Product Sampling

Exhibitors are encouraged to sample products at this show.

Products may be prepared in your booth (with proper setup) or through Sodexo Live!, the exclusive food & beverage provider for the Orange County Convention Center.

Guidelines for Exhibitor Sampling

You are permitted to sample your company's product, but you must submit this authorization form. If you prefer to order prepared items from Sodexo, review the catering menu, and submit an order form by September 21.
Samples are limited to:
- Food in 2 oz. or less
- Non-alcoholic beverages 2 oz. or less (no full cans or bottles)
Average sampling volume: 700-1,200 samples per day (varies by booth size/location).
Traffic-promoting items (coffee, soda, water, popcorn) must be purchased from Sodexo Live!
Selling food or drink on the show floor by exhibitors is prohibited
Sampling must take place within your booth
Gloves are required; sneeze guards/plexi dividers are recommended
Follow the On-site Food Sampling & Handling Guide
Cleaning stations will be available to exhibitors throughout the show floor

Sodexo Live! Catering
Exclusive Provider: All food & beverage services at the OCCC
Phone: +1 (407) 685-9857
Email: shahd.youssef@sodexo.com
Email: mia.lim@sodexo.com

Required Form:
All exhibitors wishing to sample must submit a Sampling Approval Request Form by September 21.

Key Resources & Forms:

Catering Support

Sodexo Live! can provide kitchen prep, staffing, delivery, and supplies
If hiring Sodexo to sample your own recipes, submit this Sample Recipe Card by September 21.
Review details and costs for catering services, shipping waivers and labeling with Sodexo Live! Sodexo Live! provides storage for refrigerated, freeze and dry samples for a fee of $125, and delivery fee to your booth is $100 per delivery.
No kitchen facilities are available for exhibitor use.
Order catering supplies in advance.

Cooking In Your Booth

Cooking and food warming devices in exhibitor booths must follow all Fire Marshal Regulations.
Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum of a 2A10BC rating are to be placed within the booth, or an approved automatic extinguishing system shall be required.
IFPA will arrange for fire watch if required by the Fire Marshal Regulations.
Cooking devices must be separated from the public by at least four feet, or by a substantial barrier between the devices and the public.
If you intend to cook with an open flame or gas, you must complete and sign the heat producing device form in advance.

Serving Alcohol in Your Booth

Sampling Approval Form is required
Alcohol must be ordered in advance from Sodexo Live!
Only Sodexo Live! bartenders may serve alcohol ($225 for up to 4 hours of service)
Manufacturers or distributors may bring their own alcoholic product; however, it may not be stored in the booth. All alcohol must be picked up and stored by Sodexo Live! (pickup fees apply), and service must be provided by a Sodexo Live! bartender.

Exhibitor Tips

Maintain food-safe temperatures: Order Refrigerated Display Cases early
Pack smart: Keep catering samples separate from booth items and other perishable goods
Plan shipping: Review the Perishable Products Shipping and Handling guidelines
Use trusted vendors:
- Perishable Product Shipping Provider
- Customs Freight Forwarder for international shipments

Contact

Kyle McMillan

Director, Trade Shows
International Fresh Produce Association

+1 (302) 607-2130 Email Kyle McMillan

Nancy Pickersgill

Trade Show Coordinator
International Fresh Produce Association

+1 (302) 781-5857 Email Nancy Pickersgill