Sponsorship Opportunities

Tie your brand to the hottest topics of Winter FancyFaire* by sponsoring a keynote session on our main education stage. 

Sponsorship includes: 

• Recognition in program materials and from the stage 
• Option to introduce the speaker or panel 
• Education content is selected by SFA 

Investment: $10,000.00 

Availability: SOLD OUT

Deadline: Deadline for signage 10/30/25. 

Welcome the latest cohort of up-and-coming, newly graduated Maker Prep participants and acclimate them with your brand! The Maker Prep Course is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. This sponsorship offers you the chance to connect with founders poised for immense growth and success.

Sponsorship includes:

Graduation:

• Company logo displayed across event communications
• Recognition on event print and digital signage
• Verbal thank you and introduction of team members from their seats
• Ability to place your product, or service brochure/swag (6ft Table for swag/ promotional materials)
• Photo with the Maker Prep Graduates for official Winter FancyFaire social media promotions
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Classroom:

• Class (Saturday, 1-4; Sun 8-9:45)
• 6 ft table in classroom
• Seat drop
• 5-minute speaking slot (1 of the class days)
• Logo/branding on maker prep signage

Investment: $10,000.00 

Availability: 1

Deadline: Deadline for signage 10/15/25.

Help steer the activities and conversations in our Pathfinder Stage area, offering meaningful learning and networking opportunities. Makers at every business stage can discover valuable lessons here, and groups convene to introduce new ideas and new products. Your brand is keenly aligned with information that drives business results.

Sponsorship includes:

• Recognition in all Pathfinder Stage signage and web materials
• Banner ad on the mobile app
• A designated table in the Pathfinder Stage audience zone (all 3 show days) for your company representatives and customers
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $25,000.00 

Availability: 1 

Deadline: 10/15/25. 

Discovery Point is home to two exciting new Winter FancyFaire* activations, inviting visitors to encounter new concepts, trends, and techniques shaping the specialty food industry. As the sole title sponsor of this exciting activation, your brand will be front and center for attendees enjoying a brand-new area focused on discovery, big-picture thinking, and innovation.

Sponsorship Includes:

• A designated area in Discovery Point for your company to use during show days
• Recognition on digital screen session schedule
• Shoutout at beginning of each cooking demonstration
• Seat drop on cooking demonstration theater seating
• Prominent logo placement in all mentions of the activation on the SFA website and mobile app
• Prominent logo placement in pre-show social media posts and emails to attendees and exhibitors about the activation
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $25,000

Availability: 1

Housed inside Discovery Point, an exclusive Winter FancyFaire* attraction where visitors encounter new concepts, trends, and techniques shaping the specialty food industry, Discovery Kitchen will host interactive sessions illuminating the possibilities of specialty food and showcasing West Coast chefs, products, and ideas.

Discovery Kitchen session sponsors work with SFA to plan an engaging cooking demonstration session, with their product as the centerpiece. It’s time to show off!

Sponsorship Includes:

• We will work with you on the topic of the demo, to fit within one of our themes
• You supply the talent/chef and main ingredients to conduct a 30-minute cooking demo
• Minimum of 60 samples to be prepared and distributed to the audience (sponsor can provide branded sampling serving pieces - napkins, plates, etc if you have them
• SFA provides staff to distribute samples SFA provides cooking equipment, and additional ingredients needed (requested and approved by SFA)
• Your session promoted on digital signage within Discovery Kitchen

Investment: $2,500

Availability:  3

• Sunday: 1:00 - 1:30 SOLD
• Monday, 1:00 - 1:30
• Tuesday: 12:00 - 12:30

Deadline: 10/15/25

Back from its debut outing, Ask the Experts is a thoughtful, compelling space where makers can gather with thought leaders around a table together to solve their most pressing challenges, from marketing and sales to supply chain and finances.  Be the exclusive sponsor for this experience that sets Winter FancyFaire* apart.

Sponsorship includes:

• Recognition in pre-show, onsite and post-show materials
• Access for one company representative in the area at a time
• Ability to place literature in designated space at the check-in counter
• One table seating 6-8 people, for you use to meet with prospective customers & review your services
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $25,000.00 

Availability: 1 

Deadline: 10/15/25

Position yourself as an expert, gain valuable recognition for your services, and generate leads. A limited number of hour-long slots are available in Ask the Experts on Sunday, January 11 and Monday, January 12 for companies that provide services to the specialty food industry.

As a table sponsor, you will have the chance to highlight the solutions you provide to an audience of makers looking for answers to their challenges. Note, this is not a product demonstration.

Sponsorship Includes:

• One table seating six in the Ask the Experts activation – for one hour
• Your session promoted in the show app and on Digital Signage in the activation area
• Table sign with your branding

Investment: $2,500

Availability: Contact your sales representative

It's the first FIRST NIGHT!

You're having a party and everyone's invited. Be front and center as the entire community comes to meet new colleagues, greet old friends, play games, and enjoy food and drinks. The crowd will be thrilled to hear our announcement of the SFA 2026 Trend of the Year, and you'll be featured right alongside this reveal.

The First Night Celebration will take place early in the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Sponsorship includes: 

• Prominent feature displayed on venue's main screen
• Recognition in ALL pre-show and onsite promotions
• Acknowledgement on the Winter FancyFaire* homepage
• Sponsorship of the event bar.  Your logo will be printed on the cocktail napkin and featured on signage in the bar area
• Sponsorship of the DJ booth. DJ will shoutout your company throughout the night and throw your swag out to the crowd (you provide swag)

Investment: $25,000.00 

Availability: 1 

Deadline: 10/15/25 

It's the first FIRST NIGHT!

Be part of the Winter FancyFaire* 2026 kick-off party! Fun and connections are on the menu, and the entire community is included in this casual party with games, music, food and drinks, and the announcement of SFA’s 2026 Trend of the Year. Associate your brand with one of the highlights of Winter FancyFaire* by signing on as a sponsor.

The First Night Celebration will take place early in the evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Sponsorship includes: 

• Logo displayed on main screen
• Activation sponsorship (Options include games, music, food, and drink)
• Acknowledgement on the Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $10,000.00 

Availability: 5 

Deadline: Deadline for signage 10/15/25

Get exclusive access to SFA member attendees and exhibitors in the Membership HQ. Prominently located on the main aisle of the show floor, HQ is a popular destination for members to relax and recharge, grab a free refreshment and SFA swag, and connect with SFA staff. It’s also where non-members can sign up onsite to join SFA. HQ is open every day of the show and follows the show floor hours.

Sponsorship Includes:

• 2 complimentary badges to Winter FancyFaire* 2026
• Branding on signage within HQ
• A table for your company to staff within HQ
• Logo promotion on the social and digital communications about HQ
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* Thank You to Our Sponsors webpage

Investment: $10,000

Availability: 1

Deadline: 10/15/25

Increase your brand exposure and support a night of connection and giving back as title sponsor of this special evening party on Monday, January 12. Taking place at The Soap Factory in San Diego’s vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood, the event will feature local chefs, exhibitor products, artisan activations, and opportunities to give back. The whole Winter FancyFaire* community is invited and your brand can be front and center.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Your logo printed on the event gift bags
• Your logo on all digital prints taken in the Photo Booth and sent by email
• Your branding on table signs
• Recognition in all mentions of the event on the SFA website and mobile app
• Recognition in pre-show social media posts and emails to attendees and exhibitors about the event
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $10,000

Availability: 1

Have your company prominently featured at the 2026 sofi™ Awards Celebration, where the prestigious sofi Gold Award and Grand Honors Award winners will be revealed live. As Title Sponsor, your branding will be front and center at this exciting event celebrating the best of the best in specialty food.

The sofi Awards Celebration will take place Monday, Jan 12th from 4-6pm at the North Star* Stage.

Sponsorship includes:

• Recognition on sofi Awards Celebration communications
• Branding on SFA selected sofi event signage, including step & repeat at entrance
• Inclusion in at least 2 social media posts by SFA ahead of the event
• Ability for representatives to distribute your swag or promotion materials for attendees to take home (items must be provided and shipped by Sponsor)
• Stage appreciation at beginning and end of program
• Recognition on onsite video displays promoting the event
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $15,000

Availability: 1

Deadline: 10/15/25

Put your brand in the spotlight at the 2026 sofi™ Awards Celebration, where the prestigious sofi Gold Award and Grand Honors Award winners will be revealed live. As a supporting sponsor, you will receive recognition before and during the event.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Recognition on sofi Awards Celebration communications
• Branding on SFA selected sofi event signage
• Recognition on onsite video displays promoting the event
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $5,000

Availability: 3

Deadline: 10/15/25

Drive traffic to your booth with your message on an impactful banner directly over the entrance doors to the exhibit hall (select entrances only).

Sponsorship Includes:

• Printing costs
• Production
• Labor

Banner Size: 398.5” W x 60” H

Investment: $15,000

Availability: Contact your sales rep for availability

Deadline: 10/15/25

Be the first seen at the first show of the year. Put your brand on multiple entry doors to the San Diego Convention Center. Doors face Hilton hotel entrance and the city/roadway.

Sponsorship includes:

• Printing costs
• Poduction and labor (artwork to be approved by SFA)

Investment:

• Hall H South Entrance exclusive opportunity (24 double-sided doors) - $15,000
• Halls C,F,G,H East Entrances/Roadway exclusive opportunity (40 double-sided doors) - $20,000

Availability: 2

Deadline: 10/15/25

Highlight your brand on top of high-visibility directional signage wrapping the columns outside the Exhibit Hall. These column wraps will feature important information about the show, attracting attention from all participants. Sponsor logo and message will be featured on the top third of the column wrap.   

Sponsorship Includes: 

• Your 32” x 104” branding on top 1/3 of column (2 sided) 

Investment/Availability:   

• Individual columns outside Halls F, G, H (sold individually): $3,500
• Two columns outside Hall D (sold as a pair): $10,000

Increase your brand visibility by sponsoring one or more of the show floor lounges. These lounges are located right in front of the concession areas – three total on the show floor.  Show attendees will be looking for places to take a break and they will head straight to these lounges.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Custom tabletop showcasing your brand on all lounge tables
• Acknowledgement on Winter FancyFaire* homepage and the event app

Investment: $7,000

Availability: 3

Showcase your products and brand across prime Convention Center locations with high-impact digital signage. Provide dynamic video or static promotions to catch the eye of buyers, investors, and press.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Display Screens in Lobby D, Lobby E, Hall E Entryway, Lobby F and Lobby G

Investment: $3,500

Availability: 15

Deadline: 11/17/25

Winter FancyFaire* participants want to make the most of their time at the event, and our wayfinding stations are relied upon to help them do just that. Align your brand with these technology-driven interactive kiosks offering interactive maps to navigate the exhibit floor, schedules with programs and education content, plus new products and sofi winners, and more. 

Sponsorship includes:

• All kiosks and toppers branded with your company logo and graphics

Note: Image may not reflect actual station, subject to change 

Investment: $5,000 

Availability: 1

Deadline: 10/15/25

Wayfinding stations help attendees navigate the exhibit floor, create schedules, and find new products. Advertise your company and products in the Rotating Banner Ads shown on kiosk home screen. 
Note: Image may not reflect actual station, subject to change 

Investment: $2,000.00 

Availability: 11 

Deadline: 11/20/2025 

Stand out with an Interactive Listing on the Wayfinding Stations, where attendees go for help making their way around Winter FancyFaire* — seeking the best path and the best programs for themselves. 

Sponsorship includes:

Company Logo and Video or Graphic Advertisement in sponsor icon on homescreen 
Note: Image may not reflect actual station, subject to change 

Investment: $800

Availability: 20 

Deadline: 10/15/25 

Publication bins are placed in common areas, and this sponsor may place their literature. Sponsor responsible for shipping and placement as assigned. 

Investment: $2,000 

Availability: 12 

Deadline: 10/15/2025 

Stand out from the crowd with an exclusive Splash Screen advertisement on the mobile app for Winter FancyFaire*. It's like putting your logo right in their pocket. You'll be seen by the masses each time they open or refresh the app.

Sponsorship includes:

• Exclusive Splash Screen Advertisement* on the Winter FancyFaire* mobile app for iOS and Android

Investment: $15,000.00

Availability: 1
 
Deadline: 12/1/2025 

The official Winter FancyFaire* mobile app is an indispensable tool used by thousands of attendees at every Show. The app includes product/exhibitor search capability, booth listings, detailed event and education session listings, and more. Promote your brand or product with a mobile app banner ad that, once clicked, can redirect to an exhibitor detail page, a product detail page, or a specified URL. Banner ads rotate in position when the app is refreshed and certain pages are excluded from advertising. 

Investment: $2,000.00

Availability: 10

Deadline: 12/1/2025 

Reach attendees instantly with mobile app push notifications. This is a great way to promote a special event at your booth or on our event stages. App users must have push notifications enabled to receive messages. 

Sponsorship includes:

• One push notification during the Show
• 30 characters for the title
• 40 characters for the notification message
• 200 words for the content of the notification

Investment: $1,500

Availability: 8 slots total (2 per day)

Deadline: 12/1/2025 

Maximize your reach with a sponsorship that features your brand on the registration confirmations and reminder emails. This is a great way to drive pre-show awareness among qualified attendees.

Sponsorship includes: company logo and link on registration website promoting sponsor, in registration confirmation emails, in registration reminder emails, in "Know Before You Go" email, on iPad for Badge Pick Up, banner ad on specialtyfood.com (two-month run), recognition on official show App. 

Investment: $5,000.00

Availability: 3

Deadline: 11/1/2025 

Target your messaging to thousands of exhibitor staff members, snagging attention in the days, weeks and months before Winter FancyFaire*.

Sponsorship includes: company logo and link on registration website promoting sponsor, in registration confirmation emails, in registration reminder emails, in "Know Before You Go" email, banner ad on specialtyfood.com (two-month run), recognition on official show App. 

Investment: $5,000.00

Availability: 3

Deadline: 11/1/2025 

Experience Tracker is a post event email linking attendees to exhibitors they visited. Sponsors get prime placement in listings and banners, boosting visibility. This follow-up drives traffic, generates leads, and extends event engagement.

SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES:

• Company logo and link

• Email to Winter Fancy Faire* attendees co-branded with your logo

Investment: $5,000

Availability: 3

Deadline: 10/15/25

An elevated pop-up store inside the Convention Center, the Spotlight Shoppe is one of the most exciting new Winter FancyFaire* destinations: a retail-inspired showcase, designed by professional merchandisers, that will draw in buyers and investors in a high-visibility location.

As Title Sponsor, you’ll get full and prominent branding throughout the Spotlight Shoppe, i.e. “Powered by (Your Brand)” on signage, a range of digital promotions, and other marketing materials. You’ll also gain market intelligence through full access to scan data from Spotlight Shoppe visitors—and more!

Sponsorship Includes:

• Your logo prominently and seamlessly integrated into the Spotlight Shoppe, both inside and outside the area, reinforcing your authority
• Social media moment art with your logo integrated, boosting brand awareness and social reach
• Full access to Spotlight Shoppe scan data (entrance scanners and QR scans in the Winter FancyFaire* app), providing valuable market intelligence
• Prominent inclusion in 2 Spotlight Shoppe preview social media posts as well as other social content, prominent inclusion in 1 Spotlight Shoppe preview email newsletter (logo and blurb feature)
• Acknowledgement on the Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $50,000

Availability: 1

Deadline: 10/15/25

An elevated pop-up store inside the Convention Center, the Spotlight Shoppe is one of the most exciting new Winter FancyFaire* destinations: a retail-inspired showcase, designed by professional merchandisers, that will draw in buyers and investors in a high-visibility location.

As a Category Sponsor, your logo will be featured within your category aisle in the Spotlight Shoppe, i.e. “The Snack Aisle brought to you by (Your Brand)” on all relevant signage. This is your chance to “own” an area of this buzzy activation and get in front of engaged buyer attendees.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Your logo integrated into all relevant signage for the category aisle and area within the Spotlight Shoppe
• Co-branded infographics featuring relevant data specific to your category can be displayed within the aisle, offering targeted value to buyers
• Inclusion in 1 Spotlight Shoppe preview social media, inclusion in 1 Spotlight Shoppe preview email newsletter (logo and blurb feature)
• Acknowledgement on the Winter FancyFaire* homepage

Investment: $4,500 (Exhibitor) or $10,000 (Non-Exhibiting Sponsor)

Availability: 9

Deadline: 10/15/25

Position your brand in a premium, high-visibility location with a dedicated Center Store Display designed to maximize buyer engagement.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Premium full-size display in the Center Store area
• Up to 14 SKU facings showcased together
• Custom retail-style “price tag” featuring QR code and booth number

*All products are professionally merchandised by SFA within the selected retail category. Exhibitor is responsible for shipping products & displays to the show site.

Investment: $4,000 

Availability: 4
 

Showcase your products with a premium full endcap display designed for maximum visibility and impact. Strategically positioned to attract buyer attention, this display allows for professional merchandising across multiple product lines.

Sponsorship Includes:

• Premium full endcap with high visibility
• Up to ten (10) SKU facings
• Custom “price tag” featuring QR code and booth number
• Up to two (2) branded shelf blades for added visibility

*All products are professionally merchandised by SFA within the selected retail category.


Investment: $2,500 

Availability: 8

Showcase your product with a single-SKU placement enhanced with branded shelf blade. Your product will be professionally merchandised in a retail-style setting designed to capture buyer attention and drive engagement.

Sponsorship Includes:

• One (1) SKU merchandised in the appropriate retail aisle category
• Custom “price tag” featuring QR code and booth number
• One (1) branded shelf blade for added visibility

Investment: $325

Availability: 25

Showcase your product with a single-SKU displayed in the Spotlight Shoppe. Professionally merchandised and placed in a retail-style setting to catch buyers’ attention.

Sponsorship Includes:

• One (1) SKU merchandised in the appropriate retail aisle category
• Custom “price tag” with QR code and booth number

*All products are professionally merchandised by SFA in selected retail category.

Investment: $125.00

Availability: 300