The 40th Anniversary PizzaExpo to commence later this month

Can you remember your first International Pizza Expo? Maybe this year will be your first show. At Pizza Today, we can remember our first Pizza Expo. Make sure you read about Editor In Chief Jeremy White’s first show in his Commentary. There is one common theme about first Pizza Expo experiences. Everyone is amazed by just how big and how much is happening at an event dedicated to pizza. Secondly, you feel like you have found your people. Call it home. Call it summer camp. Call it a homecoming. Pizza Expo holds a kindship like no other trade show.

Pizza Expo: The Beginning

Pizza Expo has grown into the industry’s largest event. The show had modest beginnings, founded by Gerry Durnell in Santa Claus, Indiana with Pizza Today Magazine and the National Association of Pizza Operators.

Keynote Addresses for the Ages

Over the years, we’ve heard from the pizza industry’s leading chefs and thought leaders like Ann Kim, Tony Gemignani, Chris Bianco, Mike Bausch, Donatella Arpaia and the list goes on and on. There were even times that our keynote speakers were commanders in other fields. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine gave the opening address in 2013.

Tommy Lasorda, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers for 20 years, gave the opening keynote address in 1997. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Lasorda told the crowd, “You’ve got to work harder and be better prepared than your opponent,” Lasorda said. “You’ve got to love what you do and have pride in the organization you represent.”

This year’s keynote speakers are a testament to the success and leadership in the pizza industry.

Opening Keynote – Tuesday

John Arena, co-owner and co-founder of Metro Pizza, Las Vegas

John Arena

John Arena is a third-generation pizza chef that’s been pushing out pizza dough for more than 48 years, and is the co-owner and co-founder of Metro Pizza, a pizzeria in Las Vegas with 7 locations. They’ve won countless local and national awards and acclaim, including being named one of the Top 10 pizzerias in the U.S. by Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby in their book “Everybody Loves Pizza, featured on “Entertainment Tonight” and “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee,” and listed as one of the 10 best pizzerias in America by USA Today. John Arena has been called the don of dough, the sultan of sauce, and the prince of pizza by the Las Vegas Review Journal, not to mention, he’s also a worldwide ambassador and elder statesman for the pizza industry. John coined the saying: “collaborators, not competitors.”

Day 2 Keynote — Wednesday

John & Jacque Farrell, Co-Founder of Farrelli’s Pizza in Tacoma, Washington

John & Jacque Farrell

After graduating from St. Martin’s College in Olympia WA in 1966, John Farrell worked with Saga Corporation throughout the country providing food services in colleges and universities. In 1979 he began his career in restaurants, owning several different concepts. In 1995 he started Farrelli’s Pizza with his daughter. Over the last 29 years, Farrelli’s opened 11 new locations. In 2008, the Farrells also created an Irish Pub that has been successful for the last 15 years. The company employs over 600 employees. John anticipates sales in 2024 in excess of 30 million dollars.

Jacque Farrell is the Co-Founder and CEO of Farrelli’s Pizza. She has helped grow the company. She is a graduate of the Washington State University’s Hospitality College as well as a graduate from the CEO program with Stanford. Jacque is also a member of the National Pizza Council, Washington State Hospitality Board member, Co-chair of Government affairs and has been in a Vistage CEO advisory program for over ten years. Her passion stems from creating growth and opportunity for her people and the neighborhoods Farrelli’s serves.

Can’t Miss Happenings at Pizza Expo

For new Pizza Expo attendees and a reminder to show veterans, let’s draw your attention to some happenings that you won’t want to miss. Add these to your calendar. Circle them in your show guide. Do whatever it takes to get you there. In no particular order:

Be methodical about how you approach your three days in the Exhibit Hall. We have a sold out show floor so it will be packed with products, services, tech and more for you to explore, taste, smell and demo.
Don’t sleep on the Keynotes. Yes, it’s early in Las Vegas. This is an only opportunity to hear some the best in the business share their successes and challenges. You will take away something for your business.
Take every opportunity to socialize with other fellow pizzeria operators. Go to Beer & Bull Tuesday and the Pizza Expo Block Party/World Pizza Games Acrobatic Dough-Tossing Finals Wednesday, as well as Monday’s New Operator/Early-Arriving Attendee Reception.
Play to win! Don’t forget to pick up your game pieces for the $10,000 Megabucks Giveaway and New Exhibitor Treasure Hunt inside the entrance to the exhibit hall. You’ll need to be present on Thursday to win those prizes. We’re also bringing back Supremely Dressed so don your best pizza-related attire. Tag @pizzaexpo and use #SupremelyDressed24 with a selfie at the show. Must be present at the Block Party for your chance to win.
Find menu inspiration and cheer on competitors at the International Pizza Challenge, International Sandwich Competition, CMAB’s California-Style Pizza Competition, Ooni Pizza Throwdown and the Daiya Plant-based Competition.
Get to the Education Halls and Demonstration Stages. We’ve pulled together a full lineup of education sessions and demonstrations that run the gambit on pizza and menu trends and critical pizzeria issues. Not only are we hitting on important topics, but we’ve also enlisted the industry brightest thought leaders and chefs to lead the sessions and demos. Make sure to study the Show Guide and app to get sessions vital to your business on your calendar.

Exchange at Pizza Expo

Pizza Expo is always known for bringing something new to the table each year. In 2024, we’re launching the Exchange at Pizza Expo. This invite-only event takes place Sunday. The intimate event allows our ever-evolving industry a new way to connect decision makers with peers and suppliers in a structured and efficient environment where business gets done, actionable insights gained, and relationships forged. By being invitation-only, this event fosters knowledge-sharing, best practices, and forward-thinking dialogue amongst industry leaders. The Exchange features a keynote address, boardroom presentations, private one-on-one appointments and several networking and social opportunities. Want to see how to get one of these exclusive invites? Visit pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/exchange-at-pizza-expo/.