Retailers and Manufacturers Converge on Chicago The Private Label Manufacturers Association's 2026 trade show kicks off November 15–17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, bringing together retailers and suppliers to source new products and build business relationships. The show floor has reached capacity with nearly 1,900 suppliers from approximately 60 countries operating more than 3,000 booths.
Education and Networking Front and Center Sunday, November 15, opens with the Executive Education Insight Series, featuring expert-led workshops and discussions on trends, challenges and opportunities in the private brand industry. Practical Opening Seminars will follow before the show floor opens. A new feature called World of Ideas replaces the long-running Idea Supermarket and showcases exceptional store brand products globally, including Salute to Excellence Awards and International Wine Awards winners alongside the New Product Expo, featuring hundreds of new food and nonfood items. The Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception, traditionally held Sunday evening, moves to Monday night at the convention center to extend networking opportunities after a day on the show floor.
Keynote Speakers and Digital Tools John Conlin, Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Food & Beverage at Target, will deliver the Monday morning keynote at 8 a.m., followed by Abby Cook, Senior Vice President of Own Brands for Ahold Delhaize USA, speaking Tuesday at 8 a.m. PLMA's digital Show Navigator planning tool is now open, enabling retail buyers to book appointments with exhibitors before arrival and access detailed exhibitor information, seminar schedules, and product previews through the MatchmakerT appointment feature and Product Spotlight tools.
Why It Matters
As private label continues to capture retail shelf space and consumer wallet share, the Chicago show remains the primary venue for U.S. retailers to evaluate innovation across food, beverages, and nonfood categories in a single event. Operators seeking cost-competitive differentiated products and first-look access to new launches should prioritize attendance or use the Show Navigator to maximize sourcing efficiency.
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors
Frequently Asked Questions
How many suppliers and booths are exhibiting at PLMA 2026?
Nearly 1,900 suppliers from approximately 60 countries are operating more than 3,000 booths at the show. The show floor has reached capacity, so if you haven't secured booth space, you're looking at a waitlist situation.
Who are the keynote speakers and when do they present?
John Conlin, SVP of Merchandising for Food & Beverage at Target, speaks Monday at 8 a.m. Abby Cook, SVP of Own Brands for Ahold Delhaize USA, delivers the Tuesday 8 a.m. keynote. Both are must-see if you're selling into mass retail or regional chains.
What replaces the Idea Supermarket this year?
World of Ideas is the new format, showcasing exceptional store brand products globally alongside Salute to Excellence and International Wine Awards winners. The New Product Expo with hundreds of food and nonfood items runs concurrently, so you can benchmark what's winning awards versus what's actually new.
When does the networking reception happen and why did it move?
The Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception moves from Sunday evening to Monday night at the convention center. PLMA extended it to give buyers and suppliers a full day on the floor before networking, maximizing qualified conversations.
What digital tools should I use before arriving at PLMA 2026?
The Show Navigator planning tool is live now—use MatchmakerT to book appointments with exhibitors and Product Spotlight to preview what vendors are bringing. You can map your schedule and priority meetings before you hit the floor, which saves hours.
