Looking for the fastest way to drive manufacturer growth in today’s competitive foodservice market?
For foodservice manufacturers and suppliers, growth isn’t just about producing great products; it’s about getting them in front of the right operators, at the right time, with the right data to back up your value.
That’s exactly the kind of environment the Buyers Edge Platform Summit delivers.
Every year, the Buyers Edge Platform Summit brings together leading operators, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry experts for three days of networking, collaboration, and forward-thinking conversations about the future of foodservice. But for manufacturers, the Summit is more than a calendar date; it’s a unique opportunity to meet highly qualified buyers and decision-makers, showcase innovations, and build relationships that lead to measurable business growth.
Here’s why attending the Summit, sponsoring our events, and partnering with Buyers Edge Platform can be a game-changer for your brand.
The Summit Stands Apart
The Buyers Edge Platform Summit isn’t just another industry gathering; it’s a focused environment where the quality of conversations outweighs the quantity of contacts. Attendees repeatedly highlight that the “speed dating” style of connections makes this event unique, allowing suppliers to meet multiple highly engaged accounts in a condensed period of time.
Manufacturers also value having the freedom to present the products of their choice. They can choose what items they want operators to see, whether that’s their hero SKU, a new launch, or trending innovation. This means more authentic conversations and a truer representation of each supplier’s portfolio.
In the words of one supplier, the Summit brings all the right people into one room—saving time and effort compared to attending multiple scattered events. Tyson Foods noted that the event helps them connect with accounts that are already interested in their products, making every conversation more meaningful.
Face-to-Face Access to Decision-Makers
In today’s fast-moving market, inboxes are crowded and attention spans are short. The Buyers Edge Platform Summit solves that challenge by creating a space where manufacturers and operators can meet face-to-face, away from the noise of day-to-day business.
The event attracts multi-unit restaurant groups, hospitality brands, independent operators, senior living facilities, and more — all with a shared goal: to discover products and solutions that will improve their operations and profitability.
For manufacturers, this means you’re not just cold-calling or hoping an email gets opened. You’re having real conversations with decision-makers who are ready to explore new partnerships and products.
The Innovation Forum: Your Spotlight Moment
One of the most anticipated features of the Buyers Edge Platform Summit is the Innovation Forum. This is where manufacturers and suppliers set up booths to showcase new products, menu-ready ingredients, and operational solutions directly to operators who are actively looking for their next big idea.
For many attendees, the Innovation Forum is the heart of the Summit. It’s where operators can taste, touch, and experience your products firsthand, an opportunity that simply can’t be replicated through a catalog or a digital ad.
This year, the Forum also proved to be a valuable way for suppliers to connect with clients they don’t normally interact with, while sparking conversations around what’s next in foodservice innovation. Many manufacturers use this time to introduce innovation and product launches, making it a prime space to demonstrate how their solutions can help concepts stay ahead of trends and meet customer demands.
High-Value 1-on-1 Meetings
Beyond the busy show floor, the Summit also provides guaranteed, curated 1-on-1 meetings between operators and suppliers. These sessions are intentionally designed to be opportunity-driven and backed by data, ensuring that every conversation has real potential for growth.
Instead of waiting and hoping the right contact happens to pass by your booth, you’ll sit down with decision-makers who are already aligned with your category or actively seeking solutions like yours. This makes the time spent together more meaningful and productive.
Suppliers often walk away from these meetings with deals in progress, pilots scheduled, or clear next steps. In some cases, these sessions even turn a “no” into a “maybe” or a “yes” — thanks to the openness that comes from structured, face-to-face interaction with the right partner at the right moment.
Highlights from the Floor
For many manufacturers, the true value of the Summit lies in the moments that happen in between scheduled meetings — the spontaneous product feedback session, the unexpected reconnection with a former contact, or a conversation that opens a door for future collaboration.
One supplier shared that a highlight for them was reconnecting with a client who historically has not needed their product. Although a sale might not be on the table today, they have come to highly value the relationship and still recognize that “opportunity can happen any time.” Others recalled how networking in-person sparked discussions that would have been impossible over email.
Trends That Caught Operators’ Attention
The Summit floor also served as a snapshot of what’s driving operator interest right now. At this year’s Summit in Las Vegas, two trends in particular stood out:
- Global Flavors – Indian-inspired seasonings, Mexican and Latin flavors, pickled profiles, and hot honey emerged as some of the most buzzed-about flavor directions.
- Better for You, Better for the Earth – Sustainability-forward offerings like Vital Farms’ “No B.S. in our eggs” and products from Pitaya Foods and Tractor drew attention from operators seeking both consumer appeal and environmental responsibility.
These trends didn’t just drive interest; they opened the door for richer conversations around menu innovation, sourcing transparency, and brand values.
Opportunities To Amplify Your Brand
Sponsoring the Buyers Edge Platform Summit isn’t just about getting your logo on a banner — it’s about aligning your brand with one of the most influential gatherings in the foodservice industry.
With three days dedicated to networking and collaborating with clients across multiple segments, the Summit also provides a great opportunity for manufacturers to maximize their exposure and have attendees interact directly with their brand.
From premium placement in the Innovation Forum, to custom food and drink showcases, and even branded networking and event opportunities, manufacturers can take advantage of this event to provide additional visibility throughout the week. It’s a direct way to signal to operators that your brand is committed to innovation, partnership, and supporting the industry’s growth.
Year-Round Value: Partnering with Buyers Edge Platform
The Summit is just the beginning. By partnering with Buyers Edge Platform, you’re tapping into the largest network of foodservice procurement and supply chain solutions in the country, with 15+ brands serving every corner of the industry.
As a manufacturer partner, you gain:
- Access to Data-Driven Insights: Get a clear picture of operator buying patterns, category movement, and market opportunities.
- Expanded Reach: Get in touch with operators in a wider range of industries, such as independent restaurants, multi-unit chains, hospitality, senior living, human services, education, and more.
- Rebate and Incentive Programs: Use structured programs that reward operators for making purchases and help you gain market share.
- Brand Amplification: Your products are advertised through targeted marketing, category campaigns, and industry events like the Summit.
- Strategic Alignment: Work with category experts who know how to connect you with the right operators for your product mix.
When you combine the in-person power of the Summit with the ongoing reach of Buyers Edge Platform’s network, you create a growth engine that extends well beyond two days in the conference hall.
Why Manufacturers Keep Coming Back
Manufacturers who attend the Buyers Edge Platform Summit year after year do so because the ROI is clear:
- Direct connections with qualified buyers
- Opportunities to influence purchasing decisions in real time
- Increased visibility among a wide range of operator segments
- Valuable market intelligence gathered from conversations with operators and industry peers
It’s not uncommon for suppliers to leave the Summit with new customers, expanded distribution, and partnerships that continue to grow for years.
How to Get Involved with the Buyers Edge Platform Summit
If you’re a manufacturer or supplier in the foodservice industry, there are three key ways to make the most of the Buyers Edge Platform Summit:
- Attend – Join the event to meet operators, explore opportunities, and build relationships.
- Maximize your presence – Elevate your brand presence with premium visibility throughout the event.
- Participate in the Innovation Forum and 1-on-1 Meetings – Showcase your products in a high-traffic setting and secure dedicated time with decision-makers.
When paired with an ongoing partnership with Buyers Edge Platform, these touchpoints create a powerful, multi-channel approach to growing your presence in the industry
For manufacturers, the Buyers Edge Platform Summit isn’t just another event; it’s a launchpad for stronger relationships, faster deals, and more strategic growth. It’s your chance to get in front of the right operators, in the right environment, with the right tools to move business forward.
Ready to connect, collaborate, and grow? Click here to reach out to our team today to learn how you can attend, sponsor, or partner with Buyers Edge Platform for the next Summit and beyond.