Easyfairs Acquires Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail: What Does the Future Hold for the Paris Trade Shows?

Easyfairs, a Belgian group and a global leader in B2B events, has just announced the strategic acquisition of Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail, two must-attend events held annually at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center in Paris. This acquisition marks a major expansion of Easyfairs’ presence in the tech sector focused on retail and hospitality.

Currently, the Easyfairs ecosystem in numbers represents:

• 110 trade shows held each year.
• 16 countries worldwide (including France, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
• A diverse range of sectors: manufacturing, chemicals, logistics, transportation, and artificial intelligence.

Why is Easyfairs focusing on retail and hospitality technology?

This acquisition reflects the group’s belief in the growing role of technology and data in the retail and restaurant sectors. The rise of technology in these sectors is profoundly transforming the entire value chain:

• Operational Optimization: Automation of back-of-house and kitchen processes.
• Flow Management: Modernization of Supply Chains and Logistics.
• The Customer Experience: Personalizing the Shopping Journey and Building Loyalty Through Data Analysis.

In this context, there is a growing need for robust, unifying platforms. These two Parisian trade shows have established themselves as essential hubs of innovation, bringing together solution providers, distributors, and industry professionals.

“The team behind these two exceptional events is deeply rooted in its communities, which is essential to us at Easyfairs. We are delighted to welcome the talent behind Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail and to see them continue to grow. What has particularly struck me throughout this process is the respect the teams enjoy in their markets. I admire what they have accomplished, and our role now is to support their vision,” says Alisson Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global.

Upcoming key dates at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles

Both trade shows are sticking to their schedules and are poised to set new attendance records:

• Tech For Retail 2026: Taking place on November 30 and December 1, 2026. The event is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and 420 exhibitors.
• Food Hotel Tech 2027: Scheduled for March 31 and April 1, 2027. The event is expected to attract more than 8,500 visitors and 200 exhibitors.

Outlook: How will this acquisition affect professionals in the ecosystem?

What specific benefits does this partnership offer to exhibitors and visitors?

Integration into Easyfairs’ global network will enable participants to take a significant step forward in terms of technology and business. Companies will benefit from more effective B2B matchmaking tools, conference sessions enriched by international experts, and increased visibility for innovative startups through the continuation of industry-specific awards.

How will the transition be handled for the current teams?

Operational continuity remains the top priority. Easyfairs is retaining the entire founding teams of Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail, who are recognized for their expertise and deep understanding of the French market. This partnership simply brings the logistical and financial strength of a major group to help realize the long-term vision of the original organizers.

Will the events remain based in Paris?

The event’s historical roots remain fully intact. Both trade shows continue to be firmly based at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center in Paris. This strategic location remains the ideal hub for attracting and bringing together the leading decision-makers and buyers in the retail and foodservice sectors across Europe.