Las Vegas-based ConvExx, a 20-year-old company in the trade show industry, developed and produced the Food Truck Owners Expo (FTO), with the first two shows in Houston and Orlando in 2024. Its third show was held in Las Vegas at the Rio Las Vegas, July 15-16.
The Food Truck Owners Expo focuses on all aspects of the mobile food business. The event included seminars designed to train owners on running successful businesses, as well as in-person meetings between suppliers and food truck operators to enhance their operations. Industry experts shared valuable insights to help owners improve their businesses. The expo also provided opportunities for food truck owners to connect with suppliers and manufacturers. Networking is essential for strengthening relationships and support within the industry.
Cassandra Stock, vice president of attendee services and registration at ConvExx, and Sheldon Kaye, vice president of events and technology management at ConvExx, both served as show managers.
“Food truck owners are all incredible cooks; they make some amazing food, but many need to understand the business side of the business,” Kaye said. “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. The whole goal of the expo is to help food truck owners get better at marketing and business and connect with suppliers that work with them.”
Seminars offered at the Las Vegas FTO expo included Business Technology for the Modern Food Truck, which discussed business technology that can be extremely helpful in running a food truck. Discussion topics included internet connectivity, telephony, websites, social media and AI to operate, promote and grow the business. Another course taught was Media Coverage for Your Food Truck, which shared tips on reaching out to local media and food influencers, who can bring new customers, as well as branding strategies.
Bill Moore, host of the 10-Minute Food Truck Training podcast (moorebetterperformance.com), has 75,000 followers and was one of the speakers at FTO. Daniel Shentob, The Lime Truck (thelimetruck.com) and winner of Season 2 and All Star of the “Great Food Truck Race,” also attended the Las Vegas FTO expo.
While several food trucks were parked in the parking lot, no food was prepared or sold.
The exhibit floor vendors offered products and services, including trailers, refrigerators, equipment, POS systems, insurance coverage, menu boards, fire containment and branded clothing.
“We provide networking opportunities because participants at our first two food truck expos last year expressed interest in connecting with others who prepare similar cuisines, such as barbecue,” Stock said. “We offer various ways for food truck owners to network with those selling the same types of food. Additionally, food truck owners and potential owners want to engage in conversations with operators from different food trucks. Our attendees have the chance to meet people from across the country to share insights about their work and experiences. At our Las Vegas Food Truck Expo, we hosted vendors and attendees from 40 different states.”
Justin Prestige, owner of Custom Trailer Pros, designs and creates the food truck and trailer. He also coaches startup businesses, combining his passion for food trucks with his expertise in startups.
“All of our customers are food entrepreneurs. They are either leaving a different job and doing this as their dream,” Prestige said. “We create content to help food truck operators be as successful as possible. I love helping entrepreneurs. That’s my passion.”
Rory Wilson, communications director for Dedicated Fire Supply, has attended all three FTO expos. “Each one of these expos gets larger and better with the more food truck manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting,” Wilson said.
According to Wilson, most food trucks have grease-cooking equipment and are required to have a fire-suppression system that automatically puts out the fire. Most states have adopted regulations for food trucks that require grease-laden cooking equipment to be equipped with a fire-suppression system.
Audrey Dempsey, owner of Infinity Photo, has been a photographer for 30 years, and gave a talk about the importance of food and good photography.
“My booth is set up so that I can teach people how to take better pictures with their cellphones, which is what most of these truck owners are doing. They need to learn how to take better photos that will sell their food,” Dempsey said. “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.”
ConvExx provides organizational and management services to nonprofit trade associations as well as produces its own trade shows and conferences. Stock manages all show registration processes, along with exhibitor training programs, customer service and onsite training for temporary staff. Kaye started working at ConvExx in IT, and is now the leader of the Mobile Tech Expo series of events. Visit convexx.com for more information. For more information on the upcoming Food Truck Owner Expo, visit ftoexpo.com.
