The Show Must Go On!

After a COVID-induced hiatus, International Pizza Expo makes its triumphant return to the Las Vegas Convention Center this month. The pizza industry’s largest and most important annual event last staged in March of 2019, and the long interim since has been nerve-wrecking for some. But, at long last, the wait is over. Pizza Expo officially returns August 17-19, 2021.

“The word ‘excitement’ doesn’t capture the emotions we’re feeling as we lead up to Pizza Expo 2021,” says Jeremy White, Content Director for the show and Pizza Today magazine. “Euphoric is more like it. This event is shaping up to be really well attended and is full of competitions, educational sessions and social functions, as always. Not to mention the show floor being stocked with exhibiting companies! The pandemic certainly made things tough since the last Pizza Expo took place, but we’re looking ahead to better days and can’t wait to see the Las Vegas Convention Center rocking once again with the pizza industry’s most important and influential event in full swing.”

According to Show Director Bill Oakley, “Attendees are truly eager and motivated to get into discussions about new products, emerging trends and what’s working for their pizzerias, as well as today’s hot button issues.”

Many of those issues will be addressed in Pizza Expo’s comprehensive educational program. As always, this installment of Pizza Expo features a diverse array of speakers and topics.

“We’ve designed a program full of expert speakers, demonstrators and panelists,” says White. “This lineup consists primarily of in-the-trenches pizzeria owners, because we know our attendees respect and enjoy hearing from their peers. The topics addressed by speakers this year will range from financial concerns to marketing to employee retention — and nearly everything in between. Of course, a number of our sessions will address concerns related to the pandemic and how the industry moves on from it.”

For those who love to compete, Pizza Expo 2021 will feature a brand-new competitive category — the International Italian Sandwich Championship. This event, involving 30 competitors, will showcase both hot and cold sandwiches consisting of any combination of Italian ingredients, sauces and toppings on any type of bread, roll or bun.

“This is a new twist we’ve added to the competitive slate this year,” says Oakley. “Sandwiches are hugely popular in many pizzerias, and we felt like it was time to shine a light on them and give them a place in the competitive spotlight.”

For a look at the other competitions, a full glance at the educational roster and a detailed breakdown of the show schedule, including hotel and registration information, visit PizzaExpo.com.