Los Angeles is a city where food dreams come alive. With its melting pot of cultures and flavours, LA has become one of the top places for culinary trade events and expos. These shows attract chefs, restaurant owners, food entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about cooking.

If you work in the food business or want to grow your culinary skills, these events are worth attending. They offer hands-on workshops, talks from top chefs, and the chance to connect with new suppliers. Let’s look at some of the best cooking trade events and expos in Los Angeles and why you should not miss them.

Los Angeles International Culinary Expo

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Centre

Time: March every year, 9 AM – 6 PM

Cost: Tickets start at $45 for industry pros. Early discounts are often available.

Nearby Stays: JW Marriott LA Live, The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, Hotel Indigo LA

This expo is one of the biggest culinary events on the West Coast. It brings together chefs, food suppliers, equipment makers, and trendsetters. Attendees get to see live cooking shows, new tools, and fresh ingredients.

Why You Should Go:

• Watch famous chefs cook and share their secrets.
• Test the latest kitchen equipment before buying.
• Find new suppliers for unique ingredients.
• Meet other food business owners and exchange ideas.

California Food & Beverage Expo

Venue: Pasadena Convention Centre

Time: Usually held in September, 10 AM – 5 PM

Cost: Free for verified industry pros. The general public spends around $30.

Nearby Stays: Sheraton Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena, The Westin Pasadena

This expo covers more than just cooking. It highlights drinks, packaging, and marketing too. It’s a good place for restaurant owners, small producers, and retailers to learn what’s new in the market.

Why You Should Go:

• Discover new food and drink brands before they hit stores.
• Learn about trends in packaging and sustainable products.
• Hear talks about customer habits and how to attract them.
• Taste samples and give feedback directly to brands.

Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival

Venue: Various spots in Downtown LA

Time: Every October, events are held over 3–4 days

Cost: Tickets start around $100 for single events. VIP packages can go higher.

Nearby Stays: The Standard Downtown LA, Hotel Figueroa, The Westin Bonaventure

This festival is well-known for blending fine dining with business networking. It gathers famous chefs, winemakers, and food lovers. You can join classes, tastings, and special dinners.

Why You Should Go:

• Get inspired by celebrity chefs and taste new dishes.
• Take part in wine tastings and food pairings.
• Build your network with top names in the food and wine world.
• Spot trends that you can bring back to your business.

National Restaurant Association Show – West Coast

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Centre

Time: November every year, 9 AM – 5 PM

Cost: Starts at $70 per person. Group discounts available.

Nearby Stays: Omni Los Angeles Hotel, InterContinental LA Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott LA Live

While the main show happens in Chicago, the West Coast version is gaining popularity. It is perfect for restaurant owners and managers looking to level up. You’ll find new restaurant tech, foodservice equipment, and business solutions.

Why You Should Go:

• Try out new point-of-sale systems and kitchen tools.
• Attend talks on staffing, marketing, and food safety.
• Connect with vendors who can help you save money.
• Stay ahead of rules and trends that could affect your business.

LA Baking & Pastry Expo

Venue: Pasadena Convention Centre

Time: Every June, 10 AM – 6 PM

Cost: Starts around $40. Discounts for students and groups.

Nearby Stays: Residence Inn Pasadena, The Westin Pasadena, Hilton Pasadena

Love baking? This expo is for you. It focuses on baking, pastry arts, and desserts. Bakers, cake decorators, and pastry chefs come together to learn and share their craft.

Why You Should Go:

• Watch top bakers at work during live demos.
• Try the latest baking tools and ingredients.
• Join classes to learn new skills and recipes.
• Meet suppliers who offer unique decorations and packaging.

What’s In It for You?

Still wondering why you should spend time and money attending? Here’s what you gain:

• See What’s New: From plant-based recipes to smart kitchen gadgets, you’ll spot trends before your competitors do.
• Hands-On Experience: Unlike reading about new products, you can try them out yourself.
• Build Your Network: Meet suppliers, partners, and industry leaders. These connections often lead to future business deals.
• Grow Your Skills: Many shows offer workshops and talks you can’t get anywhere else.
• Boost Your Business: Learn how to improve menus, run kitchens better, and attract new customers.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Los Angeles is busy year-round, so plan early. Most venues are near downtown, so choose a hotel close by to save time. Check for group booking rates. Many hotels offer free shuttles to convention centres.

Public transport, ride-shares, and parking garages make getting to venues easy. Also, pack business cards and a notepad — you’ll need them!

Los Angeles is more than just Hollywood. For anyone serious about food and cooking, the trade shows and expos are some of the best places to learn and grow. Whether you run a restaurant, bake cakes, or just love discovering what’s new, you’ll find events that spark ideas and help your business succeed.

Don’t miss the chance to see what’s next in the culinary world. Mark your calendar, pack your appetite for knowledge, and get ready to be inspired.