EATS – The Equipment, Automation and Technology Show for Food & Beverage is North America’s premier trade show, exclusively dedicated to the food and beverage production industry. It stands out from traditional conferences by bringing together the full spectrum of industry professionals, suppliers, and innovators under one roof.
The event offers an unparalleled platform to explore cutting-edge equipment, automation, and technology solutions. As the evolution of its predecessor, Process Expo, EATS is designed to address the rapidly changing demands and emerging opportunities across the sector.
The show will take place from October 28 to 30, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, providing a world-class venue for live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and valuable networking with industry leaders from around the globe.
Industry Sectors United
EATS brings together eight essential sectors of food and beverage production under one roof:
- Proteins
- Beverage
- Bakery
- Prepared Foods
- Confectionery
- Dairy
- Pet Food
- Cannabis
Who Should Attend
Attendees include CEOs, plant managers, engineers, QA specialists, R&D leaders, and operations colleagues—from small artisanal operations to large-scale production facilities. It’s a platform offering the full spectrum of equipment, automation, and technology solutions that power modern food and beverage manufacturing.
What to Expect
- Interactive Experiences & Demonstrations: Dive into hands-on technology demonstrations and interactive exhibits, including an all-new “EATS Kitchen” where celebrated chefs demonstrate live how recipes scale from concept to packaged product.
- Live Production Lines: Watch state-of-the-art, real-time production lines produce sliced pepperoni, baked turnovers, and fresh pet food—showcasing seamless OEM collaboration in a live setting.
- Educational Sessions On the Show Floor: Gain insights from expert-led sessions via the Food for Thought track and Sector Stages, covering critical topics such as AI in food manufacturing, sustainable packaging, automation in protein processing, and plant-based innovations.
Innovation & Recognition
EATS features the Innovation Awards, spotlighting game-changing technologies shaping the industry’s future. Additionally, the Start-Up Pavilion offers a dedicated space for emerging innovators in food and beverage tech, safety, and sustainability.
Strategic Partnerships
With support from drinktec (enhancing beverage and liquid food segments) and IFFA (bringing meat and protein processing expertise), EATS extends its global reach and breadth of expertise—empowering attendees with world-class solutions and insights.
Why It Stands Out
EATS transcends a traditional trade show by offering immersive, cross-industry networking and cutting-edge learning opportunities—delivered directly on the show floor. It’s designed to help professionals make measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and innovation.