Event Dates

March 22-24, 2027

Event Location

Overland Park Convention Center

6000 College Blvd

Overland Park, KS 66211

_Sunday
March 21, 2027

Vendor Setup:
12pm – 8pm (OPCC)

_Monday
March 22, 2027

Vendor Booth Setup:
6am – 5pm (OPCC)

_Tuesday
March 23, 2027

Show Floor Open:
9am – 5pm

_Wednesday
March 24, 2027

Show Floor Open:
9am – 12pm

Vendor Teardown:
12pm – 8pm

Convention Center Exhibitor Packet

Review important facility information, policies, procedures, and exhibitor guidelines from the Overland Park Convention Center.

Order electrical

All booth electrical needs must be ordered directly through Overland Park Convention Center. Visit their website and click “Order Services”, then select the 2027 AWG Innovation Showcase March 22-24

Convention Center Concession Supply List

The Convention Center has two concession stands located behind the Exhibit Hall for exhibitor food preparation, if needed. Equipment and supplies in the concession stands are first-come, first-serve.

For products already slotted with AWG Kansas City

• AWG will deliver all sample merchandise to the Overland Park Convention Center on Sunday, March 21, 2027 (the first day of event setup). 
• Refrigerated & Frozen trailers will be located at the back dock for storage of perishable items for the duration of the show. 
• Vendors can access their samples on those trucks at anytime throughout the show. 
• All merchandise remaining on the truck at the close of the event on Wednesday, March 24^th will be donated to Harvesters of Kansas City.
• Complete this Sample Order Form by February 12, 2027.

For products NOT typically slotted with AWG in Kansas City

• Though not a typical procedure, this product can be received and transported to the Overland Park Convention Center on Sunday, March 21^st for Dry & Perishable Products.
• Products must be shipped to the KC warehouse on a unique pallet containing only items intended to be shipped to the Showcase. 
• We will not accept products to the Kansas City office building on Kansas Ave.
• Products can arrive with an existing PO or via a common carrier but MUST be labeled.
• Complete this Special Sample Order Form by February 12, 2027. 

Design Services

Need help with your booth design or graphic assistance from the AWG team? Submit your design request

Lowe Equipment Rental

Need cooler or case equipment rental during the show? 

Booths will be evaluated based on eight judging criteria:

1. Visual Appeal and Design (20 Points)
2. Creativity and Originality (15 Points)
3. Theme Consistency (10 Points)
4. Product/Service Presentation (15 Points)
5. Staff Engagement and Professionalism (15 Points)
6. Interactivity and Engagement (10 Points)
7. Giveaways or Promotional Materials (5 Points)
8. Overall Impact (10 Points)

Bonus point opportunities:

• Digital Integration with AWG
• Initiatives (5 Points)
  • RMN Tie-ins
  • GroceryTV
  • TOPCO Vendor Partner
  • Number of years at the Innovation Showcase (1 point per year)

Awards & Benefits

• 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd place for Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsorship categories
• Photo opportunity at your booth
• Discount for 2028 Showcase

When will I be billed for the Innovation Showcase? 

• Billing will take place between February 15-19, 2027.
• AWG is not able to accept credit cards or ACH payment. Draft or check are the only payment options. If paying by check, AWG must receive payment within 30 days, or your invoice will be automatically drafted. 

Are Chefs allowed to prepare food in our booth?

• Yes, however we do have booth space cooking restrictions. Microwaves and hot plates are allowed with booth spaces. There are 2 kitchens right off of the show floor that can be used for storage and prep
• The main thing that is not allowed within booths is NO DEEP FRYING without the use of an Ansul system. Below is the official Overland Park Convention Center policy, also found in the Convention Center Exhibit Services Packet:
  • Cooking Demonstrations and Commercial Cooking: For the safety of everyone, all cooking appliances shall be equipped with ventilating hoods and equipment as deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal and installed in accordance with the provisions of the City Building and Fire Codes. Cooking equipment shall be placed on a noncombustible surface, such as metal, hardwood board or glass and be separated from each other by a minimum horizontal distance of 2 ft. No deep frying may occur in the facility without the use of an Ansul fire protection system. All cooking appliances shall be listed by a NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY, i.e., Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual. All cooking equipment shall have regulator(s) at appliance and gas cylinder(s). All supply lines (tubing or hoses) shall be lead-tight and in good repair. Hoses shall be listed for the type of product it supplies. (See also Food Samples).

My Registration is wrong or incomplete, who do I need to contact?

With the shift to the new Cvent registration platform, attendees can modify or cancel their own registrations by logging into Cvent and entering the confirmation number originally received in the registration confirmation email. If you need any assistance, please email annualshowcase@awginc.com. 

What is the AWG definition of an “Initiative”? 

A focus program, product, or campaign that the brand is striving to achieve with AWG retailers. Could be new types of items, packaging changes, merchandising ideas, service offerings, etc. 

What are the booth dimensions?

Booth sizes will be established after the Sponsorship window closes. 

How do we find out when our learning lounge timeslot will be?

Schedule for Learning Lounge and Workshops will be shared as soon as presenters are finalized. 

What are the dinners/breakfasts/cocktail hours - are they AWG funded? Are they networking opportunities - or just food?

• All food & beverage functions are limited to the number of seats associated with your Sponsorship level 
• Meals and Cocktail hours are provided by AWG 

Is WIFI available at the OPCC? 

• Yes, public OPCC Wi-Fi is free throughout the building. 
• If you need a private Wi-Fi network, you will need to order a hardwired connection and need a Wi-Fi router separately through OPCC.  

What is included in our booth space: 

• 1 Table, 2 chairs and 1 waste basket 
• All furnishings, including the above must be ordered through FERN via the Complimentary Furnishing Form. 

What is the cost for utilizing the Advanced Shipment warehouse?

$1.30 per lb.