The inaugural Food Truck Owners Expo concluded in Houston, Texas, 30 July. More than 400 food truck and mobile food unit industry members gathered over two days together with 36 exhibiting companies. Organisers said attendees came from more than 25 US states and three other countries.
Cassandra Stock, the show manager of Food Truck Owners Expo told EW: “We are pleased with the outcomes from our inaugural event. The event saw packed education rooms, a bustling show floor and exciting connections being made. The mobile food unit industry was in need of in-person connection and we are delighted to help facilitate.” Stock said she expected the show to grow nationwide.
The expo included educational workshops where valuable concepts and tactics were presented for delegates to take back to their businesses. Popular sessions were led by Bill Moore of the Food Truck Training Group and the National Street Food Vendors Association, and Misti Buard of Brand Appetit (past winner of Great Food Truck Race). Other sessions focused on outfitting the truck or trailer and safety tips.
Four local health departments in Houston came to outline useful information for navigating multiple jurisdictions in the region.
The expo hall also opened to shoppers looking for items to enhance their operations. Seventy vendor suppliers to the mobile food sector showcased their offerings.
The expo saw the debut of the National Street Food Vendors Association (NSFVA) and introduced some key initiatives designed to unite the industry to authenticate events and organisers, reward excellence, promote suppliers adhering to top standards, and support individual journeys.
The next Food Truck Owners Expo will be held 12-13 November, 2024, in Orlando at the Osceola Heritage Park. Check out www.FTOExpo.com
