It’s been a while since I last stepped onto the Pizza Expo floor. In fact, the last time was 2018. Back then, I walked away thinking, “Do I really need to do this every year?” The shows started to blend together — same booths, same equipment, same vibe. So I took a break. One year turned into six. Then this year, I went back.
Not for nostalgia. For a reason.
Why I Returned After All This Time
I’ve been working with the team at Slice, helping create content and host the How You Slice It podcast. They asked if I’d come out, hang at the booth, do some podcasting, and meet with operators. It wasn’t about pitching — it was about being present, connecting, and seeing what’s happening on the ground.
Their booth was unlike anything else at the show. No sales pitches, no hard sells — just coffee and a place for shop owners to chill. That set the tone for the whole experience: more human, less hustle.
The People Made It Worth It
What really hit me this year was how many people came up to say hello. Operators who listen to the podcast, follow on Instagram, or watch the YouTube channel. It was humbling. These weren’t just handshakes — they were stories from people who’ve changed their businesses because of something they heard or saw from the content we put out.
That made the trip worth it. Hands down.
What the Expo Felt Like in 2025
Pizza Expo is big. If you don’t show up with a plan, you’re going to wander. The floor is packed, and unless you know what you’re looking for, you’ll end up overwhelmed fast.
The seasoned owners came with purpose. Some were looking to test new equipment. Others were negotiating better deals with suppliers they already work with. A few were scouting specific products. They weren’t just walking the floor — they were there to make moves.
On the other hand, newer operators mostly just floated. When I asked what they were hoping to get out of the show, they often shrugged and said they were just looking around. And that’s fine. But this place isn’t built for aimless exploration. You’ll get more out of it with a goal.
Anything New and Groundbreaking?
Honestly… not really. I walked the floor looking for something exciting, something that made me stop and think, every shop owner needs this. But it just wasn’t there. Maybe I missed it. But if there was a game-changer at this year’s show, it didn’t jump out.
There were hundreds of booths — and realistically, most owners would only need to visit maybe 25 or 30 of them. A lot of the others just weren’t relevant. Some felt like they didn’t belong in a pizza-focused event at all.
And I’ll say this bluntly: if your booth staff are just sitting there on their phones, you’re wasting everyone’s time. Energy at a booth draws people in. A little buzz goes a long way.
The Sessions? Missed Opportunity
I didn’t go to any of the sessions. Not because I didn’t want to learn — but because the setup just doesn’t work. Most of the sessions are tucked away in quiet rooms with speakers lecturing like it’s a classroom. That environment kills engagement.
If it were up to me, those sessions would be filmed and uploaded to YouTube. Let people watch on their own time, in a format that works. Or better yet, bring those sessions out to the show floor, like they do at Pizza Tomorrow Summit.
That show nailed it. Open sessions, visible competitions, easy to engage. I was skeptical of that approach at first, but seeing both side-by-side this year? I’ve changed my mind. Pizza Tomorrow Summit gets it.
The Competition Area Was Hidden
One of the best parts of the Expo is watching the pizza competitions. But this year, they had it blocked off behind curtains and bleachers. Unless you went out of your way, you wouldn’t even know it was happening. That was a miss. These events should be front and center — they’re a huge part of what makes the Expo fun.
If You’re Going, Go Smart
Tuesday was packed. Wednesday was busy but manageable. Thursday? Practically empty. If you’re serious about buying equipment, Thursday is your best bet. Fewer people, less noise, and vendors who are more open to cutting deals to avoid shipping gear back home.
And here’s a personal tip: if you hate the Vegas Strip, stay outside the city. Rent a car, get a VRBO, and drive in. It’s way more peaceful, and parking is easy.
Final Thought
The Pizza Expo still has value. But it’s no longer just about seeing what’s new — it’s about who you connect with and what you walk away ready to act on. Go with a plan. Talk to other owners. Learn what’s working for them. That’s where the real ROI is.