Conversation and collaboration set to unfold at IFSA Global EXPO 2025
This is a special feature from the June/July 2025 Amenities & Comfort digital issue of PAX International, on page 35.
A fireside chat from a previous Global EXPO at the Long Beach Convention Center
IFSA Global EXPO is set to return to the Long Beach Convention Center from September 9 to 11, co-located with APEX Global EXPO, with many key focal points emerging, including branding experiences, strategic partnerships and tech.
Lauren Costello, APEX/IFSA Executive Director, tells PAX International that several common themes were revealed during a comprehensive trend analysis conducted by the IFSA Board during its February 2025 strategic meeting. The themes directly informed the Innovation & Engagement Committee’s development of this year’s Thought Leadership agenda for IFSA Global EXPO, she says.
The themes include sustainability and environmental responsibility; food safety, dietary needs, and customization; supply chain resilience and cost pressures; technology and digital innovation; and passenger experience and culinary elevation. Discussions on AI and automation will also take center stage at this year’s EXPO as both are rapidly reshaping the inflight F&B landscape.
Lauren Costello, Executive Director, APEX
A notable session slated for the event is “Jet Set, Meet Tech Set,” featuring panelists from Alaska Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, exploring how AI and smart technologies are revolutionizing inflight operations. From this discussion panel, attendees will learn how personalization, predictive analytics and operational efficiency are applied to improve both backend processes and the overall passenger experience.
Another poignant topic at this year’s EXPO that may surprise attendees is live culinary innovation, which Costello says will take place on the show floor this September. Through the “Live from the Innovation Pavilion: Culinary in Action” experience, attendees can watch leading airline chefs prepare bold new inflight dishes in real time.
“These interactive cooking demonstrations not only showcase the creative direction of onboard cuisine but also highlight deeper conversations around special meal preparation, waste reduction and the operational logistics required to bring elevated dining to the skies. It is a tangible way for attendees to see innovation in motion to the final plated result,” she explains.
Cross-sector collaboration
IFSA has carved out its niche value to international suppliers and buyers as a hub to engage in regulatory, operational and innovation-driven conversations that shape the global inflight experience. IFSA’s government affairs thought leadership spans both U.S. and European regulatory landscapes with a continued focus on monitoring global developments that impact the onboard services industry, Costello explains.
“What sets this show apart is its cross-sector collaboration—from culinary innovation and sustainability to technology and policy—and the opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers from both global and regional carriers,” she says.
