Meet the buyer The UK's only travel & leisure-focused Meet The Buyer event

Dates

28–29 October 2026

Venue

The Ballroom, DoubleTree Hilton, Milton Keynes

Who it's for

Food & drink brands ready to list with travel and leisure buyers

COUNTDOWN TO THE EVENT

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Our Meet the Buyer event is more than just a business gathering; it's a strategic, supportive and selective platform that connects the brightest food and beverage suppliers in travel and leisure with seasoned decision-makers.

Designed by buyers for buyers, it's a place where real business challenges meet real solutions, and where long-lasting partnerships begin. If you're looking to elevate your brand and expand your horizons in the travel and leisure industry, there's no better place to be.

Why attend

For suppliers

  • Guaranteed connections - every attendee meets at least 10 targeted buyers, matched through our matchmaker portal
  • Top-tier buyers only – decision-makers actively sourcing innovative products
  • Unmatched networking over drinks, dinner and breaks, beyond your scheduled meetings
  • Comprehensive support before, during and after, including one-to-one preparation with the TickEat team

For buyers

  • Meet 70+ pre-vetted, innovative food and drink brands matched to your category needs with an additional showcase of 40+ brands at the Marketplace on day one
  • Discover new products ready for travel, leisure and hospitality menus
  • Structured, time-efficient meetings with suppliers chosen for you
  • Build a pipeline of suppliers beyond your existing network

From the event

Buyer testimonials

This was my first time attending and it was a fantastic experience. The range and quantity of new suppliers, products and brands seen was great. Supplier networking was key over the 2 day event, and the supplier meetings were paired very well by TickEat. Overall an amazing "Meet the Buyer"…

Rail Gourmet (RG)

TickEat Meet The Buyer, is a cost and time effective way to meet relevant suppliers. The format of the event is ideal for busy buyers.

Inside the box food service Ltd

Excellent event with quality suppliers. Having sit-down meetings and taking the time to discuss with multiple potential suppliers is a rare occasion.

Momentum Services Ltd

Well worth attending from a new product/new supplier perspective and also from the buyers' tables.

Compass Supply Solutions

The recent TickEat Meet The Buyer event was fantastic. We love attending these events to meet both current and new suppliers who are well set up for industry. The TickEat team take great care of everything meaning we can focus on our meetings with suppliers.

TransPennine Express

The team at TickEat have worked tirelessly over the years to build this event into what it’s become today — and this year’s was the best yet. It was fantastic to have so many suppliers and buyers together in one room. For me, TickEat isn’t just about meeting suppliers; it’s also…

Foodcase International

The Tickeat event was great to meet new suppliers and explore possibilities for our future business together.

IAG

Meet The Buyer is a great event. The ability to meet with suppliers on a one to one basis under one roof is invaluable. It saves so much time and gives both buyers and suppliers the chance to explore new opportunities in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The whole…

Cavendish Ships Stores

It was great to connect with new suppliers, most of which I wouldn't have if not for the event. Similarly great to catch up with industry colleagues. This year, I enjoyed having additional suppliers at the Taster Session during dinner. It was a nice relaxed environment in which to meet the…

DFMi

My first time attending TickEat and I was really surprised how many suppliers were at the event. Such an eye opener of a vast array of new products which are readily available and suitable for the travel sector!

RG - SSP

Register your interest

Places are limited and matched carefully to the buyers at the event. Tell us about your brand, and we'll be in touch.

Enquire about Meet the Buyer