Food solutions expo FAQs
Food Solutions Expo FAQs
Registration
Who is invited to the Food Solutions Expo?
Customers, suppliers and company team members from across the country are invited to join us for the 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. Any individuals under the age of 18 will not be granted access to the show floor or any Expo programming and events.
How do I register?
If you are a 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, the company 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, the company 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 2026 Food Solutions Expo officially kicks off at 9 a.m. EST on Wednesday, July 22.
Will there be any awards or giveaways?
We are excited to recognize our top customers and vendors at the fourth annual customer Vision Awards and vendor Impact Awards.
How do I receive event communications for the Food Solutions Expo?
If you need to be added to the communication list for the event, please reach out to your category manager or account sales manager, or email [email protected].
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 current independent 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 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?
What happens with leftover product from the show?
Participating suppliers are encouraged to join us in donating all leftover product to our partner, Convoy of Hope, to be used in disaster relief efforts. All floral arrangements are donated to the St. Mary’s Foundation.
Show floor
What are the hours of the show?
The GM/HBC preview will be open on Wednesday, July 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The full Expo show floor will be open on Wednesday, July 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Thursday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Are bags allowed on the show floor?
No. We encourage attendees to sample items on the show floor, but we do not permit bags on the show floor and therefore do not allow samples to be taken from the show floor as leftover product is donated to our partner, Convoy of Hope, to be used in disaster relief efforts.
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?
We are proud to partner with Convoy of Hope and donate all leftover product after Food Solutions Expo to be used in disaster relief efforts. Therefore, we do not permit company team members and vendors to take samples from the show floor and ask customers to take only what is needed for business purposes.
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. Customers will also be able to place orders through the official Perenso mobile app.
Can I see which vendors will have booths prior to the event?
Yes, a list of all vendor booths will be available on the Expo Exhibitors page prior to the event. 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 customer and need to be set up to order in the Expo Order Portal, please contact your account sales manager and email [email protected].
Venue and travel
What is the address for the DeVos Place?
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 21.
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 Expo registration booth or your 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 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.