Dallas has become a growing hub for the food and beverage industry. From top chefs and restaurant owners to food suppliers and startups—everyone comes here to explore, connect, and grow. If you’re looking to dive into this vibrant space, trade shows and expos are where it all begins.
This guide covers the most popular food and beverage trade events in Dallas. You’ll find details on where they’re held, when they happen, what they offer, and why you should attend. We’ve also included tips on nearby hotels, ticket costs, and the main benefits of joining these events.
Southwest Foodservice Expo (SWFS Expo)
What it is:
The Southwest Foodservice Expo is one of the most significant events for restaurants, catering services, and food vendors in the state of Texas. The Texas Restaurant Association organises it.
Where:
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre, Dallas
When:
Usually takes place in June or July
Who attends:
Over 10,000 visitors and more than 500 exhibitors. Attendees include restaurant owners, chefs, bar managers, and hospitality buyers.
Why go:
- Try new food and beverage products
- Watch live cooking demos
- Attend helpful workshops
- Discover tech and tools for your kitchen or restaurant
Nearby Hotels:
- Omni Dallas Hotel – right next to the venue
- Magnolia Hotel Downtown
- Aloft Dallas Downtown
Tickets:
Prices range from $35 to $100, depending on the access level.
Dallas Ultimate Women’s Expo – Food Pavilion
What it is:
This event covers fashion, wellness, home, and food. The Food Pavilion brings together gourmet snack makers, small food brands, and wine vendors.
Where:
Dallas Market Hall
When:
Usually held in October
Who attends:
Shoppers, food lovers, new business owners, and small-scale vendors.
Why go:
- Try wines, sauces, and snacks
- Meet local food makers
- Learn about food business marketing
Nearby Hotels:
- Hilton Anatole
- Renaissance Dallas Hotel
- Holiday Inn Market Center
Tickets:
Free or low-cost tickets are available online
Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace
What it is:
This expo is designed for restaurant business owners and professionals. You’ll find resources to grow your brand, from suppliers to legal experts.
Where:
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre
When:
Usually takes place in July
Who attends:
Restaurant managers, chefs, food consultants, and startup owners.
Why go:
- Learn from business workshops
- Find restaurant equipment and tools
- Talk to legal and HR advisors
- See food safety and delivery solutions
Nearby Hotels:
Same as SWFS Expo
- Omni Dallas
- Magnolia Downtown
- Aloft Dallas
Tickets:
Entry starts at $50, VIP access can go up to $250
Dallas Total Home & Gift Market – Gourmet Section
What it is:
This is a home and lifestyle event, but the Gourmet Market area focuses on food gifting, kitchen items, and specialty foods.
Where:
Dallas Market Center
When:
Held multiple times a year—main shows are in January, June, and September
Who attends:
Food retailers, boutique brand owners, gift shop buyers, and entrepreneurs.
Why go:
- See gourmet food packaging
- Discover trending food gifts
- Taste new items before launch
Nearby Hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Market Centre
- Sheraton Suites Market Centre
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas
Tickets:
Free for business owners with proof of registration
Dallas Chocolate Festival – Industry Day
What it is:
This festival celebrates chocolate but also covers related areas like desserts, coffee, and artisan foods. Industry Day is great for business connections.
Where:
Fashion Industry Gallery, Dallas
When:
Held every September
Who attends:
Café owners, dessert shop founders, chefs, and chocolate lovers.
Why go:
- Sample artisan chocolates and treats
- Network with chocolate makers and café suppliers
- Learn how to run a sweet-focused business
Nearby Hotels:
- The Joule
- Hotel Indigo
- Fairmont Dallas
Tickets:
Industry Day passes start at $45
Benefits of Attending Food & Beverage Expos in Dallas
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time and money, the answer is yes. Here’s why:
1. Meet the Right People
Trade shows bring together people who matter. You’ll meet food distributors, investors, chefs, and startup owners—all in one place.
2. Try Before You Buy
Taste samples, touch products, and see demos. You get to test everything before making decisions for your business.
3. Get Business Ideas
Seminars and talks give real advice. From how to run a profitable kitchen to the best ways to package your product—it’s all covered.
4. Learn What’s New
Stay updated on the latest trends, tech tools, health-focused food, and more. You’ll see what’s hot in the industry before it becomes mainstream.
5. Save Money
Exhibitors often give exclusive expo discounts. You can negotiate deals or discover suppliers offering better value.
Nearby Accommodations and Travel Tips
All venues are within central Dallas, close to major hotels and public transport. Here’s what you need to know:
- Airport Access: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field serve most visitors.
- Local Transit: DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) is fast and affordable for moving around the city.
- Booking Tip: During expo season, hotel prices can go up. It’s smart to book your room a few weeks early.
Recommended places to stay:
- Hyatt Regency Dallas
- Homewood Suites Downtown
- Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Final Words
The food and beverage expos in Dallas are more than events—they’re business-building platforms. Whether you want to expand your restaurant, launch a new product, meet buyers, or simply stay inspired, there’s an event for you.
Dallas offers it all—great venues, world-class exhibitors, and a welcoming community. If you’re serious about food and drink, don’t miss the chance to attend one (or more) of these incredible expos.
Dallas has become a growing hub for the food and beverage industry. From top chefs and restaurant owners to food suppliers and startups—everyone comes here to explore, connect, and grow. If you’re looking to dive into this vibrant space, trade shows and expos are where it all begins.
This guide covers the most popular food and beverage trade events in Dallas. You’ll find details on where they’re held, when they happen, what they offer, and why you should attend. We’ve also included tips on nearby hotels, ticket costs, and the main benefits of joining these events.
Southwest Foodservice Expo (SWFS Expo)
What it is:
The Southwest Foodservice Expo is one of the most significant events for restaurants, catering services, and food vendors in the state of Texas. The Texas Restaurant Association organises it.
Where:
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre, Dallas
When:
Usually takes place in June or July
Who attends:
Over 10,000 visitors and more than 500 exhibitors. Attendees include restaurant owners, chefs, bar managers, and hospitality buyers.
Why go:
- Try new food and beverage products
- Watch live cooking demos
- Attend helpful workshops
- Discover tech and tools for your kitchen or restaurant
Nearby Hotels:
- Omni Dallas Hotel – right next to the venue
- Magnolia Hotel Downtown
- Aloft Dallas Downtown
Tickets:
Prices range from $35 to $100, depending on the access level.
Dallas Ultimate Women’s Expo – Food Pavilion
What it is:
This event covers fashion, wellness, home, and food. The Food Pavilion brings together gourmet snack makers, small food brands, and wine vendors.
Where:
Dallas Market Hall
When:
Usually held in October
Who attends:
Shoppers, food lovers, new business owners, and small-scale vendors.
Why go:
- Try wines, sauces, and snacks
- Meet local food makers
- Learn about food business marketing
Nearby Hotels:
- Hilton Anatole
- Renaissance Dallas Hotel
- Holiday Inn Market Center
Tickets:
Free or low-cost tickets are available online
Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace
What it is:
This expo is designed for restaurant business owners and professionals. You’ll find resources to grow your brand, from suppliers to legal experts.
Where:
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre
When:
Usually takes place in July
Who attends:
Restaurant managers, chefs, food consultants, and startup owners.
Why go:
- Learn from business workshops
- Find restaurant equipment and tools
- Talk to legal and HR advisors
- See food safety and delivery solutions
Nearby Hotels:
Same as SWFS Expo
- Omni Dallas
- Magnolia Downtown
- Aloft Dallas
Tickets:
Entry starts at $50, VIP access can go up to $250
Dallas Total Home & Gift Market – Gourmet Section
What it is:
This is a home and lifestyle event, but the Gourmet Market area focuses on food gifting, kitchen items, and specialty foods.
Where:
Dallas Market Center
When:
Held multiple times a year—main shows are in January, June, and September
Who attends:
Food retailers, boutique brand owners, gift shop buyers, and entrepreneurs.
Why go:
- See gourmet food packaging
- Discover trending food gifts
- Taste new items before launch
Nearby Hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Market Centre
- Sheraton Suites Market Centre
- DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas
Tickets:
Free for business owners with proof of registration
Dallas Chocolate Festival – Industry Day
What it is:
This festival celebrates chocolate but also covers related areas like desserts, coffee, and artisan foods. Industry Day is great for business connections.
Where:
Fashion Industry Gallery, Dallas
When:
Held every September
Who attends:
Café owners, dessert shop founders, chefs, and chocolate lovers.
Why go:
- Sample artisan chocolates and treats
- Network with chocolate makers and café suppliers
- Learn how to run a sweet-focused business
Nearby Hotels:
- The Joule
- Hotel Indigo
- Fairmont Dallas
Tickets:
Industry Day passes start at $45
Benefits of Attending Food & Beverage Expos in Dallas
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time and money, the answer is yes. Here’s why:
1. Meet the Right People
Trade shows bring together people who matter. You’ll meet food distributors, investors, chefs, and startup owners—all in one place.
2. Try Before You Buy
Taste samples, touch products, and see demos. You get to test everything before making decisions for your business.
3. Get Business Ideas
Seminars and talks give real advice. From how to run a profitable kitchen to the best ways to package your product—it’s all covered.
4. Learn What’s New
Stay updated on the latest trends, tech tools, health-focused food, and more. You’ll see what’s hot in the industry before it becomes mainstream.
5. Save Money
Exhibitors often give exclusive expo discounts. You can negotiate deals or discover suppliers offering better value.
Nearby Accommodations and Travel Tips
All venues are within central Dallas, close to major hotels and public transport. Here’s what you need to know:
- Airport Access: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field serve most visitors.
- Local Transit: DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) is fast and affordable for moving around the city.
- Booking Tip: During expo season, hotel prices can go up. It’s smart to book your room a few weeks early.
Recommended places to stay:
- Hyatt Regency Dallas
- Homewood Suites Downtown
- Sheraton Dallas Hotel