This article was inspired by content originally published on PMQ Pizza Magazine by Charlie Pogacar
The pizza industry is experiencing a renaissance, and nowhere was that more evident than at the fourth annual Pizza Tomorrow Summit in Orlando this November. With record-breaking attendance and an expanded three-day format, this event has become the epicenter of innovation, education, and networking for pizza professionals across the United States. Whether you’re a pizza shop owner looking to scale operations, a supplier seeking the latest industry trends, or a home pizza enthusiast dreaming of perfecting your craft, the insights from this year’s summit offer a roadmap to pizza excellence.
Why the Pizza Tomorrow Summit Matters for Every Pizza Professional
Held at the Orange County Convention Center and co-located with the Florida Restaurant Show, the Pizza Tomorrow Summit has rapidly evolved from a regional gathering into a must-attend industry event. This year’s expansion to three days wasn’t just about logistics—it was a direct response to overwhelming demand from operators, suppliers, and pizza professionals who needed more time to absorb cutting-edge content and forge meaningful connections.
Glenn Celentano, CEO of Restaurant Events, LLC, explained the rationale behind the expansion: “We’ve grown so quickly that the show is now too big to get through in a day. People need two days to take in the content and have the conversations they want, and our two days aren’t always the same two days for everyone.”
For pizza shop owners, this summit represents an invaluable opportunity to discover pizza shop marketing strategies, explore the latest pizza POS systems, and learn about pizza delivery software that can streamline operations and boost profitability. The free educational programming alone makes the trip worthwhile, covering everything from customer loyalty programs to operational efficiency tactics.
The Southeast’s Pizza Boom: Why Orlando Is the Perfect Hub
The Pizza Tomorrow Summit’s location in Orlando isn’t accidental. The Southeast has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pizza markets in the United States, with new pizzerias opening at a remarkable pace and established operators expanding their footprints. Celentano recognized this opportunity four years ago when he envisioned an event that would serve operators east of the Rockies who couldn’t always make it to the major West Coast shows.
“I knew the demand was there,” Celentano said. “While people travel to the other big shows, that audience wasn’t being fully served. This was wide open.”
The strategy has paid off spectacularly. This year’s exhibitor list included several major suppliers making their debut, including Smithfield, with expectations that industry giants like Cisco will join in 2026. For pizza suppliers and distributors, the summit offers unparalleled access to decision-makers seeking bulk pizza ingredients, commercial pizza equipment, and sustainable sourcing solutions.
Education First: Why Operators Keep Coming Back
While the exhibit hall buzzes with activity, the real draw for many attendees is the educational programming. In an industry facing rising ingredient costs, labor challenges, and evolving consumer preferences, operators are hungry for actionable strategies they can implement immediately.
“The number one reason people come here is to learn,” Celentano emphasized. “Providing free education has really resonated.”
The educational sessions cover critical topics for modern pizza operations:
- Marketing Innovation: How to leverage social media, local partnerships, and customer loyalty programs to drive repeat business
- Technology Integration: Implementing restaurant technology that enhances efficiency without overwhelming staff
- Menu Development: Incorporating plant-based options, artisanal ingredients, and trending flavor profiles
- Sustainability Practices: Sourcing locally, reducing waste, and communicating environmental values to customers
For home pizza enthusiasts looking to elevate their craft, these industry insights translate directly to better home pizza-making. Understanding how professionals approach dough fermentation, ingredient selection, and baking techniques can transform your home pizza game. Investing in quality tools like a home pizza oven, pizza stone, or dough mixer becomes more strategic when you understand the principles professionals use.
The Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup: Where Champions Are Made
One of the summit’s most electrifying attractions is the U.S. Pizza Team’s competition zone, home to the Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup. This year’s competition was the smoothest and most exciting yet, with packed seating and an atmosphere that rivaled any major sporting event.
The stakes are high: the grand-prize winner earns a trip to Italy, the spiritual homeland of pizza. For competitors, it’s a chance to showcase their mastery of pizza dough recipes, innovative topping combinations, and technical execution under pressure.
“It’s not that the [Galbani Cup] has grown—it just keeps getting more exciting,” Celentano noted. “The seats are full—this year has a little extra [oomph].”
For aspiring pizzaiolos watching from the sidelines, the competition offers masterclass-level education. Observing how champions handle dough stretching, manage oven temperatures, and balance flavors provides insights no cookbook can match. Many attendees leave inspired to upgrade their own pizza-making tools and experiment with artisanal pizza ingredients they discovered on the show floor.
Industry Trends Shaping Pizza’s Future
The conversations happening at the Pizza Tomorrow Summit reflect broader trends transforming the industry:
Automation and Efficiency
From automated dough presses to AI-powered inventory management, technology is helping operators do more with less. Commercial mixers with programmable settings ensure consistency across shifts, while food service technology streamlines everything from ordering to delivery tracking.
Plant-Based and Alternative Ingredients
Consumer demand for plant-based options continues to grow. Suppliers showcasing vegan cheese alternatives, cauliflower crusts, and innovative protein toppings are finding eager audiences among operators looking to expand their menus.
Local and Sustainable Sourcing
Today’s customers want to know where their food comes from. Pizzerias partnering with local farms for fresh produce and sustainable pizza sourcing are building stronger community connections and differentiating themselves in crowded markets.
Delivery and Off-Premises Optimization
With delivery now representing a significant portion of pizza sales, operators are investing in pizza delivery software, optimized packaging, and kitchen layouts designed for speed and efficiency.
What Pizza Shop Owners Should Take Away
If you’re running a pizzeria, the Pizza Tomorrow Summit offers a concentrated dose of strategies to boost your bottom line:
- Invest in the Right Technology: A modern pizza POS system isn’t just a cash register—it’s a business intelligence tool that tracks sales patterns, manages inventory, and identifies your most profitable menu items.
- Master Your Marketing: The most successful operators are leveraging marketing software to automate email campaigns, manage social media, and create loyalty programs that keep customers coming back.
- Streamline Operations: From commercial pizza equipment that reduces prep time to cleaning equipment that maintains health standards efficiently, operational excellence starts with the right tools.
- Never Stop Learning: The industry’s best operators are perpetual students, constantly refining their pizza dough recipes, experimenting with new ingredients, and staying current on trends.
For Home Pizza Enthusiasts: Bringing Professional Techniques Home
You don’t need to own a pizzeria to benefit from industry insights. Home pizza makers can apply professional principles to create restaurant-quality pies:
- Invest in Quality Equipment: A best home pizza oven that reaches 800°F+ makes a dramatic difference. Pair it with a pizza peel and infrared thermometer for professional results.
- Master Your Dough: Understanding pizza dough recipes and fermentation techniques is the foundation of great pizza. Consider a kitchen scale for precise measurements and a dough proofing box for consistent results.
- Source Quality Ingredients: Seek out artisanal pizza ingredients like imported Italian flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and authentic mozzarella di bufala.
- Study Pizza History: Understanding pizza history facts and regional styles deepens your appreciation and informs your technique. Great pizza cookbooks combine recipes with cultural context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pizza Tomorrow Summit?
The Pizza Tomorrow Summit is an annual three-day industry event held in Orlando, Florida, bringing together pizza shop owners, suppliers, and industry professionals for education, networking, and discovering the latest innovations in pizza-making and restaurant operations.
When is the next Pizza Tomorrow Summit?
While specific 2026 dates haven’t been announced, the summit typically takes place in November at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, co-located with the Florida Restaurant Show.
Who should attend the Pizza Tomorrow Summit?
The summit is ideal for pizza shop owners, restaurant operators, suppliers, distributors, and anyone in the pizza industry looking to stay current on trends, discover new products, and learn from industry experts.
What is the Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup?
The Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup is a prestigious pizza-making competition held at the summit, organized by the U.S. Pizza Team, where competitors showcase their skills for a chance to win a trip to Italy.
How can I improve my home pizza-making skills?
Start by investing in quality equipment like a high-temperature pizza oven, mastering pizza dough recipes through practice, sourcing artisanal ingredients, and studying techniques from professional pizzaiolos.
What are the biggest trends in the pizza industry right now?
Key trends include automation and efficiency technology, plant-based and alternative ingredients, local and sustainable sourcing, and optimization of delivery and off-premises dining experiences.
The Future Is Bright for Pizza
As the Pizza Tomorrow Summit continues to grow, it reflects the pizza industry’s remarkable vitality and innovation. From cutting-edge commercial pizza equipment to time-honored techniques passed down through generations, the industry honors its past while embracing its future.
Whether you’re perfecting your pizza dough recipe at home, managing a bustling pizzeria, or supplying the industry with quality ingredients, the lessons from this year’s summit are clear: invest in education, embrace innovation, and never lose sight of what makes pizza special—the ability to bring people together over a perfectly crafted pie.
The pizza industry’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. As Celentano put it: “Our reach keeps growing. And we’re only getting started.”
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