Successful launch of PizzaCon, a new event model by Pizza Expo and Pizza Today

The first-ever PizzaCon in Philadelphia on November 7 proved to be a little bit rock and roll and all about pizza. Pizzeria operators took to The Fillmore, a legendary venue for entertainers from The Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix to Led Zeppelin and The Doors, for a one-day immersive experience.

The team at Pizza Expo and Pizza Today staged an engaging event that stepped away from the traditional trade show format. “Based on the comments that I have received to date and the social media reaction, PizzaCon 24 was a “great launch” of a new event model for the pizza industry at the Fillmore Philadelphia,” says Group Show Director Bill Oakley.”

The event was kicked off by a joint keynote address from two of the GOATS of the pizza industry, Tony Gemignani and John Arena, reflecting on their backgrounds and the growth and evolution in the pizza business.

Innovative Product Activation Stations Debuted at PizzaCon

The day was filled with interactions with unique product and services activations. Attendees lined up to get their caricature on pizza boxes, test drive autonomous food delivery carts, sample products and sat for interviews as podcast guests.

“This new event model had interactive elements that had never been seen before at one of our shows, including a concert hall for a venue, unique floor plan and booth designs, not to mention compelling interactive exhibitor demonstrations, all while fostering strong industry connections and leaving attendees excited about future iterations; essentially, making a memorable first impression with a very well-planned and executed event that captured the attention of pizzeria owners and operators located throughout the Northeast and establishes PizzaCon as a valuable industry platform as we look towards the future,” Oakley continued.

Content Director Jeremy White concurs. “PizzaCon was a one-of-a-kind event that truly exceeded my expectations. Having the conference in a renowned and historic venue such as The Fillmore completely differentiated PizzaCon from Pizza Expo,” he says. “The setting provided for intimate business conversations to take place between pizzeria peers and suppliers/exhibitors alike. The Activation Stations sprinkled throughout the venue provided real value to the attendees in a “non-salesy” way that resonated with the audiences.”

Learning Ushered in a New Vibe at PizzaCon

Photo by Pizza Today

Attendees soaked in a top-notch education program in the Foundry, a second-floor club that the team turned into a lounge setting. Participants relaxed on the comfy couches and high-top tables and chairs while taking in informative education sessions, from “Marketing in Today’s Environment” and “Growing Revenue Through Catering” to “Dough Styles” and “Building Your Playbook” taught by some of the industry’s thought leaders.

“The Foundry could not have been more different than your typical tradeshow seminar room,” White says. “It felt like you were sitting in your living room or at a bar and having a conversation with an expert who could directly impact your business and help you strategize for growth and success. While the information itself was on par with what you get from a seminar at Pizza Expo, the setting was just so unique and led to a laid-back, conversational vibe.”

The education schedule continued throughout the day in The Foundry, as well as exhibitor presentations on the Music Hall’s main stage. “The educational program was small but mighty,” White says. “With only one room available and it being a one-day event, we really had to work hard to distill meaningful information into only a handful of sessions. Our speakers did a fantastic job and the room was packed all day long!”

The event culminated with a Happy Hour pizza party with the World Pizza Champions, followed by an exclusive guided bus tour of Philadelphia’s most significant pizzerias with Scott Wiener and Scott’s Pizza Tours.

Thank you to PizzaCon sponsors and attendees for making this new event such a success. That’s a wrap on PizzaCon 2024! Philly brought the energy, passion and pizza love. From unforgettable keynotes and sessions to amazing flavors—what an experience!