2025 is fast approaching, which means it’s time to mark your calendars for the plethora of restaurant conferences and conventions planned for next year. This year’s restaurant trade show cycle isn’t over yet, either — the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is just a few weeks away.
Some shows have already posted their agendas and speaker lists, with plans to discuss a broad range of restaurant industry topics including finance, tech, franchise strategy and consumer trends. Many feature showroom floors with established and up-and-coming vendors, where thousands of attendees can learn new opportunities in equipment, digital technology and more firsthand.
To help you prioritize your travel budget, Restaurant Dive has selected nine of the buzziest restaurant events scheduled for 2025.
Top restaurant conferences in 2025
Jan. 13-15
JW Marriott, Orlando Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida
This invite-only event highlights major public and private companies that share updates about their business models and hot industry topics within the financial sector. Attendees typically include corporate management teams, private equity and institutional investors and sell-side analysts.
Last year’s presenters included Dave & Buster’s, Domino’s, Darden, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Fat Brands, Jack in the Box and Papa Johns.
IFA Annual Convention
Feb. 10-13
Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
This International Franchise Association event is designed for franchisees to learn franchise-specific business development ideas, develop plans for personal growth and network with other operators. The event also includes a vendor exhibit hall.
MURTEC
March 10-12
Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, Nevada
The Multi-unit Restaurant Technology Conference includes education sessions that explore how restaurant technology can foster improvements in operations, marketing, consumer experience and other aspects of the business.
The 2024 MURTEC event’s speakers included executives from El Pollo Loco, Blaze Pizza, Dutch Bros, Panera and TGI Fridays.
Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit
March 11-13
Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit is focused on the new technology, new marketing tactics and new menu strategies major restaurant brands, particularly franchised brands, are using to get ahead in a competitive market.
Presenters include executives from McDonald’s, Blaze Pizza and The Halal Guys.
Curbivore
April 10-11
Downtown Los Angeles
Curbivore draws restaurants, retailers, startups, technologists and policy makers to discuss the intersection of transportation systems, small business, urban design and commerce.
The event’s 2024 speaker list included representatives from DoorDash, DeliverZero, Uber and EveryTable.
Restaurant Leadership Conference
April 13-16
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Phoenix
The Restaurant Leadership Conference serves as a place for leaders from established brands and up-and-coming concepts to connect and share strategies.
National Restaurant Association Show
May 17-20
McCormick Place, Chicago
The National Restaurant Association Show features exhibits from suppliers, culinary demonstrations, discussions of major industry trends and learning sessions for attendees featuring major brands and startups.
FSTEC
Sept. 14-16
Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL
FSTEC is a major foodservice technology conference showcasing innovations in the restaurant industry, with sessions on forward-looking trends and topics like artificial intelligence, the future of work and consumer relationship management tech.
Restaurant Finance & Development Conference
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
RFDC is a financial conference for restaurant owners, operators and financial executives. Attendees can learn about key trends in restaurant business and capital markets during educational sessions covering topics including capital raising strategies, third-party delivery, investment and merger and acquisition trends.
