Friday, July 31 Deadline for Advanced Pricing on Utility Orders

Friday, August 07 Advanced order deadline for Decorator Orders with Fern 

Monday, August 17 GFS Columbus Sample Order Form Due

Monday, August 30

12:00pm Deadline to upload content/POS into the Perenso Portal for your iPad

2:00pm - 6:00pm Large Broker Move In

Tuesday, September 01

8:00am - 5:00pm Vendor Move in/Set up

8:00am - 9:00am Sample Deliveries Arrive

12:00pm - 5:00pm Badge Pick-Up Available

2:00pm Mandatory Vendor Training with GFS Events & Perenso

Wednesday, September 02

6:00am Venue Opens

8:00am GFS Sales walk through-All vendor booths set and staffed

9:00am - 3:00pm Show Floor Opens

3:00pm - 7:00pm Vendor tear down

Exhibitor Booth Packages - Included in Booth Fees

Standard booth (10x10): pipe & drape, identification sign, carpet, one trash bin and one eight foot (8'x30") skirted table.
Half booth (5x10): pipe & drape, identification sign, carpet, one trash bin and one four foot (4'x30") skirted table.
*Exhibitors are responsible for individual booth needs, samples, marketing materials, and staffing *

Exhibitor Booth Ordering: Fern

• • Click HERE for the online ordering

  • Deadline to receive discounted rates: Friday, August 07, 2026

If you have questions or concerns, please contact support 800.774.1251 x1.

Exhibitor Utility Ordering: Greater Columbus Convention Center

• Visit the Greater Columbus Convention Center Link and search "Gordon Food Service _ Fall Food Show 2026"  to order all of your service needs online.

• If you have questions or concerns, please contact GCCC Exhibitor Services Department at exhibitorservices@columbusconventions.com.

• Advanced pricing order deadline: July 31, 2026

• Standard pricing deadline: August 24, 2026

• Last call pricing starts: August 25, 2026

Venue Product Sampling Form & Certificate of Liability Insurance: REQUIRED & DUE TBD.

SAMPLING AUTHORIZATION REQUEST FORM (information on Products & Sample Ordering tab) - COMING SOON

SAMPLING CERTIFICATION OF LIABILITY INSURANCE - COMING SOON

All final documents must be submitted no later than seven business days from the start of the show to Ginny Pajor via email to GPajor@levyrestaurants.com. Please direct any questions via email or phone at 614-827-2723.

Levy is the exclusive provider of food and beverage services.  The selling of Food and/or Beverage products by any other entity is strictly prohibited. All food and beverage that is not a part of sampling must be contracted through Levy Restaurants. Sponsoring Organizations of expositions and trade shows and their exhibitors, may distribute SAMPLES of food and beverage products upon written authorization and adherence to all of the conditions outlined on the attached form.

If you do Manufacture, Process, or Distribute the items they are to be a SAMPLE SIZE and must be dispensed and distributed in accordance with Local and State Health Codes:

• Non-Alcoholic Beverages can be a maximum of 4oz. Sample Size, served in plastic cups. No cans or bottles will be permitted. For Food Shows the maximum of an 8oz Sample Size is permitted.

• Food items are limited to “bite size”, not to exceed 2oz. portions. For Food Shows the sample size should not exceed 6oz.

• Vendors MUST submit proof of having $5 million general aggregate and $500,000 for workers’ compensation and automobile liability naming Levy Restaurants, and The Greater Columbus Convention Center as an additional insured, and are responsible for State and Local laws pertaining to the distribution of alcohol

Ice Ordering Information: Levy

• • Ordering Form/Link: COMING SOON

  • Questions: contact Ginny Pajor via emial at gpajor@levyrestaurants.com 

  • Ice MUST be ordered through Levy this year. You cannot bring in ice from any outside third party.

Recommended Hotels:

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center

Hyatt Regency Columbus 

Hilton Columbus Downtown

*Please note: We do not have a contracted block of rooms for vendors. Please book directly through your hotel of choice.

*NO SHOW FEE*

A $500.00 no-show fee will be incurred and billed back to the vendor if a reserved booth space has not been set-up prior to 1 hour before the show.   The Gordon Food Service Events team will check all exhibit booths one hour before the show opens to ensure proper set-up. Empty, unmanned booths will be turned into customer seating. The No Show Fee covers the costs of the seating rental that is incurred by Gordon Food Service.   

Exhibitor Booth Cleanup:

Please wait until the announcement after 3pm to commence tear down of your booth.  No vendor should begin tearing down their booth prior to the announcement that the show has closed.  If you are found to not be compliant with this rule, you may be subject to a $1,000 fine.  Booth tear down must be completed by 11pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Do NOT leave garbage at your booth; receptacles will be available for you to dispose of your garbage.  Boxes that have been broken down and stacked neatly can be left. Any booths that are left with garbage (including boxes not being broken down, POS, decorations and food) will be subject to a cleaning fee.  

Improper disposal of oil & grease will result in a $5,000.00 fine to the vendor. Oil & grease must be dumped into designated grease barrels/bins that will be labeled as such on-site. If you have any questions of where to properly dispose of oil during the show, please don't hesitate to ask our information booth for more details. 

To abide by local health code, please DO NOT give away product at the end of the show to Gordon Food Service Staff or customers. 
A no wagon nor wheeled carts policy will be implemented by Security at our entry doors to the exhibit halls. All guests will be requested  to leave these items in their personal vehicles during  show hours.
If you have a wagon or wheeled cart needed for vendor set-up / tear-down, please enter via the loading dock and staging area. 

Any leftover food will be donated to a local Food Bank.  Please place a pink “RESERVED FOR FOOD BANK” sticker on the items that you wish to donate.  Left dry or shelf stable items at your booth will be picked up by the local food bank after the show concludes.  Products left in the cooler or freezer after 3pm will be considered as a donation to the food bank or other charity. We appreciate your cooperation in assisting us with helping others in our community. 

Exhibitor Show Etiquette:

• • Use your provided iPad(s) for lead capturing. See Lead Retrieval tab below for more information.

  • No smoking is allowed in the building.  Please also refrain from smoking by the doors where our customers will be entering.  Your discretion and courtesy with respect to smoking is greatly appreciated.

  • Please do not use your cell phone for personal use while in your booth during show hours.

  • Do not remove chairs from seating areas throughout the show floor. 

  • Please wait until the announcement after 3pm to commence tear down of your booth.

  • iPad return is NOT permitted prior to the close of the show.  

  • Specific Fire Code Regulations MUST be followed per venue. See Fire Code Rules & Regulations tab below for more information. 

Sample Order DEADLINE for Columbus Show: August 17, 2026

Sample Order Form - LINK 

• Download to your computer, fill out, then email it to fs_samples@gfs.com. The form itself cannot be edited. 

Only active, open-coded, and in-stock items within each Show’s distribution center are allowed to be showcased at the Show. Please reach out to your category manager with any questions regarding product statuses. 

For Gordon Food Service brand suppliers, please ensure that Gordon Food Service branded products are also presented at your booth. 

Columbus Show Distribution Center: Springfield 

Sample Check-In:

Cases will be delivered to the loading dock on Tuesday morning. Broker cases will be palatalized separately. 

• • • Exhibitors are responsible for checking their samples in at the dock between 8:00am - 9:00am on Tuesday, September 1st.

    • After 9:00am, samples will be put back on the truck. Exhibitors are responsible to find, pull and check samples in with our Dock Managers

    • Product left on the loading dock or trailer is at-your-own risk. 

    • Sample order issues must be communicated to both fs_samples@gfs.com and the events team at the Info booth by 3pm EST the day before the Show.

Re.Source

Gordon Food Service takes pride in an earth-friendly approach at our food shows. But we can't do it alone! Please use as much Re.Source products as applicable to meet your sampling needs.

Recommended Re.Source products for food show booth applications:

• 556170  Re.Source 12 Ounce Plastic Cups, Clear, RPET, 70 Ct Bag, 6/Case

• 891871  Re.Source 6 Inch Molded Fiber Plates, 125 Ct Package, 8/Case

• 891908  Re.Source 8 Ounce Paper Hot Cups, 50 Ct Package, 20/Case

• 537808 Compostable Black Forks

• 537809 Compostable Black Knives

• 537813 Compostable Black Spoons 

• 430556 Re.Source Plastic Forks, White

• 430557 Re.Source Plastic Knives, White 

• 430549 Re.Source Plastic Spoons, White

Allowances

Please log into our Vendor Show Portal to see your list of approved items with and without allowances. If you need access to the portal, email showsupport@perenso.com . If you have questions about items you can bring to the Show or allowanes, contact your Category Manager in Grand Rapids. 

Schedule & Information:

Please adhere to the schedule below for Large Broker & All Vendor Move-In. **Note that no earlier access will be permitted.
Reminder that exhibitors are responsible for checking their samples Tuesday morning. 

Monday, August 31

12:00pm Deadline to upload content/POS into the Perenso Portal for your iPad

12:00pm - 6:00pm Large Broker Move In

Tuesday, September 01

8:00am - 5:00pm Vendor Move in/Set up

8:00am - 9:00am Sample Deliveries Arrive

12:00pm - 5:00pm Badge Pick-Up Available

2:00pm Mandatory Vendor Training with GFS Events & Perenso

*NO SHOW FEE* A $500.00 no-show fee will be incurred and billed back to the vendor if a reserved booth space has not been set-up prior to 1 hour before the show.   The Gordon Food Service Events team will check all exhibit booths one hour before the show opens to ensure proper set-up. Booths that are considered empty with personnel and display materials will be turned into customer seating. 

Dock Information: 

Exhibitors are required to follow all venue loading and unloading guidelines.  

• All equipment and freight shall be loaded/unloaded in the appropriate building dock area.  The loading/unloading of equipment and/or freight from the main guest exterior entrance areas, in front of either building, is strictly prohibited. 

• A security checkpoint is in place for freight trucks entering and requesting dock access.  Docks are limited and assigned. Please check with our Dock Manager before occupying a dock.

• Show Floor: Halls C & D

Gate Addresses:

3 Convention Center Way

Columbus, OH 43215

You MUST check in with the Dock Manager at the loading dock to receive your dock assignment.  If you pull your trailer into a dock without checking in with our Dock Manager, you will go to the back of the line and wait for a new dock.  

*Click HERE for Venue & Parking Lot Map*

Floor Plan Link

Floor plan links are live and considered final 30 days before the show. After this time, they have been sent over for fire marshal approval and we may not be able to make further adjustments. Any questions, please reach out to events@gfs.com 

Click on this Vendor Registration Link to Register

Save time during setup and register today!  Print your badge on site using your express QR code, emailed to you after registering. On-Site Registration and badge printing will take place during set-up Tuesday afternoon at the Perenso booth.

For detailed instructions on how to register for name badges, please click HERE.

Badge Pick-Up is available 12:00pm - 5:00pm the day before the show; as well as the morning of the show. 

**Please note: each booth worker MUST register for a new name badge for each Show. The same badge cannot be used Show to Show.**

Each Vendor/Exhibitor is responsible for following the cooking requirements ---  

**VENDORS CANNOT USE ORANGE THREE-WAY ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. THEY ARE ILLEGAL IN OHIO**

Kitchens: 

Kitchens must be requested in advance. Inquiries can be made to events@gfs.com 

• 1. If you are frying, you will need to provide a stainless steel table for your fryers. The venue and onsite decorator will NOT have these available for rental. You MUST provide your own onsite. Failure to comply will result in not being able to use your fryers for the show

  2. Fryers must be placed 24 inches apart on the stainless steel tables.

  3. You must have one class K fire extinguisher present per table with fryers. Each fire extinguisher must be up to date with an inspection tag. This must be visible and placed near the fryer for inspection.

  4. Depending on where your kitchens are placed on the show floor, you must be set 10 feet from the perimeter wall of the hall and 5 feet off the drape line. You may not place items against the wall and must provide ample walking space.

  5. Please be sure to have your kitchen set up with fire extinguishers visible by 2pm on Tuesday for the final fire marshal walk through. 

If you fail the walk through inspection, you will need to have a recheck the morning of the show and could face being shut down for sampling & distribution and subject to a fine.

Cooking in your Booth: 

• 1. If you are cooking or warming food in your booth, you must have an ABC fire extinguisher with a metal handle out of the box and visible at all times. Please make sure that this is not a HOME USE extinguisher.

  2. Small (single well, non-commercial) tabletop fryers are permitted in the booth; however, you must comply with the following:

     • Fryer may not be placed on a drape line

     • You must have a metal sheet pan under the fryer

     • You may not have decor or fabric around the fryer, unless you have a certification of fire retardant material

     • You must have one class K fire extinguisher present per table with fryers. Each fire extinguisher must be up to date with an inspection tag. This must be visible and placed near the fryer for inspection.

  3. Please be sure to have your booth set up with fire extinguisher visible by 2pm on Tuesday for the final fire marshal walk through. 

If you fail the walk through inspection, you will need to have a recheck the morning of the show and could face being shut down for sampling & distribution and subject to a fine.

Fire Extinguishers: 

• 1. Each Vendor/Exhibitor is responsible for having the appropriate fire extinguisher for each venue.

  2. Each fire extinguisher must be compliant with a tag, “good until” date, and the pull tab. Failure to meet venue or Fire Marshal requirements may result in your being pulled from participation at the Show. In the event of being pulled for not meeting fire extinguisher requirements, no booth payment refund will be issued.

  3. The Gordon Food Service Events Team inventory includes some fire extinguishers that can be rented per Show. Check at the Show Information Booth for further details or send specific questions to events@gfs.com. A $50 cash rental fee will be charged.

*To print the Fire Code Rules & Regulations PDF click here*  

Perenso Lead Retrieval:

Vendors and Brokers will have the ability to download the show app on their personal devices to capture leads. All booths still receive (1) iPad per single booth space. Utilizing the show app increases the number of booth users capable of taking leads. 

Instructions: 

• Personal Device Lead Capture Training PDF 

• Personal Device Lead Capture Training Video 

• iPad Ordering and Lead Retrieval step-by-step 

• iPad Lead Capture Training Video - how to use on show floor 

Gordon Brand(s) Content / POS:

We have gone paperless on Gordon Food Service Branded point of sale / content. All branded content will be accessible on the sales tablets at your booth. You will be able to email the materials to the customer directly from the tablet.

Vendor Content:

All content must be uploaded to the Show Portal in order to email customers your Point of Sale. If you have already loaded content into the portal, you do not have to load it again. 

Here's how:

• • You'll receive an email from events@gfs.com with instructions

  • Click this Show Portal Link 

  • Enter your User ID (same ID used to enter allowances)

  • Click the "Content" tab

  • Follow the instructions on the document in the email from events@gfs.com to upload your content.

  • For a detailed tutorial with step by step images please CLICK HERE.

Deadline to upload content to the show portal is 2 days prior to the show date before Noon. 

**If you miss the Monday deadline to upload your content, please email showsupport@perenso.com** 

Exhibitors are required to follow all venue parking guidelines and unloading guidelines.  

On SHOW DAY, all exhibitors must park at one of the below locations. If you are staying at a hotel within walking distance, please keep your vehicle parked at your hotel to save parking spaces for our customers.

North Surface Lot: 50 E Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215

South Garage: 50 E Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215

East Surface Lot: 80 E Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215

Please note we do not validate vendor or broker parking.

*Click here for the GCCC  area parking map*

Supporting Sustainability With Reducing Waste To Landfill:

Safe food donations: Mid-Ohio Food Collective

• We have charitable stickers that will be distributed prior to show close. Please leave your identified products on your tables and they will be picked up. All products left in the trailer or cooler after 3:00PM are considered a donation.

Not suitable for donation? 

Help us reduce waste to landfill by utilizing our Compost Bins available at:

• Vendor/Broker Kitchenette areas - Compost food items that are no longer acceptable for samples throughout the show day

• Waste Reduction Zones on the show floor

• Review your Vendor Compost Guide in your booth

• During show tear-down

View our Composting Awareness video to learn the ways we can create further sustainability at our shows!

Price Off / Invoice Discounts:

Customers receive automatic price discounts* on all eligible products delivered from 09/20/26 - 11/13/26 just for attending the show. They don't have to commit to these items at the show to get the discount; it will happen automatically. *Off - invoice discounts are not offered to program accounts with contract pricing except HPS. 

Allowances:

Please log into our Vendor Show Portal to see your list of approved items with and without allowances. If you need access to the portal, email showsupport@perenso.com. If you have questions about items you can bring to the Show or allowances, contact your Category Manager in Grand Rapids. 

Guidelines For Children At The Show:  

Please Note: Adults Only

As part of our commitment to providing a professional environment for all guests, no children under the age of 18 are permitted in our shows. 

Students are asked to attend the Show after 1:00pm.