it a cornerstone exhibition in the refrigerated food industry.
about the refrigerated foods association exhibition
The Refrigerated Foods Association (RFA) is a trade organization committed to promoting food safety, enhancing quality standards, and fostering the growth of the refrigerated foods industry. The annual RFA Exhibition provides an excellent platform for companies to exhibit their latest technologies, packaging solutions, ingredients, and equipment related to the production and distribution of refrigerated food products.
This event is recognized not just for its exhibition floor but also for offering educational sessions, technical presentations, and networking events that help businesses stay at the forefront of industry standards and technological advancements.
venue and location details
As the name suggests, the Refrigerated Foods Association Exhibition is hosted in different cities across the United States each year. Previous locations have included destinations like Orlando, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, South Carolina, and San Diego, California.
Each venue is selected with accessibility, accommodation, and convenience in mind, offering modern convention centers equipped with state-of-the-art exhibition facilities. These venues are generally located in proximity to airports, major hotels, and public transport routes, making attendance convenient for both domestic and international visitors.
For example:
- 2025 Venue (Expected): Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, Georgia
- Venue Highlights: Waterfront location, expansive exhibit halls, nearby lodging and dining
dates and timings
The RFA Exhibition usually takes place in the first quarter of the calendar year, most commonly in February or March. The event spans three to four days, covering:
- Opening ceremonies and keynote addresses
- Technical and educational workshops
- Product exhibitions
- Networking dinners and meet-ups
Exact dates and times are announced several months in advance on the RFA’s official website.
product and industry categories featured
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of products and services relevant to the refrigerated foods industry. These include:
- Chilled and prepared foods
- Food safety and quality control equipment
- Cold chain logistics solutions
- Packaging materials and machinery
- Automation and robotics for food processing
- Sustainable refrigeration technologies
- Labeling and compliance tools
- Dairy, deli, seafood, and ready-to-eat products
Whether you’re in manufacturing, R&D, foodservice, or retail, the exhibition offers an impressive cross-section of innovations in the refrigerated foods sector.
visitor profile and expected attendance
The RFA Exhibition consistently draws hundreds of industry professionals from across North America and beyond.
Typical visitors include:
- Food processors and manufacturers
- Quality assurance and compliance officers
- Packaging engineers
- Logistics and cold chain managers
- Supermarket and grocery chain buyers
- Foodservice distributors
- Equipment and ingredient suppliers
Attendance is typically 500 to 800 professionals, creating an intimate yet diverse networking environment ideal for high-value engagements.
registration and cost of attendance
Attendance costs vary depending on the level of access and the visitor’s membership status in the RFA. Here’s a general breakdown:
- RFA Members: $500–$700
- Non-members: $800–$1,000
- Exhibitor Booths: Starting from $1,500
- Workshops and Add-ons: May incur additional charges
Early bird discounts and group packages are often available, and registration typically opens 3–4 months before the event.
accommodation and nearby hotels
Given that the exhibition is held in major cities, a wide variety of hotel options are always available near the venue. For instance, in Savannah, Georgia, the following are popular hotel choices:
- Hyatt Regency Savannah
- The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
- Marriott Savannah Riverfront
- Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District
Most event venues are partnered with select hotels that offer special conference rates to attendees, often including amenities such as shuttle service to and from the exhibition hall.
benefits of attending the exhibition
Attending the Refrigerated Foods Association Exhibition offers numerous strategic and practical advantages:
- Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with key stakeholders, suppliers, and buyers in the industry.
- Knowledge Exchange: Gain insights into industry trends, food safety protocols, and new market developments through expert sessions.
- Market Exposure: For exhibitors, it’s a prime opportunity to showcase new products to a targeted and influential audience.
- Technological Innovation: Discover the latest automation, packaging, and cold chain logistics solutions that can optimize your operations.
- Business Growth: Strengthen distribution channels, find new clients, and connect with regulatory and compliance partners.
exhibition perks and features
- Welcome Reception & Networking Dinner
- Technical Service Committee Meetings
- Educational Breakout Sessions
- Innovation Pavilion featuring emerging brands
- Live Equipment Demonstrations
- Award Recognition Ceremonies for industry excellence
All of these components make the RFA Exhibition a comprehensive and high-impact event for industry professionals.
target audience and exhibitor opportunities
Whether you are a manufacturer, a solutions provider, or a packaging specialist, this exhibition offers a valuable platform to:
- Launch new products
- Conduct competitive analysis
- Strengthen client relationships
- Promote sustainability and safety solutions
Exhibitors also gain access to premium marketing tools through the RFA, including branding opportunities, directory listings, and speaking slots.
how to prepare for the event
Attendees and exhibitors are advised to:
- Register early and secure hotel bookings well in advance
- Plan booth designs and demo strategies for maximum impact
- Schedule meetings ahead of time using the RFA’s matchmaking portal
- Attend the full schedule of workshops and networking events
- Pack accordingly for the climate of the host city