Elevating the Attendee and Exhibitor Experience at The NAFEM Show

The NAFEM Show 2025 drew record attendee satisfaction scores and strengthened connections across the foodservice industry. Produced by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), the biennial show brings together the global foodservice equipment and supplies industry to share ideas, showcase new products and build connections. This year, The NAFEM Show welcomed professionals to Atlanta for a high-energy event featuring 633 exhibiting companies across 325,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

When planning its 2025 show, NAFEM wanted to create an onsite experience that built on past successes, embraced innovation and delivered measurable value for attendees and exhibitors. The goal: design a seamless, branded journey that enhanced navigation, encouraged engagement and reflected the show’s “Find Your Wow” theme.

NAFEM infused the show’s brand into every touchpoint, from arrival to the show floor.

At the Georgia World Congress Center, bold signage and wayfinding technology guided attendees effortlessly through registration and exhibit areas. They streamlined check-in by offering satellite badge pick-up locations at the airport and nearby hotels. More than a quarter of attendees used these locations, reducing congestion in the convention center.

On the show floor, photo-worthy lounges and interactive activations encouraged networking and social media sharing. The “WHAT’S HOT! WHAT’S COOL!” new product gallery showcased industry innovations and offered guided tours that connected attendees directly with exhibitors. Engaging features such as education sessions, the U.S. Culinary Open and vibrant networking events, including a carnival-themed kickoff and The NAFEM Party at Mercedez-Benz Stadium featuring OneRepublic, kept energy and engagement high throughout the event.

• Higher attendee satisfaction. The NAFEM Show achieved an 87% overall value rating and a +79 Net Promoter Score (NPS), a 14-point increase from the previous show cycle, reflecting strong engagement and satisfaction across all audiences.
• Strong loyalty and participation. Nearly nine in ten attendees consider The NAFEM Show a “must attend” event, and 82% plan to return, spending an average of 14 hours on the show floor.

The 2025 event reinforced The NAFEM Show’s position as the definitive gathering for foodservice equipment and supplies professionals, combining measurable impact with memorable experiences that inspire continued participation.

“It is the Super Bowl of equipment manufacturing. Anyone and everyone is at the show.”

-The NAFEM Show Attendee

NAFEM has long contracted with Smithbucklin to manage the logistics that bring The NAFEM Show, its flagship event, to life.