Food solutions expo FAQs
Food Solutions Expo FAQs
Registration
Who is invited to the SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo?
All SpartanNash customers and suppliers are invited to join us for the SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo.
Is there a minimum age requirement for attendees?
Attendees must be at least 18 years of age to attend the Food Solutions Expo.
How do I register?
If you are a SpartanNash customer or supplier, you can register under the Registration tab, or contact your account sales manager or category manager for more details on how to register.
What is the cost to attend?
For our independent customers, SpartanNash will arrange and cover the cost of flights, hotel accommodations, all meals during the Expo, and entertainment. For our customers driving to/from Grand Rapids, we will reimburse mileage.
For our suppliers, as part of booth registration, SpartanNash will provide two tickets for Wednesday lunch and dinner for each booth registered. Additional attendee meals will be billed back to the supplier. The cost of travel and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the supplier.
When does the Food Solutions Expo begin?
This year, the 2025 Food Solutions Expo officially kicks off at 8 a.m. EST on Wednesday, July 30.
What does SpartanNash do with leftover product from the show?
SpartanNash suppliers are encouraged to join us in donating all leftover product to Feeding America of West Michigan. All floral arrangements are donated to the West Michigan Veterans Home.
Will there be any awards or giveaways?
We are excited to recognize our top customers and vendors at the third annual customer Vision Awards and vendor Impact Awards during lunch on Wednesday, July 30.
How do I get event communications for the Food Solutions Expo?
If you need to be added to the communication list for the event, please use the form on the Contact page or contact your account sales manager or category manager.
Do I have to be a SpartanNash customer to attend the Food Solutions Expo?
Yes, the Food Solutions Expo is open to our current SpartanNash customers.
Is there a limit to how many people I can register?
Each customer will submit one registration per company; at the end of the first entry, you will be prompted to add additional attendees before submitting your form. Please note: This event is an opportunity for strategic buying and networking opportunities, and we encourage you to register only attendees prepared to invest their time in all we have to offer.
When will I receive my hotel confirmation?
All SpartanNash customers will receive their hotel confirmations in July. If you have questions regarding your hotel accommodations, please email [email protected].
How do I update my registration?
If you would like to update your registration, please email [email protected].
Show floor
What are the hours of the show?
The GM/HBC preview will be open on Wednesday, July 30 from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The full Expo show floor will be open on Wednesday, July 30, from 2-6 p.m. and on Thursday, July 31 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
When can vendors begin setting up their booths?
Please review the Supplier Guide for all vendor booth instructions and timelines.
How many samples can I take from the show floor?
SpartanNash is proud to donate leftover product after each Food Solutions Expo, therefore, we do not permit SpartanNash Associates and vendors to take samples from the show floor, and ask customers to take only what is needed for business purposes.
Will there be an opportunity for show-only deals?
Yes! Customers can take advantage of OwnBrands deals exclusive to the show. You will also have an opportunity to work with key vendors on exclusive savings for purchases made at the booth.
How do I place orders at the show?
Product ordering will be available at designated ordering areas and at each vendor booth on the show floor.
Can I see which vendors will have booths prior to the event?
Yes, the Expo Order Portal will be open July 9-Aug. 7 and all attending vendors will have products available to view. More information will be provided as the event approaches.
I’m not attending in person – how do I get added to the Expo Order Portal to place orders virtually?
If you are a SpartanNash customer and need to be set up to order in the Online Order Portal, please contact your account sales manager and email [email protected].
Education
Where can I find information about the speakers and educational sessions?
You can view the show agenda on the Expo Schedule page. More details will be shared with registered attendees closer to the event.
What are the Retail Share Groups?
Retail Share Groups are panel-style, dynamic discussion by independent customers for independent customers. These featured events draw from top-of-mind topics for the industry, and embrace the spirit of proven tactics, lessons learned, and operational excellence that retailers can bring back to their stores.
I want to be a speaker! How can I be included in your program?
Please email [email protected] for all inquiries.
Will sessions be available after the show?
The educational sessions are a perk for attending customers and will not be recorded.
Venue and travel
What is the address for the DeVos Place?
DeVos Place Convention Center
Where should I park if I am driving to the event?
If you are driving to the DeVos Place and are not staying overnight, we recommend parking at either the DeVos Place Ramp or Government Center Ramp.
- DeVos Place Ramp
238 Michigan St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 - Government Center Parking Ramp
300 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
When should I arrive in Grand Rapids?
All SpartanNash customers should plan to arrive in Grand Rapids, Mich. anytime on Tuesday, July 29.
How do I get to the Expo?
For customers: SpartanNash will cover all ground transportation, including transportation to and from the airport, etc. You will receive additional details about ground transportation in Grand Rapids as the event approaches.
How do I make a hotel reservation?
For customers: There is no need to book any flights or hotel rooms yourself! Hotel and airline accommodations will be booked on your behalf through the registration process.
For vendors, attendees are required to coordinate their own hotel accommodations.
Where can I find my Know Before You Go guide?
The Know Before You Go guide will be sent to you in July. Please email [email protected] or contact your account sales manager or category manager if you cannot locate the information.
How do I get my attendee badge?
You will pick up your attendee badge when you check in at the registration booth at DeVos Place. Please note: Your badge is considered your ticket to the Expo, and you are required to wear it at all times during the Food Solutions Expo. If you are not wearing your badge, you will not be granted access to the Expo floor or any scheduled events.
Where do I go for medical services?
If you need non-emergent medical services for any non-emergent issues or illness, please check in at the registration counter or hotel front desk.
What attire is recommended for different events?
Breakfast, Expo Show Floor, Education and Awards Lunch: Attire for these Expo events is business casual.
Dinner and Casino Night on Wednesday evening: Attire for Wednesday evening is casual.
All attendees will receive Know Before You Go information containing everything else you need to know before Expo week.
Exhibiting and sponsorship
How can a SpartanNash supplier get more exposure at the show?
The Food Solutions Expo offers unique display opportunities for items featuring the best deals and items forecasted to be trending in the coming months. Please contact your category manager to discuss showcase opportunities and more.