For three days, Dot Foods’ exclusive trade show took over Denver to share industry trends, provide networking opportunities, and showcase products. More business partners took part than ever, with 3,900 attendees, nearly 450 exhibitors, and close to 1,000 customer companies turning out from April 15-17.

 

Innovations is also becoming a launching pad for exciting new solutions. At last year’s show, we debuted our partnership with Choco to provide AI and ecommerce solutions to distributors. This year, Dot Foods CEO Dick Tracy announced Dot Data Services, an all-in-one product content solution. We look forward to expanding our opportunities to improve your sales and supply chain.

 

With plenty of insights, products, and entertainment, each day of our show had something for every Innovations attendee, no matter the role or segment. 

 

Day 1

 

To kick off Innovations, operators got a few fun surprises at our happy hour, including edible drink toppers with their photos. Exhibitors visited with Dot sales managers from several areas of our business at a networking event.

 

That evening, exhibitors, national accounts, and international customers had the Mile High Stadium to themselves for a special celebration. Attendees got a chance to feel like NFL players by throwing a football on the field and touring the stadium.

 

Day 2

 

Customers arrived on Wednesday to join other attendees at various seminars:

 

  • Jeff Cowan from GS1 and Greg Cassens from Dot shared an update on FSMA 204 and best practices for traceability and food safety after the mandate was postponed.

  • Datassential Co-founder Jack Li presented on foodservice and culinary trends for his eighth straight year.

  • Choco Founder Daniel Khachab led a panel of distributors from SGC Foodservice, Cotati Foodservice, Colony Foods, and Lynas Foodservice to discuss how AI and digital tools are impacting our industry.

  • Datassential Trendologist Renee Lee Wege guided operators through up-and-coming culinary trends with a tasting of exciting flavors.

 

Operators enjoyed their own tailored program. Flavor & the Menu’s Cathy Nash Holley and Kinetic 12 led breakout sessions on culinary innovation and supply chain best practices, respectively. The sessions featured panelists from First Watch, Qdoba, T. Marzetti, Bagel Brands, and Ben E. Keith. 

 

Operators then got early access to the show floor for Trend Explorer, our second annual tasting event. In partnership with Acxion and Connections powered by CSSI, 80 participating exhibitors served small plates inspired by Datassential’s 2025 culinary trends. We’ll have a recap soon on the Devour blog.

 

Dot Foods CEO Dick Tracy rounded out a day of insights with his annual Industry Update. He gave his take on the tumultuous economy, consumer trends, supply chain technology, driver hiring, and more. Be on the lookout for a recap of his presentation soon.

 

To close out the night, Train rocked the stage with an exclusive concert. The diamond-selling band performed their many hits as well as popular covers at one of our best concerts yet.

 

Day 3

 

Thursday was the main event—the trade show floor opened for all Innovations attendees! What makes our show floor unique is that every product displayed and sampled is available through one place: Dot Foods. This allows Innovations attendees to make discoveries and connections that have a real impact on their business.

 

But it’s not all business. Our show floor was more fun than ever with appearances from brand mascots, customizable ketchup bottles, and games.

 

Nobody left Innovations hungry, especially after our Culinary Experience. Chefs from several exhibitors crafted lunch-sized portions of their samples, from creative pizzas to indulgent beverages.

 

After two great years in Denver, we’re excited to shift gears to Innovations 2026 in Houston. Our next show will take place April 22-24, 2026 with even more innovations! In the meantime, visit the Dot Foods Shop website to explore products from the show.