The NAFEM Show, Orlando, USA (Foodservice equipment and supplies)

If you’ve ever wondered where the heart of the foodservice industry beats — it’s right at The NAFEM Show in Orlando, USA. Held every two years, this major event brings together the latest in commercial kitchen equipment, innovative supplies, and industry solutions that power restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, hotels, and just about any place where food is served.

But this show is not just for chefs or equipment dealers. It’s a meeting ground for anyone who’s even remotely connected to the foodservice world — whether you’re a buyer, a designer, an operator, or just someone curious about how kitchens behind the scenes actually work. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting show in 2025.

Where and When is The NAFEM Show Happening?

Venue: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA
Dates: February 26 – 28, 2025

The convention center is huge, modern, and well-equipped to handle big shows like this. Plus, being in Orlando means you also get sunny weather, great food, and plenty to do outside the event.

Ticket Cost and Registration Details

Entry to The NAFEM Show isn’t free, but it’s reasonably priced for what you get:

Early Bird Registration (typically before Jan 2025): Around $75
Regular Admission: Closer to $125 depending on the registration period
On-Site: Expect slightly higher pricing

Students or members of related organizations might get discounted rates, so it’s worth checking if you qualify. Your ticket gives you access to the show floor, live demos, networking events, and certain sessions.

Where to Stay Nearby

Orlando is full of great hotels, and many of them are right around the convention center. Here are a few options worth considering:

Hyatt Regency Orlando – Connected directly to the venue
Rosen Centre Hotel – Just across the street, very convenient
Hilton Orlando – A luxury option with pools and great service
Avanti International Resort – Budget-friendly and a short ride away

Most hotels offer shuttle services during the show, so getting to and from the venue is easy.

What is The NAFEM Show Really About?

The NAFEM Show is the leading event for foodservice equipment and supplies. It’s organized by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers and it happens once every two years — so it’s not your average trade show.

You’ll see everything from:

Commercial ovens, fryers, and refrigerators
Food prep tools, storage solutions, and display units
Smart kitchen innovations using technology
Sustainable equipment focused on saving energy and water
Design and layout ideas for building better kitchens

The show floor is massive and full of exciting gadgets, tools, and technology that drive the food industry forward.

Who Should Attend?

This show is ideal for a wide range of people:

Restaurant owners and operators
Foodservice managers and buyers
Kitchen consultants and designers
Hospitality professionals
Catering companies
Hotel and resort staff
Distributors and dealers of equipment
Students and aspiring chefs or culinary managers

Even if you’re just starting out or exploring the industry, this show gives you a great overview of how professional kitchens work behind the scenes.

What You’ll See and Do at the Show

Here’s what makes The NAFEM Show stand out:

Over 500 exhibitors showcasing equipment and supplies
Live cooking stations using the latest kitchen tech
Equipment comparison demos so you can see how products stack up
Sustainability Pavilion showing eco-friendly solutions
Trend Zone featuring what’s new in foodservice innovation

It’s not just about walking around looking at machines. The show is interactive, full of energy, and built to help you learn as you go.

Educational Opportunities

Along with the show floor, The NAFEM Show offers short learning sessions and seminars:

Topics include energy efficiency, space-saving kitchen designs, labor-saving tools, and more
Insights from experts on building smarter, safer, and faster kitchens
Sessions are typically 20–30 minutes long — easy to attend without cutting into your show time
A great chance to pick up ideas you can actually use

These aren’t heavy, technical lectures — they’re practical talks aimed at real-world challenges.

Networking and Career Growth

The NAFEM Show is a great place to meet people from every corner of the industry:

Casual meetups and mixers
Evening events hosted by exhibitors
Focused networking zones for young professionals
Quiet lounges to sit down and have one-on-one chats

Bringing business cards is a must. You never know who you’ll meet — a supplier, a future employer, or even a new partner.

Why Should You Attend?

Here are some solid reasons why attending The NAFEM Show makes sense:

See what’s new in foodservice equipment before it hits the market
Touch and test products for yourself — not just read brochures
Ask questions directly to the people who build and sell the tools
Compare products side-by-side in a real-time setting
Learn about innovations that can save time, money, and energy
Find inspiration to redesign your kitchen or operation
Connect with like-minded people who get what you’re doing

This event is all about finding solutions, ideas, and tools that work for you.

Getting to the Event

Orlando is easy to reach:

By Air: Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), which connects to most major cities
By Car: The convention center is near the I-Drive area with good parking facilities
By Public Transit: I-Ride Trolley and local buses serve the area well

Getting around is simple, and since most hotels are nearby, it won’t take much planning.

Some Handy Tips Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot
Carry a water bottle and snacks – it’s a full-day event
Download the official event app – it helps with schedules and booth maps
Plan your day ahead – note which booths and sessions matter most to you
Don’t be shy – ask questions, meet people, and explore every corner

Final Words

The NAFEM Show is more than just a showcase of kitchen gear. It’s a place to learn, connect, and find better ways of working. Whether you’re running a busy restaurant, managing a school cafeteria, designing kitchens for hospitals, or looking to start your own venture — this show gives you the tools and insights you need.

It only happens once every two years, so missing it means waiting a long time for the next one. If you want to stay ahead in the foodservice industry, this is the place to be in 2025.

Ready to explore the future of foodservice? Book your tickets here:
https://www.thenafemshow.org