The 2027 edition of EATS – The Equipment, Automation & Technology Show for Food & Beverage – will be held from October 26 to 28, 2027, at McCormick Place, West Hall in Chicago, Illinois, USA. As one of North America’s premier convention centers, McCormick Place provides world-class facilities, including expansive exhibition areas and advanced infrastructure for large-scale trade events.
The venue’s layout is perfectly suited for live equipment demonstrations, networking sessions, and educational programs, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and collaboration. Chicago’s central location and strong industrial base make it the ideal host city for this global event, connecting food and beverage manufacturers, technology providers, and industry innovators from around the world.
EATS 2027 is North America’s only all-inclusive show that brings together the entire food and beverage production industry. Organized by the Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) in collaboration with Messe Frankfurt, the event focuses on state-of-the-art solutions in processing, automation, packaging, and digital transformation. It serves as a hub for manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, and industry experts to explore the technologies shaping the future of food and beverage manufacturing.
Purpose and Focus
EATS unites every link in the food production chain—from ingredient preparation and equipment manufacturing to automation and packaging technology. The event promotes innovation, efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence, offering professionals a comprehensive platform to experience the latest advancements driving the modern food industry.
What to Expect
EATS 2027 will feature a vibrant exhibit floor with global companies showcasing their latest technologies and running live production lines. Visitors can witness real-time demonstrations of food processing and packaging machinery, automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing tools. The show emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing attendees to evaluate performance, integration, and productivity firsthand.
Industry Sectors Represented
The show covers eight key sectors of the food and beverage industry:
- Proteins
- Beverages
- Bakery
- Dairy
- Confectionery
- Prepared Foods
- Pet and Animal Nutrition
- Cannabis (depending on regulations)
This cross-sector representation encourages collaboration and idea-sharing across different segments of the food and beverage value chain.
Education and Special Features
EATS 2027 includes an extensive educational program featuring technical sessions, expert presentations, and trend-focused discussions. Key highlights include:
- Food for Thought Theater and Sector Stages with presentations on automation, digital transformation, and sustainability.
- EATS Kitchen, an interactive culinary-to-production space showcasing product innovation.
- Student Research Poster Program connecting academia and industry.
- Women’s Breakfast & Red Circle Honors recognizing female leadership in the food industry.
Who Attends and Exhibits
The event attracts professionals from all areas of food and beverage manufacturing—plant operators, engineers, technologists, R&D teams, and executives. Exhibitors include machinery manufacturers, robotics and automation specialists, packaging companies, software developers, and processing solution providers.
Key Benefits
EATS 2027 provides a unique opportunity to:
- Experience live, working production lines and automation systems.
- Learn from industry leaders and technical experts.
- Network with global manufacturers, suppliers, and decision-makers.
- Explore cross-sector innovation and sustainability-driven solutions.
- Discover new products, equipment, and technologies ready for immediate application
Why Chicago and McCormick Place
Chicago is known as a hub for food manufacturing and innovation, making it a natural location for EATS. McCormick Place’s world-class facilities, accessibility, and accommodation options ensure a seamless experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. The venue’s West Hall layout is designed to accommodate large-scale machinery, interactive demos, and educational sessions, making it ideal for a technology-driven event like EATS.
The 2027 Experience
EATS 2027 will elevate the trade show experience with expanded demonstration areas, integrated automation showcases, and new networking features. The event will spotlight smart manufacturing, sustainable production, and advanced robotics, providing attendees with the tools and insights needed to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving food and beverage landscape.
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The Equipment, Automation and Technology Show for Food & Beverage (EATS) - 2025 Highlights
