A fast-paced preview of Expo West 2026 with a complete roadmap of must-attend Startup CPG events. Practical tactics for sampling, swag, and applying early to score buyer meetings. A look at curated brand showcases, grocery-run sampling formats, and intimate founder dinners that turn networking into lasting relationships.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
From Ignored Attendee To Welcoming Community
Daniel recalls being ignored at past Expos when he attended as a non-buyer and feeling lonely.
He contrasts that with today's Startup CPG community where people introduce and include solo attendees.
insights INSIGHT
Community Turns Expo Into A Reunion
Startup CPG events create a 'camp reunion' feeling that reduces Expo loneliness and accelerates introductions.
The community actively introduces solo attendees so networking becomes organic, not transactional.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Buy Tickets Early — Events Sell Out
Buy tickets early for Startup CPG events because many sell out quickly.
Join the Slack community to hear about ticket launches and avoid missing events.
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In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, hosts Daniel Scharff and Patricia Menegoto deliver the definitive preview of Expo West 2026, walking through every Startup CPG event and opportunity during the industry's most important week in Anaheim.
The conversation covers Monday's Grocery Run with Gelson's 2.0 in Venice (bigger venue after last year's sellout), Tuesday's Kickoff Dinner at the Anaheim White House featuring industry leader dinners alongside main networking with buyers from Ahold and Whole Foods, the curated Startup CPG section with 20 brands and 500+ one-on-one buyer meetings, Wednesday's transformed Alley Rally (now 50 brands sampling in grocery run format with the top brand winning a free 2027 booth), and Thursday's Founders Dinner at Poppy and Seed designed for authentic founder-to-founder connections.
Daniel and Patricia emphasize tactical strategies: always bring cold product to events, wear brand swag, apply early for sampling opportunities, and don't be intimidated to come solo. They share Startup CPG's culture of radical welcomeness—team members actively introduce people standing alone, making events feel like "camp reunion" rather than transactional networking. Patricia highlights her favorite section brands (Lupini pizzas, Pisca hot sauce) while Daniel emphasizes that Expo success comes from relationships built, not just immediate sales.
Listen in as they discuss:
Monday Grocery Run with Gelson's: entire buying team + CEO attending, brands getting distribution on the spot
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