In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of foodservice, staying ahead means constantly embracing new technologies, optimizing operations, and discovering the next big thing that will captivate diners and streamline kitchens. For anyone involved in the commercial foodservice equipment and supplies industry, there is one biennial event that stands as the undisputed pinnacle of innovation, networking, and business opportunities: The NAFEM Show in Atlanta, USA.

Organized by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), The NAFEM Show is more than just an exhibition; it’s a vibrant, immersive experience designed to showcase the cutting edge of foodservice equipment and supplies. It’s where manufacturers unveil their latest innovations, where operators discover solutions to real-world challenges, and where an entire industry comes together to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you’re a restaurateur looking for the most energy-efficient ovens, a hotelier seeking advanced warewashing systems, a school foodservice director in search of healthier meal prep solutions, or a designer envisioning the next-generation commercial kitchen, The NAFEM Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to see, touch, and experience the future of foodservice in action.

The Southern Hub of Hospitality: The Venue and Its Time

Atlanta, Georgia, a city renowned for its Southern charm, thriving culinary scene, and status as a major convention destination, provides the perfect host for The NAFEM Show. Its accessibility and world-class facilities make it an ideal gathering point for professionals from across North America and beyond. The NAFEM Show consistently takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.

The GWCC is one of the largest and most versatile convention centers globally, offering millions of square feet of exhibit space. Its modern infrastructure, expansive halls, and seamless logistical capabilities are perfectly suited to accommodate the vast array of heavy equipment, live demonstrations, and numerous exhibitors that define The NAFEM Show. The venue is centrally located in downtown Atlanta, providing easy access to a plethora of hotels, diverse dining options, and popular attractions such as Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Its close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world’s busiest airports, ensures convenient travel for attendees from all corners of the globe.

The NAFEM Show is a biennial event, strategically held every two years. This allows for significant technological advancements and market shifts to occur between editions, ensuring that each show is fresh, relevant, and packed with genuinely new innovations. The most recent successful edition was in February 2025. Therefore, the next highly anticipated The NAFEM Show is scheduled for February 11-13, 2027, returning to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. While the next show is in Orlando, the previous 2025 show was held in Atlanta, so the content below will reflect that recent experience.

For the 2025 show in Atlanta, it ran from February 26-28, 2025. The show hours were typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday. This concentrated three-day schedule is designed for maximum efficiency, allowing attendees to fully explore the show floor, attend educational sessions, and network effectively.

The Commercial Kitchen Unveiled: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at The NAFEM Show is a massive and meticulously organized showcase of every conceivable piece of equipment and supply needed for a successful commercial foodservice operation. Visitors can immerse themselves in a wide array of products, technologies, and services across various critical categories:

• Food Preparation Equipment:
  • Slicers, dicers, mixers, blenders, food processors
  • Vegetable choppers, meat grinders, dough mixers, dough sheeters
  • Peelers, dicers, shredders
• Cooking & Warming Equipment:
  • Ovens (convection, combi, conventional, pizza, rapid cook)
  • Ranges, griddles, fryers (deep fat, air), broilers, charbroilers
  • Steamers, pressure cookers, kettles
  • Holding cabinets, hot wells, warming drawers, buffet stations, heated displays
  • Induction cooking equipment, sous vide systems
• Refrigeration & Freezing Equipment:
  • Reach-in and walk-in refrigerators and freezers
  • Display cases (refrigerated, heated)
  • Ice machines and dispensers
  • Blast chillers, cold food tables, insulated cabinets
• Warewashing & Sanitation:
  • Dishwashers (undercounter, door-type, conveyor)
  • Glasswashers, potwashers
  • Disposers, pulpers, waste management systems
  • Sanitation chemicals, cleaning tools, hygiene stations
• Serving & Holding Equipment:
  • Serving counters, salad bars, beverage dispensers
  • Coffee brewers, espresso machines, juice extractors
  • Hot beverage dispensers, urns, airpots
  • Dinnerware, flatware, glassware, serving utensils
• Storage & Transport:
  • Shelving units, storage racks, utility carts, dollies
  • Insulated food carriers, delivery bags
  • Dunnage racks, ingredient bins
• Ventilation & Air Quality:
  • Exhaust hoods, ventilation systems
  • Make-up air units, air curtains
  • Grease filters, odor control systems
• Tabletop & Dining:
  • Chinaware, glassware, flatware
  • Linens, table service accessories
  • Buffetware, serving dishes
• Technology & Software:
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, order management software
  • Inventory management, labor scheduling, kitchen display systems (KDS)
  • Smart kitchen equipment with IoT connectivity, remote monitoring
  • Energy management systems
• Fabrication & Custom Solutions:
  • Stainless steel worktables, sinks, custom fabrication
  • Modular kitchen components
• Other Essential Supplies:
  • Chef’s apparel, safety equipment
  • Cleaning supplies, detergents, sanitizers
  • Smallwares (knives, cutting boards, pans)

This extensive range ensures that any foodservice professional, whether from a restaurant, hotel, catering company, school, hospital, or institutional kitchen, can find the precise equipment and solutions to meet their operational needs and enhance their customer experience.

The Industry’s Gathering: Visitor Count and Demographics

The NAFEM Show consistently attracts a substantial and highly influential audience, cementing its status as the leading event for the commercial foodservice equipment and supplies industry in the Americas. The 2025 NAFEM Show in Atlanta was expected to draw around 20,000 attendees and featured over 500 exhibiting companies, showcasing their innovations across the vast show floor.

The attendee profile at The NAFEM Show is exceptionally targeted, primarily comprising key decision-makers and influencers from across the foodservice spectrum:

• Operators: Owners, General Managers, Executive Chefs, Food & Beverage Directors from restaurants, hotels, catering companies, healthcare facilities, schools, and more. These are the end-users seeking practical solutions.
• Dealers & Distributors: Professionals responsible for selling and distributing foodservice equipment and supplies, looking for new products, supplier relationships, and market insights.
• Consultants & Designers: Industry experts who advise on kitchen design, equipment specification, and operational efficiency for new and existing foodservice establishments.
• Service Agents: Technicians and service providers looking for training, parts, and maintenance solutions for various equipment.
• Purchasing Managers: Individuals responsible for sourcing and procurement for large organizations and chains.
• Company Executives: CEOs, Presidents, and VPs making strategic investment and partnership decisions.

A notable statistic from previous shows indicates that 88% of attendees have buying influence, with 39% being final decision-makers. This high concentration of purchasing power makes The NAFEM Show an incredibly efficient and valuable environment for business transactions and relationship building.

The Plate of Perks: Benefits of Attending The NAFEM Show

Attending The NAFEM Show in Atlanta (or its future rotations) offers a truly comprehensive and invaluable experience for any professional in the foodservice industry:

• Experience Live Equipment in Action: This is a hallmark of The NAFEM Show. Walk the aisles and witness hundreds of commercial ovens, fryers, dishwashers, and more operating live on the show floor. See product demonstrations, talk to technical experts, and get a real feel for the equipment’s performance and capabilities.
• Comprehensive Sourcing & Comparison: Efficiently compare products and solutions from hundreds of leading manufacturers side-by-side. This allows for informed decision-making, competitive bidding, and discovering new, innovative suppliers you might not have encountered otherwise.
• “What’s Hot! What’s Cool!®” Product Gallery: A highly anticipated feature, this curated gallery showcases the very latest groundbreaking innovations that meet strict criteria for design impact, cost reduction, or revenue generation. Often, there are even guided tours to provide deeper insights into these award-winning products.
• Cutting-Edge Education at Center Stage: Participate in free educational sessions at the “Center Stage” area on the show floor. Industry experts, notable leaders, and panels discuss vital topics such as energy efficiency, sustainable practices, artificial intelligence in the kitchen, supply chain challenges, labor solutions, and the latest design trends.
• Unparalleled Networking: Connect with thousands of industry peers, established manufacturers, dealers, consultants, and operators from across the globe. Forge valuable relationships that can lead to new business opportunities, collaborations, and the sharing of best practices.
• Solve Operational Challenges: Bring your specific pain points – whether it’s high energy costs, labor shortages, food safety concerns, or inefficient workflow. Exhibitors and experts are on hand to provide tailored advice and demonstrate how their solutions can directly address your operational needs.
• Industry Trends & Market Intelligence: Get a direct pulse on the latest market trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements shaping the future of foodservice. This real-time intelligence is crucial for strategic planning and staying competitive.
• Culinary Competitions: The 2025 show in Atlanta featured the inaugural US Culinary Open competition, bringing high-caliber chefs to the show floor. These events add excitement and demonstrate equipment capabilities in a live culinary environment.
• Professional Development: Gain insights into improving operational efficiency, reducing carbon footprint, implementing smart controls, and leveraging data for better decision-making.

Your Atlanta Hospitality Hub: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Atlanta offers a wide variety of hotel accommodations to suit every budget and preference, with many conveniently located near the Georgia World Congress Center. To ensure the best rates and availability, especially for a major event like The NAFEM Show, it is highly recommended to book your hotel well in advance, ideally through the official housing partner.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near the Georgia World Congress Center include:

• Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Directly connected to the GWCC via a skybridge, offering the ultimate in convenience.
• Hyatt Regency Atlanta: A landmark hotel in downtown, offering excellent amenities and good access to the GWCC via a short walk or quick MARTA (public transit) ride.
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis: Another iconic downtown hotel with extensive facilities, within walking distance or a short shuttle/MARTA ride.
• Hilton Atlanta: A large downtown hotel, a bit further but still accessible via walk or MARTA.
• Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection: A boutique hotel offering a unique experience, very close to the GWCC.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park: Offers spacious suites and complimentary breakfast, just steps from the park and GWCC.
• Hyatt Place Atlanta Centennial Park: A modern option within easy walking distance of the GWCC and attractions.

The NAFEM Show typically partners with an official housing provider (like onPeak for the 2025 show) to offer discounted hotel rates and ensure a smooth booking process. Utilizing these official channels is always recommended for the best experience.

The Investment in Excellence: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend The NAFEM Show is designed to provide flexible access, with various registration options available. While specific pricing for The NAFEM Show 2027 will be released closer to the event, based on the 2025 show in Atlanta, you can anticipate the following general structure:

• Exhibit Hall Pass: This pass grants full access to the entire exhibition floor for all three days, including access to all exhibitor booths and the free “Center Stage” educational sessions. For the 2025 show, the online registration cost was typically $50 USD if registered by an early-bird deadline (e.g., February 5, 2025). The price then increased to $100 USD for registrations after this deadline, and $150 USD for on-site registration. This makes early registration a very cost-effective option.
• Educational Programming: The core “Center Stage” educational sessions on the show floor are generally included with your exhibit hall registration at no additional cost, providing significant value. There may be separate, more specialized, and in-depth educational programs or workshops offered by partner organizations (like FCSI – Foodservice Consultants Society International) held in conjunction with the show, which would have their own separate fees. For example, FCSI often hosts a symposium before The NAFEM Show, which is ticketed separately.
• Networking Events: There might be separate fees for specific networking receptions or exclusive industry gatherings.

The investment in attending The NAFEM Show is widely regarded as an exceptional value, offering an unparalleled return in terms of discovering innovative solutions, gaining critical industry insights, and forging valuable business connections that can significantly impact your foodservice operation’s success.

Serve Up Success: Don’t Miss The NAFEM Show!

The NAFEM Show is the essential biennial gathering for anyone passionate about the commercial foodservice equipment and supplies industry. It’s where innovative ideas transform into tangible solutions, and where the brightest minds in foodservice converge to shape the future of kitchens and dining experiences. If you’re ready to embrace the latest technologies, optimize your operations for efficiency and profitability, and connect with the visionaries driving progress, securing your place at The NAFEM Show is an indispensable step. Don’t just keep pace with the industry’s evolution – lead the way and serve up your next big success!

To learn more and prepare for the next NAFEM Show, visit: www.nafem.org/events/the-nafem-show-2027/