The 2026 NICA Business Expo and Fare Foods Food Show will take place February 9–11, 2026, at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The annual event brings together commercial exhibitors, concessionaires, fair managers, and industry stakeholders for education, discussion, and networking ahead of the upcoming fair season.

The Business Expo will feature a series of educational sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and roundtables focused on current challenges facing the industry. Topics will include business structure and compliance, the use of emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, pricing strategies, labor concerns, marketing collaboration, and long term profitability. The program opens with a keynote presentation, “Corporation and LLC Secret Strategies for Success,” presented by Michael Wedaa of Augmentus.

Throughout the event, attendees will participate in structured discussions addressing inflation, fees, staffing, operational efficiency, and evolving consumer expectations. Sessions will also examine how concessionaires and fairs can improve visibility with both event organizers and guests, respond to changing food preferences, and better understand the broader economic impact of fairs across the country. The schedule includes the return of the “Chat and Chew” roundtable lunch, which offers small group, peer driven conversations on topics such as guest experience, payment methods, line management, theft prevention, and pricing.

Scheduled speakers include leaders and operators from across the fair and concessions industry, representing state fairs, independent concession businesses, supplier organizations, and trade associations. Presenters will share practical insights drawn from their operational and management experience.

The Fare Foods Food Show will run alongside the Business Expo and will feature exhibitors presenting new products, equipment, technology, and food concepts relevant to the 2026 fair season. The Food Show provides opportunities for attendees to review emerging trends, speak directly with suppliers, and evaluate products in a centralized setting. Networking events and scheduled activities will take place throughout the Food Show, including a charity cornhole tournament benefiting NICA Foundation scholarships.

On Wednesday evening, NICA will host its Annual General Membership Meeting. The meeting will include a review of the organization's activities, installation of the 2026 Board of Directors, presentation of Certified Concessionaire Executive recipients, and updates from benefit partners and affiliated organizations. The event will conclude with the “Making Connections” Annual Dinner and Gala, which will recognize the 2025 Hall of Fame recipient and highlight the work of the NICA Foundation.