The Winter Fancy Food Show Floor is open today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early access will be granted at 9:30 a.m. at W2 and W4 entrances for distributor buyer members, retail members, broker members, foodservice buyer members, and key buyers.
The lineup of educational sessions and events includes:
10:30 – 11 a.m.
SFA Open Mic
SFA Open Mic is an area where emerging brands can practice pitching their product live on the Show floor, receive feedback from an industry expert, gain exposure, and take their brand to the next level.
Location: Big Idea Stage
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Charcuterie Chalet Showdown
Audience members will compete in a series of 10-minute Charcuterie Chalet Challenges in front of a panel of buyer judges.
Speaker: Avital Ungar, Edible Architecture and Avital Food & Drink Experiences.
Location: Taste it Live!
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Snack Masterclass: The Super Bowl
Get ready for a flavor-packed session where Jeanette Donnarumma, Emmy-Award winning producer, cook, and content creator, guides you in creating a show-stopping snack stadium.
Location: Bakery, Confectionery, Snacks & Sweets Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
10:30 – 11 a.m.
Consumer Trends in Beverage
SFA’s annual Today’s Specialty Food Consumer research offers insights on the most impactful trends in beverages. Join lead researcher David Lockwood to learn about consumers’ purchase behavior.
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
11 – 11:30 a.m.
How I Buy
Learn how buyers make selections, work with makers, and review categories.
Speaker: Pete Marczyk, Marczyk Fine Foods
Location: Big Idea Stage
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Taste Makers: How Food Influencers Shape Culinary Trends
Join us for a panel discussion with renowned food influencers Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes, Yumna Jawad from Feel Good Foodie, and Liz Marek of Sugar Geek Show.
Location: Big Idea Stage
12 – 12:45 p.m.
Today’s Specialty Food Consumer: SFA Research Spotlight
Discover the most important trends in customer behavior.
Speaker: David Lockwood, Lockwood Consulting
Location: Big Idea Stage
12 – 1 p.m.
Deciphering Chocolate Labels: A Retailer’s Approach
Go behind the wrapper with chief chocophile Lauren Adler as she demystifies fine chocolate labels.
Speaker: Lauren Adler, Fine Chocolate Industry Association and Chocopolis
Location: Taste It Live!
12 – 1 p.m.
Trends in Product Development
Join two powerhouse innovators as they discuss trend-worthy foods coming from shared use kitchens and food incubators.
Speakers: Ashley Colpaart, The Food Corridor and Sarah Masoni, Food Innovation Center.
Location: Bakery, Confectionery, Snacks & Sweets Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
12 – 1 p.m.
Sip and Savor: Fruity and Effervescent Mocktails
Join us as our expert drinkologist takes you on a journey through two exquisite creations- “Color Up,” a refreshing blend of fresh juices served on the rocks, and “Call My Bluff,” a crisp fusion of sweet and effervescent flavors.
Speaker: Derek Crow, Brezza and Iconic Beverage Concepts LLC
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
1:30 – 2 p.m.
Unlocking the Power of Mediterranean Super Foods
Take a culinary nutrition journey exploring the vitality of Mediterranean superfoods – from the crisp crunch of apples to the invigorating shots of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, discover how these culinary treasures promote awareness and well-being. This session is brought to you in cooperation with Mediterranean Diet Roundtable.
Speaker: Paula Montagna, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
Location: Big Idea Stage
1:30 – 4 p.m.
Explore Japan’s Cuisine & Culture for the Ultimate Taste Experience
Experience taste sensory overload featuring Japan’s most admired seasonal foods, ingredients, and high-quality seafood.
Location: Taste it Live!
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Elevate Your Events: Crafting Irresistible Grazing Boards for Every Occasion
Discover the art of crafting the perfect grazing board for any occasion with the snackologist Jeanette Donnarumma.
Location: Bakery, Confectionery, Snacks & Sweets Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Drink Chocolate! An FCIA Tasting Session
Drinking chocolate is a delicious way to introduce customers to introduce customers to fine chocolate. Join us for a tasting of single-origin drinking chocolates.
Speaker: Lauren Adler, Fine Chocolate Industry Association and Chocopolis
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
2-2:30 p.m .
Fueling a Healthier America: The Role of Olive Oil in U.S. Food Policy
Learn about the impact of the Mediterranean Diet on U.S. food policy. This session is brought to you in conjunction with Mediterranean Diet Roundtable.
Speaker: Joseph R. Profaci, North American Olive Oil Association
Location: Big Idea Stage
2:30 - 3 p.m.
Breaking Ground: Navigating Alternate Business Channels
Rethink the Reach of Your Product. Is it ready for foodservice, ecommerce, and even the airline industry? Uncover the criteria these channels seek and learn the strategies to position your products for consideration.
Speaker: Arn Grashoff, Innovative Food Holdings Inc.
Location: Big Idea Stage
3 - 3:30 p.m.
2024 Trends: A Culinary Exploration
Take a journey into the future, unraveling the trends set to dominate the food industry in 2024.
Speaker: Mike Kostyo, Menu Matters
Location: Big Idea Stage
3 - 4 p.m.
Taste the Future of Food
SFA's Trendspotters Panel has declared their picks for the trends of 2024. Join Jonathan Deutsch of the Drexel Food Lab for an exclusive preview into emerging trends.
Location: Bakery, Confectionery, Snacks & Sweets Pavilion Pop Up: Fancy a Bite?
3 - 4 p.m.
Sip and Savor: Fruity and Effervescent Cocktails
Join us as our expert drinkologist takes you on a journey through a refreshing blend of fresh juices and a crisp fusion of sweet flavors.
Speaker: Derek Crow, Brezza and Iconic Beverage Concepts LLC
Location: Beverage Pavilion Pop Up: Flights of Fancy
3:30 - 4 p.m.
SFA Open Mic
Location: Big Idea Stage
4-5:30 p.m.
Fancy Face-Off
Exhibitors will pitch their new products to a live audience and expert judges for a chance to win a grand prize.
Location: Atrium
6:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Exclusive Downtown Lip Smacking Foodie Tour
Location: Downtown Las Vegas
9 - 11 p.m.
Official Networking Event
Join fellow industry professionals for a unique networking experience during the Winter Fancy Food Show After Dark.
Location: Gatsby's Cocktail Lounge in Resorts
10:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Nightclub After Dark
Upgrade your nightlife experience with expedited "guest list" access to one of the most exclusive and exciting nightclubs in Las Vegas
Location: Jewel Nightclub at Aria Resort & Casino
Related: On the Radar at the Winter Fancy Food Show: Elevated Convenience, Crunchy Snacks, Global Flavors; Winter Fancy Food Show Gets Underway Today.