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RIMINI – Venditalia 2026 (May 6–8, 2026) is shaping up to be a record-breaking edition: over 300 expected brands (including industry leaders), 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, 8 halls, growing international visibility, and a well-established network of relationships with the market’s key players.
The trade show, taking place for the first time at the modern Rimini Expo Centre thanks to the strategic partnership between CONFIDA – the Italian Vending Association – and Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), one of Europe’s leading exhibition organizers, already confirms six months in advance its role as an international platform and the leading European event for the vending industry.
As of today, more than 50% of the exhibition spaces are already occupied, and foreign exhibitors account for 41% of the total—a record for the event.
This is a significant response for a sector that, in Europe in 2024, generated €26.4 billion in revenue, with 4.5 million machines installed and 34.5 billion products sold.
Venditalia will be the perfect opportunity to showcase the ecosystem that brings together all the key players in the vending supply chain: technology manufacturers, operators, product suppliers, and stakeholders, creating real business and networking opportunities through a program of conferences and workshops (including sessions in English) on the most relevant topics in the vending industry.
Never before has the vending sector experienced such a technological acceleration, impacting the entire value chain: from machine design to remote management, digital payments, and customer experience.
At Venditalia 2026, SmartLink will make its world premiere—the new communication protocol between vending machines, payment systems, and management software, promoted by the European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA). The goal is to create a more connected, efficient system that is ready for the future.
“The vending sector is undergoing a true ‘Digital Revolution,’”- explains Ernesto Piloni, CEO of Venditalia – “With connectivity, a vending machine can be managed remotely, adjusting settings and parameters in real time and analysing big data. The integration of AI will make many processes more efficient. And let’s not forget consumer-facing innovations: from touchscreens to cashless digital payment systems, and the rapidly growing payment apps—33% of the more than 800,000 vending machines installed across Italy are equipped with them, and for 1 in 4 consumers, it’s the preferred payment method. Vending technology also has exceptional potential beyond the traditional channel: it can provide 24/7 service in multiple sectors, from retail to hospitality.”
“Venditalia is a prestigious showcase for Made in Italy foodtech innovation,” – continues Marco Cecchini, President of Venditalia – “Thanks to the partnership between Italian Exhibition Group and CONFIDA—which enriches IEG’s already extensive portfolio of out-of-home trade shows—the event will now benefit from a dynamic, international setting that will broaden its audience of exhibitors and visitors, strengthening its presence both in Italy and worldwide.”
New consumption models will take center stage in this edition, under the claim “Think Automatic”: vending machines are entering unconventional spaces (from coworking hubs to smart hotels, from equipped camper areas to retail) to diversify, expand, and differentiate the offering in non-food sectors (fashion, tech, personal care, health & pharma), going beyond traditional vending.
An exhibition area will be dedicated to emerging products and technologies from start-ups and young entrepreneurial ventures, both Italian and international, while workshops on trends and innovations in the vending sector will complete the program.
Find out more at www.venditalia.com
How to reach the trade show
Rimini Expo Centre, one of the most modern in Europe for technology and services, is easily accessible thanks to an efficient network of national and international connections:
- By plane: Bologna International Airport, just 60 minutes away, is connected by a comprehensive free shuttle bus service.
- By train: a high-speed railway station inside the exhibition center (“Rimini Fiera,” opposite the SOUTH entrance) connects major Italian cities: Florence (2h), Milan (2h30), Rome (3h30).
- By car: A14 highway, exit at Rimini Sud (7 km) or Rimini Nord (6 km).
- Parking: around 11,000 parking spaces available near the three entrances, connected by a shuttle service.
- Rimini Expo Centre is located at Via Emilia 155. The entrance dedicated to Venditalia will be the SOUTH entrance.
- The Expo Centre is just 10 minutes from Rimini city center and the seaside, where you’ll find a wide range of hotels offering competitive rates all year round.
- Several buses connect the city to the exhibition district and stop in front of the SOUTH entrance.
- Many hotels provide shuttle bus services to and from the e\xhibition center during trade show periods.
About Vending Expo
A company jointly owned by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), one of Europe’s leading exhibition organizers, with a portfolio of over 60 events (including Sigep, Ecomondo, RiminiWellness) and a strong presence in major international markets, and CONFIDA, the only trade association representing the various product sectors across the entire food and beverage vending supply chain.
It is a member of Confcommercio – Enterprises for Italy and, within the EU, a partner of EVA (European Vending & Coffee Service Association).
