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PLMA’s 2026 Private Label Trade Show is scheduled for Nov. 15–17 at Chicago’s Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The association says the show floor is at capacity, with nearly 1,900 suppliers from about 60 countries and more than 3,000 booths, alongside expanded education, a new product showcase and networking events.
PLMA’s 2026 Private Label Trade Show will bring retailers and manufacturers together Nov. 15–17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, with the show floor at capacity, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association. PLMA says nearly 1,900 suppliers from about 60 countries will fill more than 3,000 booths, while an expanded education program, new-product displays and retailer-supplier events are set to frame the three-day meeting.
The event, branded the “Store Brands Marketplace,” will cover food and nonfood categories, including beverages, health and beauty, household products and general merchandise. PLMA says buyers will be able to review products in person and meet potential suppliers across a large range of categories. The association describes the show as a sourcing venue for retailers seeking product quality, differentiation and cost savings; those are stated aims, not measured outcomes of the event.
The opening day, Sunday, Nov. 15, will focus on education. PLMA’s Executive Education Insight Series will feature expert-led workshops and discussions on trends, challenges and opportunities in the private-brand industry, followed by opening seminars. The program also includes World of Ideas, a new showcase replacing the long-running Idea Supermarket. It is set to display store-brand products from around the world, including Salute to Excellence Awards and International Wine Awards winners, as well as hundreds of food and nonfood items in the New Product Expo.
Retail executives are scheduled to speak during morning sessions: John Conlin, Target’s senior vice president of merchandising, food and beverage, on Monday, Nov. 16, at 8 a.m.; and Abby Cook, Ahold Delhaize USA’s senior vice president of Own Brands, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 8 a.m. The Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception has also moved from its traditional Sunday evening slot to Monday night at the convention center, giving exhibitors and retailers another scheduled opportunity to meet after the show floor opens.
A Large Marketplace for Store Brands
The announced scale gives retailers access to a broad pool of potential suppliers in one location, while manufacturers can present products to buyers seeking additions or alternatives for their store-brand ranges. For attendees, the combination of in-person product evaluation, appointments and category breadth may make the show useful for comparing options that are harder to judge from catalogues alone. PLMA’s Dan Weil said seeing, tasting, smelling and handling products is part of the event’s value.
The program also puts product discovery and industry learning alongside sourcing. The New Product Expo and World of Ideas offer ways to scan new offerings, while workshops and retailer speakers address the business environment surrounding private brands. The source report does not provide sales forecasts, attendance totals or an estimate of the show’s economic impact, so the practical results for participating companies remain to be seen.
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How the 2026 Program Is Changing
PLMA’s announcement presents the Chicago meeting as a three-day trade show for private-label products, bringing together retailers and manufacturers. The most clearly identified program changes are the introduction of World of Ideas in place of the Idea Supermarket and the shift of the Mix, Mingle & Unwind Reception to Monday evening. The new product display and education sessions add structured programming around the exhibition floor.
Planning tools are available ahead of the event through PLMA’s Show Navigator. The association says attendees can use its PLMA Matchmaker feature to arrange appointments with exhibitors, check exhibitor details, map routes, review the daily schedule, download supplier and broker directories, and view products through Product Spotlight. PLMA’s report, published by Hardware Retailing on Nov. 3, describes the tool as open for use; it does not report how many appointments have already been booked.
““Innovation remains the cornerstone of retailer brand success.””
— Peggy Davies, PLMA president
Attendance and Business Results Remain Open
PLMA’s report confirms the scheduled dates, venue, program elements and stated exhibitor count, but it does not give a projected or final attendee total, a breakdown of participating retailers, or an estimate of deals expected to result from the event. The claim that the floor is at capacity is attributed to PLMA; the report provides no independent verification or definition of capacity.
Some details may also change before opening. The source does not provide full workshop titles, a complete speaker roster or the number of products in each showcase beyond describing the New Product Expo as featuring hundreds of items. It is not yet clear which specific products will attract buyer interest or what commercial outcomes suppliers and retailers will report afterward.
Buyers Can Plan Before Opening Day
Before the show opens on Nov. 15, retailers can use Show Navigator and PLMA Matchmaker to research exhibitors and request appointments, according to PLMA. The first day is scheduled for education sessions, with the exhibition and associated programming continuing through Nov. 17. Conlin’s and Cook’s appearances are listed for the mornings of Nov. 16 and 17, respectively.
After the meeting, a clearer picture of its reach will depend on attendance information and reports from participating retailers and suppliers. PLMA’s announcement outlines the planned program and exhibitor scale but does not include a post-show evaluation or results. Any later claims about sales, product launches or business agreements will need to be assessed against information released after the event.
Key Questions
When and where is PLMA’s 2026 Private Label Trade Show?
It is scheduled for Nov. 15–17, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.
How many suppliers are expected to exhibit?
PLMA says nearly 1,900 suppliers from about 60 countries will occupy more than 3,000 booths. The report does not provide an attendee forecast.
What is World of Ideas?
It is a new showcase replacing the Idea Supermarket. PLMA says it will feature store-brand products from around the world, award winners and the New Product Expo, which will present hundreds of food and nonfood items.
Which retail executives are scheduled to speak?
John Conlin of Target is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Nov. 16, and Abby Cook of Ahold Delhaize USA for 8 a.m. on Nov. 17.
How can attendees arrange meetings with exhibitors?
PLMA says its Show Navigator is open and includes the PLMA Matchmaker feature for booking appointments, along with exhibitor information, floor planning, schedules and product previews.
Source: hardwareretailing.com
