Get the hottest news about Pizza Expo 2026, the world’s largest pizza show for pizzeria owners, operators and the pizza industry
Stay up to date about Pizza Expo 2026 by following Pizza Today’s news hub for the event of the year. This is the place to learn about speakers, demos, competitions, networking, exhibits and more. Come March, we’ll bring you live coverage from the Las Vegas Convention Center with updates, competition results and more.
Bookmark this page to stay connected to all things Pizza Expo. We’ll see you in Las Vegas on March 24-26, 2026!
If you would like to review all Pizza Expo 2025 news, visit Pizza Expo 2025: Latest News from the World’s Largest Pizza Show hub page.
See you at Pizza Expo 2027 on April 13-15 | Save the Date!
Pizza Expo shifts to April for 43rd installment of International Pizza Expo | April 13-15, 2027. Save the dates for International Pizza Expo 2027 happening April 13-15, 2027. With this year’s spectacular show concluded, we are already eagerly anticipating Pizza Expo 2027.
When is Pizza Expo 2027?
Pizza Expo will be at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 13-15, 2027. Mark the dates on your calendar now! Be sure to arrive early as our education program of paid workshops and early arriving attendee sessions typically start Sunday and Monday with the Exhibit Hall opening on Tuesday.
Seasonal Pizzas so Nice, We Covered Them Twice!
The staffers at Pizza Today are big fans of Chris Decker. We’ve given him a monthly column, after all, to share his most eye-catching kitchen creations. So when Decker took the stage during Pizza Expo to discuss creating seasonal menus, one story about his educational seminar was simply not enough. Instead, we’ve broken his presentation into two features:
Drive Business With Pizzeria Kitchen Creativity: The first installment in this two-part series uncovers secrets to driving sales, such as creating a tantalizing cloud of singed rosemary while delivering a pizza to a dining table.
Seasonal Pizzeria Menus Reimagined: The next story shares how Decker uses pizza to tell stories, such as the pizza (pictured) that he made after asking the audience about ingredients that remind them of the spring season.
Get notified about Pizza Expo Columbus by signing up here.
Official Results of IPC Announced
Master Pizza has provided Pizza Today with official results from the International Pizza Challenge held March 24-26, 2026, at Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. See who won in every division and region here!
Mirko D’Agata receives his prize as 2026 Pizza Maker of the Year.
International Pizza Challenge Crowns Winners
Pizza Maker of the Year and Best of the Best have been crowned. But in order to find out who made the cut this year at the International Pizza Challenge, you’ll have to visit our daily results page.
Watch for features about the winners and their award-worthy creations next week on PizzaToday.com!
World Pizza Games Winners Revealed!
Dough stretching, dough tossing, box folding, OH MY!
After two days of physical feats, winners have emerged in the 2026 World Pizza Games! Find out who came out on top in the Acrobatic Dough Tossing, Largest Dough, Fastest Dough, Pizza Box Folding and Pizza Triathlon events.
Find everything you need to know here.
IPC Results Updated With Wednesday Scores
Winners in the Bacio Legacy and Daiya Dairy-Free divisions have been announced!
Finalists in the Italian Sandwich, Traditional, Non-Traditional, Neapolitan, Italian Classica, Pan and World’s Best Cheese Slice divisions will compete in the finals Thursday during the International Pizza Challenge.
Find out how you scored on our daily results page for the International Pizza Challenge and Italian Sandwich Challenge.
Mattenga’s Pizzeria Owners Share Playbook
Hengam and Matthew Stanfield got down to business Wednesday sharing their story of purchasing a failed pizzeria and turning it into a seven-unit powerhouse in San Antonio, Texas. The owners of the expanding pizza company shared their growth strategy for becoming a national model for independent pizzerias during the second keynote address during Pizza Expo 2026.
Tolu Wins Dough Acrobat Masters Division!
After a fiery start, Francis Tolu took home first place at the World Pizza Games Finals & Block Party on Wednesday at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Tolu scored the first place berth with a total score of 415.4, besting Jamie Culliton by just 0.5 points.
Find out how the seven winners of the 1st Division Acrobatic Dough event scored Wednesday night during the Masters-level competition.
Casey Cole competes during the Acrobatic Dough Tossing event at the World Pizza Games.
Casey Cole Advances to Acrobatic Dough Tossing Masters Division
Competing against finalists Jostin Barber and George Nazir, Casey Cole took first place at the Acrobatic Dough finals during the World Pizza Games on Wednesday, March. 25. Performing in front of attendees during the International Pizza Expo. Cole edged out Barber, who garnered the most points during the 1st division earlier in the day.
Learn more from our coverage of the World Pizza Games!
Wilhelm Rodriguez Takes First Place in Bacio Legacy Division
Wilhelm Rodriguez of Papa’s Pizza in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, wins the Bacio Legacy Division of the International Pizza Challenge with a pizza named after his daughter, Shawnae Rodriguez. The winning pizzaiolo tells Pizza Today that Shawnae initially had the idea for the winning pie, which features a Bacio cheese blend, orange-peach jam, arugula, peppadew peppers and pancetta.
Learn who took second and third place as well as other daily results here.
IPC Results Are In!
Photo by Josh Keown/Pizza Today
Results from the first day of the International Pizza Challenge (IPC) are in! On Tuesday, March 24, challengers competed in preliminary rounds for the International Italian Sandwich Challenge (30 participants) as well as preliminary rounds for the following IPC divisions:
- World’s Best Cheese Slice (110 participants)
- Traditional (110 participants)
- Italian Classica (110 participants)
- Bacio Legacy (50 participants)
To see daily results, click here.
To register for Pizza Expo, home of the International Pizza Challenge, the International Italian Sandwich Challenge, the World Pizza Games and the Gelato Festival World Masters’ Grand Finale, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday at Pizza Expo | Competitions, Demos Highlight the Pizza Expo Exhibit Hall Opening
The 42nd Pizza Expo kicked off with a keynote by Michelin-starred chef Wylie Dufresne, followed by packed educational sessions on topics like pizza crust, menu engineering, and industry trends. Highlights included the exhibit hall’s pizza demos, the International Pizza Challenge, and the debut of Pizza Today Village, concluding with the revamped Beer & Bull networking event.
Wylie Dufresne Keynote Address | The Power of Curiosity
Wylie Dufresne, a James Beard Award-winning, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Stretch Pizza in NYC, inspires the pizza community with creative and curiosity during his Tuesday Keynote Address at Pizza Expo.
Monday at Pizza Expo with Quick Education Takeaways
The show floor is coming together for its 10 a.m. Tuesday opening. Intensive, 4-hour workshops continued in the morning. Other earlier arriving attendees grabbed their badges and hit the seven Monday afternoon sessions developed for pizzeria operators, from prospective and new owners to seasoned pros. A historic 700+ competitors gathered in the International Pizza Challenge area for pre-competition meeting. We finished the day with a New Operator/Early Arriving Attendees Happy Hour.
Gain Insights from Monday Sessions.
International Pizza Challenge Will Be ‘Best of All Time’
More than 700 competitors were welcomed to for “the biggest and best” IPC of all time at the pre-competition meeting, according to Michael LaMarca, owner of Master Pizza. This is the 10th year the Ohio-based company will run the competition.
Sunday at Pizza Expo
Sunday is all about Deep Dive Pizza Business Education as the School of Pizzeria Management Workshops kick off Pizza Expo Week. Early arriving attendee registered and the show floor move-in continues. Catch all the action.
Check out Sunday Pizza Expo Daily.
Get a Pizza Expo Show Floor Game Plan
Use the PizzaExpo app as your guide. We’re here to help you set a game plan!
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Plan Your Pizza Expo Demo Schedule
Some of the most celebrated pizza makers in the world are all gathered in one place during Pizza Expo. If you want to sample their creations and learn how to make them yourself, check out the Pizza Expo demo schedule. The demo setup at Pizza Expo makes it possible to see exactly what top chefs are doing while sitting with your peers.
This year’s demo schedule includes fried pizzas, gelato, pan pizzas, a dough demonstration and more. Learn more about the Pizza Expo demo schedule and Register Now!
What to Pack for Pizza Expo
Are you (and your suitcase) ready? We’ve put together a list of must-have supplies to enjoy the biggest week in pizza.
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How to Meet People at Pizza Expo
Networking and immersing yourself in the pizza community is a big part of Pizza Expo. Don’t be shy. Take every opportunity to meet fellow pizza people. We’re here to help with NETWORKING advice specific to Pizza Expo.
Read 10 Networking Tips for Pizza Expo.
Get Your Questions Answered at Beer & Bull
Beer & Bull has long been a gathering spot for Pizza Expo attendees to meet and talk shop after a full opening day at the show. It’s a place where operators directly meet each other, form lasting friendships and build a networking community.
This year, we’ve reinvigorated Beer & Bull as the ultimate networking event where pizza makers, operators and industry legends come together to talk shop, learn from each other and have a little fun over a cold one.
To get you in the mood to collaborate on the industry’s top problems, we’ve asked Pizza Expo regulars to sound off on topics such as menu engineering, artificial intelligence, marketing and more. Check out their answers here … and register for Pizza Expo today!
Watch the 2026 Pizza Expo Update Show
Senior Creative Director Josh Keown, Pizza Today Editor in Chief Denise Greer and Senior Editor Kate Lavin break down all the details of International Pizza Expo 2026. Get all the tips before you head to the biggest event the pizza business.
Photo courtesy of Gelato Festival World Masters
Gelato Festival World Masters’ Grand Finale is Coming to Pizza Expo
Pizza Expo 2026 will host the Gelato Festival World Masters’ Grand Finale, the first time the prestigious gelato competition will take place in the United States. Hundreds of qualifying gelato competitions over 4 years will culminate for a gelato maker to be crowned world’s Best Gelato Master at Pizza Expo.
Illustration by Katie Wilson
Elevate & Celebrate at Pizza Expo Preview
Senior Editor Kate Lavin shares all the excitement of Pizza Expo 2026 in a Pizza Expo Preview. Pizza Expo will amass more than 500 exhibitors, three juried contests and 80 education demos, seminars and workshops. Check out her must-read feature.
Read Kate’s Pizza Expo Preview feature.
Shhhh! Secret Menu at the Pizza Today Village
Editor In Chief Denise Greer spills the beans about the ALL NEW Pizza Today Village at Pizza Expo, along with other behind-the-scenes Pizza Expo details in her March Commentary.
Download the Pizza Expo 2026 Mobile App
The Pizza Expo 2026 Mobile App is now available for download. This is YOUR show guide to pizza’s main event. This year, the Pizza Expo app is faster and easier to use. Plan your Pizza Expo experience and use the app as your guide at the show.
Arrive Early to Pizza Expo for these Deep-dive Workshops
Arrive early at Pizza Expo 2026 for expert-led, 4-hour, deep-dive workshops on sales, marketing, hiring, AI & more. Here’s snapshot of the School Pizzeria Management workshops happening Sunday and Monday, March 22-23 at Pizza Expo.
Find tip on How to Schedule Your Time at Pizza Expo 2026
When it comes to making the most of your Pizza Expo experience, it’s key to have a schedule. Between back-to-back competitions as well as Demos, Seminars and Workshops at the Las Vegas Convention Center, there is simply too much to do in a short amount of time. Senior Editor Kate Lavin shares tips to help you make the most of your time at the show.
Read Plan Your Schedule for Pizza Expo 2026.
Get a Sneak Peek into Pizza Expo Education Sessions
Leading up to Pizza Expo, we’re providing insights into the pizzeria’s most critical issues straight from the session speaker. Know before you go! Through these primer features, you’ll get a jumpstart when you arrive to the education halls at Pizza Expo. Read full articles on:
What ‘More’ Can Third-party Delivery Do For You? | Michael Androw
Food and Labor Costs 101 | Pizza Expo 2026 Education Exclusive | Nick Bogacz
Common Legal Pitfalls | A Pizza Expo 2026 Education Exclusive | Thomas Reinhard
Popular Italian Classica Division Added to IPC
International Pizza Challenge (IPC) continues to elevate as the premiere pizza competition in the world. This year, the Classica Division has been added to a full slate of six pizza divisions and over 650 competitors at International Pizza Expo. IPC coordinators Jeremy Galvin and Michael LaMarca of Ohio-based Master Pizza give us the scoop on this new division.
Hobart to Give Away Custom Mixer During Pizza Expo
Food equipment manufacturer Hobart will give away a custom-designed Legacy+® HL662 pizza dough mixer (valued at $40,000) during the International Pizza Expo as well as a FP250 continuous-feed food processor valued at $8,000. Attendees can enter to win the commercial kitchen prizes at the Hobart booth on the Pizza Expo show floor starting Tuesday, March 24. One entry is allowed per attendee. A winner will be randomly selected around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
REGISTER TO ATTEND PIZZA EXPO TODAY!!!
5 Things We’re Hyped Up About for Pizza Expo 2026
The holidays are over. For many, January is a time to slow down. Not at Pizza Today and Pizza Expo, we are in a mad dash sprint to International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, March 23-26. As we enter our final stages of prep for the show, I wanted to take a minute and share what I’m excited about right now, leading up to Pizza Expo.
Find out what Pizza Today is hyped for.
Chef Wylie Dufresne to Give Keynote Address at Pizza Expo 2026
Photo courtesy of Chef Wylie Dufresne.
James Beard Award Winner Chef Wylie Dufresne of NYC’s Stretch Pizza to kick off Pizza Expo 2026 with inspiring keynote address Tuesday, March 24 at 8:15 am. Chef Wylie Dufresne is famous for fine dining at wd-50 and Alder, and his popular New York City (NYC) spot Stretch Pizza.
Pizza Expo 2026 Early Bird Rates Have Been Extended
We are extending early bird rates for one week only so you can save $25 off the current price tier. Claim your pass to International Pizza Expo, March 24–26, 2026 and join operators from around the world to learn, source new products, build relationships, and grow your business! Use code: EMRF26FLASH by Wednesday, January 7th at 11:59pm EST to claim this deal!
Think you have what it takes to be an International Pizza Challenge Judge?
As Pizza Expo draws near, International Pizza Challenge organizers are solidify 2026 judges. We are now accepting open applications for judges to serve in 2026 competitions. Your application will be reviewed by IPC judging staff, who will reach out regarding next steps by December 31. IPC will accept 10-15 new judges this year, who will be invited to register for a required online orientation class. Complete the application.
School’s In Session | Pizza Expo Spotlight
Each month Show Director Bill Oakley highlights news and happenings at the upcoming Pizza Expo. This month he focuses on the education program, boasting more than 60 business-boosting seminars, demonstrations and workshops.
Montreal’s Pizzeria No. 900 team mates hoist Mirko D’Agata on their shoulders in celebration of Mirko winning the Pizza Napoletana Division at the International Pizza Challenge during Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Pizzeria No. 900.
Registration Is Now Live for Pizza Expo 2026!
There is only one way to compete in the International Pizza Challenge (IPC), and that is registering for Pizza Expo 2026 and signing up to compete in one of seven categories. But act fast! Two categories already are full!
Besides reserving your spot at IPC, you can save $105 if you register for Pizza Expo before early bird registration expires next month. Registering to attend Pizza Expo gives you access to educational sessions including the keynote address, entry to networking including Beer & Bull – plus admission to the acrobatic industry event of the year: the World Pizza Games Finals & Block Party.
You must be registered for Pizza Expo 2026 to sign up for premium workshops or demos. So what are you waiting for?
