Easyfairs Expands Reach With Two of France’s Leading Retail and Hospitality Tech Events

Easyfairs is stepping up its expansion in technology-led events with the acquisition of Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail, two of France’s most established platforms for innovation in hospitality and retail. The move signals a shift towards building more connected, scalable ecosystems across Europe.

Announced on 15 April 2026, the deal brings the Paris-based events into the Easyfairs portfolio, combining their strong local identity with an international network and a more data based approach to event organisation. The strategy is not to reinvent the events but to expand their reach. Both will continue to be led by founder Karen Serfaty and her team, preserving their entrepreneurial character and close industry ties while gaining access to greater resources and a broader audience.

Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail have built their reputation on relevance, bringing together startups and technology providers in focused environments. Under Easyfairs, those communities move beyond a single market and into a wider European network with greater visibility and connections. This comes at a time when both retail and hospitality are being reshaped by technology, with data, automation and digital platforms now central to operations, customer experience and supply chains. Innovation is accelerating, driven by startups and reinforced by global technology players, increasing the need for platforms that connect these ecosystems in a meaningful way. Easyfairs is positioning these events within that shift, focusing on platforms that extend beyond the exhibition floor and into ongoing industry ecosystems.

Building Platforms Not Just Events

The ambition behind the partnership is clearly articulated by Karen Serfaty, CEO and Founder of Tech For Retail and Food Hotel Tech, pictured below, whose focus is not simply on growth but on shaping the direction of the market itself:

“Together, we can dream big. For our communities, for our clients, for our teams. Our ambition is to build platforms that do not just follow the market but help to shape its future.”

“Easyfairs was the natural home for both events. My team and I are excited to join forces with one of the world’s largest event organisers, which will enable exhibitors of both events, in particular Tech for Retail, to connect with a wider French audience and meet even more international attendees. This step will take the events to the next level, and I cannot wait to get started.”

“Ultimately, our goal is simple: to create events where every participant leaves with new ideas, new connections and new opportunities to grow their business. The entrepreneurial spirit that flows through Easyfairs and its community-focused approach align perfectly with our ambitions. Together, we will unlock new growth opportunities in Europe and beyond.”

Strengthening a European Network

From Easyfairs’ perspective, the acquisition is as much about strategic alignment as it is about expansion. The strength of Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail lies in their deep market knowledge, strong relationships and clearly defined communities. Easyfairs complements this with operational scale, a wider European footprint and the infrastructure to support long-term growth across borders without losing the identity of the events.

Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK and Global, pictured below, emphasises the importance of this balance and the role of the people behind the brands:

“The team behind these two fantastic shows is clearly at the heart of their communities, something that is so important for us at Easyfairs. We are delighted that the brilliant people behind both Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail will join us and continue to drive the inevitable success going forward. One thing that stood out to me throughout this process was the respect Karen and her team have in the markets they serve. I’m in awe of what they have created and our role going forward is to support their vision.”

She also highlights how the acquisition fits into the wider Easyfairs portfolio and its strategic development in France and beyond:

“Strategically, this acquisition strengthens our position in France, home to the ever-growing and largest event in our group, Paris Packaging Week. These events complement our existing shows in other regions and enable us to maximise marketing, apply our processes and technology and foster deeper collaboration between teams. It is an honour to have Karen and her team join our growing company, and we are excited to apply the Easyfairs magic to these well-respected and inspirational events.”

The acquisition reinforces France as a central hub within Easyfairs’ European network, alongside its presence across the UK, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Algeria, and major events such as Paris Packaging Week and Horeca in Belgium.

What Comes Next

Both events will remain anchored in Paris at Expo Porte de Versailles, continuing to serve as key meeting points for innovation in their sectors while benefiting from increased international reach. Tech For Retail returns on 30 November and 1 December 2026 and is expected to welcome more than 15,000 visitors and over 420 exhibitors. Food Hotel Tech follows on 31 March and 1 April 2027, with more than 8,500 visitors and 200 exhibitors anticipated. Each will continue to focus on content driven formats that combine expert speakers, workshops, startup pitches and industry awards, ensuring they remain spaces where ideas translate into tangible business opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

What this acquisition reflects is a broader shift in the events industry itself. The value of an event is no longer defined purely by its size, but by the strength of the community it builds and the quality of the connections it enables. By integrating Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail into its portfolio, Easyfairs is not simply expanding its reach but strengthening its position within a more connected model.

The direction is clear. Not just larger events, but more connected and more influential ecosystems shaping the future of retail and hospitality.

Find out more on www.easyfairs.com