Restaurant Industry Conferences Set for 2026-2027

Nine major restaurant conferences and trade shows are scheduled from late 2026 through 2027. The calendar highlights critical industry gatherings focused on finance, technology, franchise innovation, and leadership trends for the coming year.

Finance and development focus at upcoming RFDC

The Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is set for November 9-11, 2026, at the Wynn in Las Vegas. This financial conference brings together restaurant owners, operators, and finance executives. Attendees will learn about key trends in capital markets during educational sessions covering capital-raising strategies, third-party delivery, and trends in investments and mergers and acquisitions.

Invite-only gathering of restaurant leaders at JW Marriott Orlando

An invite-only event will convene at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. It brings together major public and private companies to share updates about their business models and discuss hot topics within the restaurant sector. Attendees typically include corporate management teams, private equity, institutional investors, and sell-side analysts. Past presenters have included executives from Darden, BJ's Restaurants, El Pollo Loco, and Shake Shack.

Franchise innovation and technology summits set for early 2027

The International Franchise Association Annual Convention runs from February 22-24, 2027, in New Orleans. Designed for franchisees, the event helps them learn business development ideas, formulate growth plans, and network with other operators. It includes a vendor exhibit hall. Past speakers have included Kat Cole, CEO of AG1, and Andrew T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A.

The Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit follows on March 8-10, also in New Orleans. It focuses on the new technology, marketing tactics, and menu strategies major franchised brands are using to get ahead. Scheduled speakers for the 2026 edition included executives from California Pizza Kitchen, Capriotti's, and Golden Corral.

Technology and leadership conferences drive operational insights

The Multi-unit Restaurant Technology Conference is scheduled for March 15-17, 2027, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its education sessions explore how restaurant technology can improve operations, marketing, and consumer experience. Attendees typically include growth-oriented restaurant companies, C-suite executives, and franchisees. Past speakers have included executives from Jack in the Box and Dine Brands.

The Restaurant Leadership Conference is set for April 4-7, 2027, in Downtown Los Angeles. It serves as a place for leaders from established brands and up-and-coming concepts to connect and share strategies. More than 100 speakers typically attend. The 2026 lineup included events with Christine Barone, CEO of Dutch Bros Coffee, and Dolf Berle, CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Other significant events on the 2026-2027 calendar include the ICR Conference in Las Vegas in January 2027 and the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago from May 22-25, 2027. The NRA Show features supplier exhibits, culinary demonstrations, new technology displays, and discussions of major industry trends. Curbivore, an event discussing the intersection of transportation systems and commerce, also took place in April in both 2026 and 2025. Its 2026 speaker list included representatives from DoorDash and Uber. Restaurant Dive has selected nine of the buzziest restaurant conferences and trade shows scheduled throughout late 2026 and into 2027.