Food halls have emerged as one of the most resilient and innovative models in modern hospitality and urban development. As consumer expectations shift toward experiential dining, local authenticity, and flexible service models, food halls uniquely deliver what today’s guests value most: variety, community, and convenience. And they appreciate it when it’s all under one roof.

At the same time, developers and operators are navigating unprecedented challenges: changing retail economics, labor shortages, regulatory hurdles, and the need for technology that can efficiently support multi-vendor environments. Food halls sit at the intersection of these trends, offering a path forward for cities, neighborhoods, and mixed-use projects seeking vibrant, experience-driven anchors that drive foot traffic and create lasting community engagement.

New operational models—from RFID-enabled transactions to unified ordering, automation, and smarter vendor workflows—are transforming what food halls can achieve. With national interest rising and more markets exploring food hall development as a strategy for economic activation, the timing has never been more critical for industry leaders to gather, learn, and collaborate.

The Future of Food Halls Conference was created to meet this moment. It’s a place to share proven models, tackle regulatory realities, explore innovative technology, and shape the next generation of food halls that are not only profitable and efficient, but also essential to the cultural and economic fabric of their communities.