The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has opened registration for the 2026 NFRA Convention, taking place Oct. 17-20 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
The convention is expected to bring together more than 2,000 retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and supply chain partners to conduct more than 7,500 scheduled business meetings in three days.
Designed to maximize time and strengthen business relationships, the NFRA Convention provides a structured, concentrated setting where conversations drive results across the frozen and dairy aisles.
Business meetings and events
At the core of the convention is its business meeting format, enabling attendees to conduct dozens of strategic face-to-face meetings over three days. This concentrated approach reduces year-round travel demands while accelerating decision-making and strengthening retailer-manufacturer collaboration.
Sunday evening’s Taste of Excellence reception will spotlight exhibiting brands and manufacturers sharing the latest in product innovation. Café NFRA and Frozen Fix, open Sunday through Tuesday, will offer refreshments, product sampling and informal meeting space for attendees.
Guest Speakers
- Monday Breakfast Session: NFRA’s First Penguin Next Generation Leadership Program will take center stage during Monday’s breakfast session, as members of the Class of 2026 present case study solutions addressing real-world opportunities and challenges across the frozen and refrigerated marketplace.
- Tuesday Breakfast Session: Christine Ha, the first blind contestant and season 3 winner of the competitive amateur cooking television show “MasterChef” with Gordon Ramsay, will speak. She defeated over 30,000 home cooks across America to secure the MasterChef title, a $250,000 cash prize and a cookbook deal.
- Annual Membership Luncheon: During Monday’s luncheon, Bill Kynast, NFRA chairman at Chobani, will deliver the State of the Association address and oversee the installation of newly elected officers and directors. Tricia Greyshock, NFRA president and CEO, will present the association’s strategic plan, outlining priorities and initiatives designed to advance the frozen and refrigerated categories in the years ahead.
- Golden Penguin Awards: Tuesday’s luncheon will recognize the year’s most innovative and impactful marketing and merchandising campaigns with NFRA’s Golden Penguin Awards, honoring excellence in promoting frozen and refrigerated foods. The 2026 Top Marketer Award winners will also be unveiled.
The Gaylord National Harbor, located along the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C., will provide the setting for this year’s event.
For registration and more information, visit NFRAConvention.org.
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