Niall McKenna to Open Flagship Industry Event at New Venue
THE countdown to IFEX 2026, NI’s flagship foodservice, hospitality and retail trade event, is officially underway, with just weeks to go until the show opens its doors at its new home, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, from 24 - 26 February 2026.
Organised by 365 Events Ltd, IFEX 2026 marks a significant new chapter for the long-running exhibition, with organisers unveiling expanded show plans designed to reflect the evolving needs of an industry facing continued cost pressures, skills shortages and changing consumer demand. Thousands of visitors from across Ireland are expected to attend the three-day event, which will bring together operators, buyers, chefs and suppliers under one roof.
A major headline for 2026 is the move to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, providing a larger, more accessible venue with increased exhibition space, improved visitor facilities and the capacity to grow the show’s content, features and exhibitor offering. The expanded floorplan has allowed organisers to introduce new live features alongside returning favourites, while accommodating strong exhibitor demand across food, drink, equipment and technology services.
Further reinforcing the importance of IFEX 2026 to the sector, leading restaurateur Niall McKenna will officially open the show, underlining IFEX’s role as a key meeting point for industry leaders and decision-makers at a pivotal time for hospitality and foodservice.
“I’m incredibly proud to be opening IFEX 2026, a show that has played such an important role in supporting and celebrating Northern Ireland’s hospitality and foodservice industry for generations. As a Belfast-born chef, it’s especially meaningful to welcome the industry together here at a time when our sector continues to show resilience, innovation and ambition, even in the face of ongoing challenges,” comments Niall McKenna.
“Northern Ireland has earned its reputation for producing exceptional food, outstanding chefs and a hospitality offering that punches well above its weight on the global stage. That success hasn’t happened by chance. It’s built on hard work, skill, collaboration and a deep respect for both produce and people. Events like IFEX are vital in bringing those elements together, creating space for the industry to connect, learn and move forward collectively.”
Industry confidence reflected in exhibitor demand
Almost 40% of exhibitors at this year’s show will be exhibiting for the first time, reflecting renewed confidence and the continued relevance of face-to-face trade events. New and emerging suppliers will exhibit alongside established industry names including Henderson Foodservice, Sysco, Stephens Catering Equipment, JMC Packaging, Frylite, Massey Catering Equipment, Advanced Cash Control Systems, CBE and AIB Merchant Services, offering visitors a comprehensive view of the market.
Commenting on the return of IFEX, Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events Ltd, said: “IFEX has always played an important role in supporting the hospitality, foodservice and retail sectors, and that role feels more important than ever in 2026. Businesses are under pressure to operate smarter, control costs and adapt quickly, and IFEX provides a practical environment to discover new suppliers, technologies and ideas that can genuinely make a difference.
“Our move to Lisburn’s Eikon Exhibition Centre has allowed us to rethink the show and expand its scope. We’ve introduced new features, grown the exhibition floor and created more opportunities for learning, networking and doing business. The response from exhibitors has been extremely encouraging, which tells us that the industry sees real value in IFEX as a place to meet, trade and plan for the future.”
What’s new for IFEX 2026
Alongside its expanded exhibition space, IFEX 2026 will introduce new live features focused on practical insight and real-world value. IFEX Kitchen Live, supported by Chef Network and sponsored by Rational UK, Food Standards Agency and Premier Foods, will debut as an interactive cooking theatre, with morning sessions centred on public sector catering and afternoon chef-led demonstrations, hosted by celebrity chef Suzi Lee.
Also new for 2026 is the Liquid Minds Stage, celebrating barista craft and mixology, with live competitions including SERAC ice cocktail competition, the ESTA tea tasting competition and the Irish cup tasters championship. World Skills & Wild Food Arena is another new addition combining live skills competitions with demonstrations exploring sustainability, wild ingredients and alternative cooking techniques.
A cornerstone of IFEX, Salon Culinaire Belfast returns in 2026 with a packed programme of live competitions. Featuring over 30 classes across three days, the Salon will once again showcase culinary talent from senior professionals through to students and emerging chefs. Highlights include the Chef Skills Live Theatre, Edible Art competitions and the crowning of NI Chef of the Year, supported by Food NI and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), one of the most respected titles in the local industry.
Salon Culinaire and IFEX are supported by premium partners The Department for the Economy (DFE) and Stephens Catering Equipment, with 2026 marking 30 years of Stephens’ support for the event.
Innovation will also remain firmly in focus, with the IFEX Innovation Awards returning to recognise products and solutions that demonstrate genuine advancement in areas such as efficiency, sustainability and commercial performance.
A one-stop shop for the industry
With hundreds of exhibitors, IFEX 2026 is positioned as a one-stop shop for businesses looking to review suppliers, discover new products and explore solutions to operational challenges. From food and drink launches to catering equipment and energy-saving technologies, the show offers a broad snapshot of the market in one place.
“IFEX is about more than showcasing products,” added Toby Wand.
“It’s about giving businesses the tools, contacts and confidence to move forward. Whether you’re an independent operator, part of a multi-site group or working in public sector catering, IFEX is designed to deliver relevant, practical value.”
Supported by key industry bodies including Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI, NI Food To Go, NI Hotels Federation, FSBNI, Chef Network and the Guild of Fine Food, IFEX 2026 continues to play a central role in bringing the sector together.
IFEX 2026 takes place from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 February at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. Registration is free and now open at www.ifexexhibition.co.uk. Follow IFEX Exhibition on social for daily updates.
