Western Association of Food Chains - WAFC Annual Convention 2027
Event Date
May 1–5, 2027
Location
Palm Desert, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) Annual Convention is the flagship gathering of the WAFC, a non-profit trade association serving the grocery and food distribution industry across the Western United States. The convention brings together supermarket retailers, wholesalers, consumer packaged goods companies, third-party suppliers, and food industry leaders for several days of networking, education, and celebration of the association's mission.
Established in 1921, the Western Association of Food Chains is a non-profit organization comprised of retailers and wholesalers in the 14 Western States representing over 7,500 supermarkets and over 255 billion dollars in annual sales. The mission of the WAFC is to help the industry attract, retain and advance high potential food industry associates through exposure to educational programs and leadership opportunities.
The annual convention is a cornerstone event for the Western food retail community, offering executives and rising leaders the chance to connect, share best practices, and support the association's education initiatives. The organization is supported by a diverse group of donors who contribute to the WAFC Education Fund, enhancing learning opportunities for industry employees for over 60 years, and their annual conventions foster community and learning within the food industry.
Show Highlights
The WAFC Annual Convention centers on industry education, leadership development, and networking for the Western United States grocery sector. Key themes and features include:
- Education focus — The convention supports and celebrates the WAFC's signature education programs. The core educational programs supported by the WAFC are the USC Food Industry Management Program, the USC Food Industry Management Executive Program and the community college Retail Management Certificate Program.
- Scholarship and industry investment — Since its founding, the WAFC, with the generous donations of food industry companies and individuals, has supported the USC Food Industry Management Program with scholarships in excess of $20 million.
- Networking across the Western food industry — Retailers, wholesalers, CPG companies, and suppliers gather to build relationships and share insights.
- Resort setting — The 2027 event is hosted at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, offering golf, spa, and dining amenities alongside convention programming.
Registration
Registration for the WAFC Annual Convention is handled through the official WAFC website at wafc.com. Prospective attendees should visit the Convention section of the site for registration details, pass types, and deadlines as they are announced for the 2027 event. Specific pricing and registration steps were not published on the official website at the time of research.
History
The WAFC traces its roots to the early 20th century. The Western States Chain Grocers Association (WSCGA) was founded in 1921 by a group of Los Angeles grocers. Over the following decades the organization's focus shifted decisively toward industry education. During the 1958 WSCGA Convention, the announcement was made that the USC "Food Distribution Program" would be offered in the fall of 1959. This move marked the beginning of an evolution for the organization's laser focus on creating and supporting continuing educational programs in the Western United States for the grocery industry.
Also in 1959, the WSCGA changed its name to the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC). Today, the WAFC remains committed to advancing the food industry through education and leadership. The annual convention has become the association's premier event, held at resort destinations across the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 WAFC Annual Convention?
The 2027 Western Association of Food Chains Annual Convention takes place May 1-5, 2027, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.
Who should attend the WAFC Annual Convention?
The convention is designed for the Western United States food and grocery industry, including supermarket retailers, wholesalers, consumer packaged goods companies, and third-party suppliers. It brings together executives and rising leaders for networking, education, and industry collaboration.
What is the Western Association of Food Chains?
Established in 1921, the WAFC is a non-profit organization made up of retailers and wholesalers across 14 Western states, representing over 7,500 supermarkets. Its primary mission is to advance the food industry through education and leadership programs.
How do I register for the WAFC Annual Convention?
Registration is handled through the official WAFC website at wafc.com under the Convention section, where details on passes and deadlines are posted as they become available for the 2027 event.
What is the closest airport to the convention venue?
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest airport, located about 12 miles from the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, roughly an 18-minute drive. The hotel does not offer shuttle service, but taxis, rideshare, and rental cars are available.
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