The Food Truck Owners Expo (FTO) recently took place in Las Vegas, marking a significant event for the mobile food industry.
Hosted by ConvExx, a Las Vegas-based company with two decades of experience in the trade show sector, this year’s event followed its successful shows in Houston and Orlando earlier in 2024.
From July 15 to 16, food truck owners and industry professionals gathered at the Rio Las Vegas to participate in a comprehensive program focused on enhancing the operational and marketing skills of food truck operators.
Cassandra Stock and Sheldon Kaye served as the show’s managers, emphasizing the need for food truck owners to not only excel in culinary skills but also in managing the business aspects of their operations.
“We’re trying to introduce them to the right people, teach them the things they need to stay in business, grow and take it to the next level,” Kaye stated.
The expo included a variety of seminars tailored to support owners in their business journey.
Among these was ‘Business Technology for the Modern Food Truck,’ which highlighted essential digital tools such as internet connectivity, telephony, websites, and social media strategies that can help streamline operations and boost marketing efforts.
Another notable seminar was ‘Media Coverage for Your Food Truck,’ which offered insights on how to engage local media and food influencers to attract new customers.
Industry experts and influential figures, like Bill Moore, host of the popular 10-Minute Food Truck Training podcast, and Daniel Shentob of The Lime Truck, who is known for winning Season 2 and All Star of the “Great Food Truck Race,” shared their knowledge and experiences with attendees.
Although several food trucks were present on-site, the event strictly restricted food preparation and sales, keeping the focus on education and networking.
Vendors on the exhibit floor showcased a wide array of products and services pertinent to the food truck sector, including trailers, refrigeration equipment, POS systems, insurance options, menu boards, fire containment systems, and branded attire.
Stock emphasized the importance of networking opportunities at the expo, highlighting that participants from previous events expressed a desire to connect with others who prepare similar cuisines.
“Participants want to engage in conversations with operators from different food trucks,” said Stock.
She noted that the Las Vegas Food Truck Expo attracted attendees from 40 different states, providing a crucial platform for food truck owners to network and share valuable insights and experiences.
Among the exhibitors was Justin Prestige, owner of Custom Trailer Pros, who is passionate about aiding food entrepreneurs.
Prestige designs food trucks and trailers while also coaching startup business owners, blending his enthusiasm for food trucks with his expertise in business development.
“All of our customers are food entrepreneurs, either leaving other jobs to pursue their dreams or fresh start-ups in the mobile food space,” Prestige remarked.
Rory Wilson, communications director for Dedicated Fire Supply, has participated in all three FTO expos.
He expressed his satisfaction with the growth of the event, stating, “Each one of these expos gets larger and better with the more food truck manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting.”
Wilson also emphasized the significance of safety in the food truck industry, noting that most trucks equipped with grease-cooking equipment must adhere to regulations requiring them to have fire-suppression systems in place.
Audrey Dempsey, owner of Infinity Photo and a professional photographer for 30 years, underscored the importance of high-quality food photography.
Dempsey conducted a workshop on taking better pictures using smartphones, a vital skill for many food truck owners.
“All of these training sessions are helping people to learn what they need to do to make it better, and that’s the whole purpose,” she said.
The Food Truck Owners Expo successfully brought together an array of food truck operators, suppliers, and industry experts, reinforcing the notion that education and networking are essential for success in the competitive mobile food business.
As experts continue to share their knowledge, the FTO Expo positions itself as a fundamental resource for food truck owners on their journey towards greater success and sustainability in a dynamic industry.
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