Expanded Experiences are add-on opportunities for exhibitors with booth space at Winter FancyFaire* 2026. These sampling settings allow you to showcase your product beyond the tradeshow floor in curated, high-visibility settings across San Diego—restaurants, retailers, buyer receptions, and community events. Unlike a booth, these activations integrate your product into menus, tastings, and experiences where attendees and buyers are naturally engaging.

Applications are reviewed by the Winter FancyFaire* team and participating chefs/partners. Selection is based on fit, flavor profile, menu inspiration, and category balance across activations. Space is limited to 60 total spots, so brands that align with the vision of each activation will be prioritized.

Expanded Experiences will engage a wide range of buyer and retailer attendees. Each of the three events will have its own audience: reach 200+ leading buyers and retailers at the Buyer Welcome Reception; get in front of a diverse audience of show participants through the Culture in Common event; and create opportunities for connection to all WFF* attendees, including specialty food shops, regional/national grocery buyers, foodservice leaders, and independent retailers, on the Campus Tasting Trail. The Campus Tasting Trail also integrates with local San Diego restaurants and retailers, connecting your product directly to both trade and consumer audiences.

Apply by the November 5 deadline through the online form linked on this page. You may apply for multiple activations (Campus Tasting Trail, Buyers Reception, Culture in Common). Final placement is determined by our team in partnership with chefs and event hosts.

Each sponsorship placement = 1 SKU. If you would like to feature multiple SKUs, you'll pay for multiple placement spots. Please specify this in your application comments.

All applicants will be notified by November 14.

This refers to the number of samples of your product needed for the activation. 

• A serving is the portion size required for one attendee sample (e.g., one meat stick, one mini chocolate square, 2 oz of sauce used in a dish). 

• You do not need to send full retail cases unless your product is intended to be sampled in packaged form. 

• Our team will work with you and the partner restaurant/retailer to determine exact serving sizes and quantities needed once your product is selected. 

Participating members can explore any of the restaurants and retailers featured on the Campus Tasting Trail and attend the Culture in Common event. Up to 2 sponsor company representatives from each participating brand may attend the Buyers Welcome Reception.

Either format can work, depending on the activation: 

• Campus Tasting Trail / Culture in Common – Products may be used as ingredients in dishes, tasting flights, or retail gift-with-purchase items. Bulk or foodservice packaging is fine if the chef is incorporating your product into a menu item (e.g., frozen sauce used in a dish, bulk cheese portioned into tasting flights). Retail gift-with-purchase items must be non-perishable and consumer-ready. 

• Buyers Reception – Products should be consumer-ready or easy to sample (e.g., packaged meat sticks, snack packs). 

If you’re unsure, indicate your packaging format in the application form — our team will coordinate with chefs/partners to ensure the best use. 

Yes—perishable products are welcome. Please ensure they are shipped and stored safely according to product requirements. Restaurants and retailers will receive products via our fulfillment partners and store them appropriately.

Partner restaurants are responsible for preparation, plating, and service. You do not need to provide staff for food handling.

Once selected, you will receive shipping and delivery instructions from our fulfillment partner. Products must arrive by December 5 to allow chefs and retailers time to finalize menus.

No additional staff are required. Partner chefs, restaurants, and retailers will fully integrate and serve your product within their menu or activation.

• Packaged Meat Stick 
  • Campus Tasting Trail: Featured as part of a charcuterie-inspired tasting flight at a partner restaurant, sliced and paired with local cheeses or condiments. 
  • Buyer Welcome Reception: Served as-is in branded packaging alongside cocktails/mocktails, with signage and product callout. 
• Frozen Sauce 
  • Campus Tasting Trail: Incorporated into a signature pasta or entrée at a Little Italy partner restaurant. Menu description highlights the brand (“Rigatoni with [Brand Name] Roasted Red Pepper Sauce”). 
  • Culture in Common: Integrated into a community-inspired dish, such as a global street food tasting. 
• Packaged Confectionery (e.g., chocolate bar) 
  • Campus Tasting Trail: Offered as a mini dessert bite or used in a chef’s specialty sweet dish, or included in take-home gift-with-purchase at a participating retailer. 
  • Buyer Welcome Reception: Provided as individually wrapped samples in a tasting station. 
• RTD Beverage or Mixer 
  • Campus Tasting Trail: Served as a drink pairing with a tasting flight, chilled and poured by staff, or included in take-home gift-with-purchase at a participating retailer. 

Direct introductions are not part of the program, but members are encouraged to send product details and contact information, ensuring opportunities for connection if the restaurants and chefs are interested in further collaboration.