Press release after the 19th GASTexpo Fairs of Tastes 2026.
HoReCa Fairs of Tastes with more visitors and new guidelines
Once again, the GASTexpo 2026 professional HoReCa hybrid Fairs of Tastes impressed visitors with its comprehensive programme of events and practical innovations for the hospitality sector, thus reaffirming its position as the region’s leading professional event for the hospitality industry.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the exhibitors, participants and visitors who contributed to this year’s event by attending.
The Fairs’ events this year attracted numerous professionals and business visitors, who enjoyed a rich and varied programme of exhibitions, as well as a diverse selection of workshops, competitions and practical demonstrations. Attendance at this year’s Fairs exceeded last year’s by 10%, with over 22,000 visitors.
New generation of professional catering equipment
This year’s event focused particularly on the new generation of professional catering equipment, which optimises work processes, increases energy efficiency and enables digital kitchen and facility management. Visitors could see and try out a range of modern appliances, including ovens, pizza ovens, thermal lines, cooling systems, pizza preparation equipment and advanced coffee machines, as well as innovative solutions incorporating smart technologies and automation.
Excellence of the professional programme – workshops, demonstrations and contests
The professional programme included active workshops and interactive presentations. The presentations on craft beer, testing of innovative devices, pizza-making demonstrations using a machine, latte art workshops and ice cream and gastronomic art preparation using various techniques were particularly notable. Visitors also enjoyed beer tastings, pairing the beverage with a wide variety of boutique cheeses.
Visitors were also treated to a variety of hands-on and imaginative activities, including preparing traditional and contemporary dishes, mixology demonstrations and coffee cocktails. Special events included Pizza Day with the mayors of the Central Slovenia region and a Pizza Party for exhibitors and guests.
The competition programme also included the 13th International Best Pizza Chef of Slovenia Championship and the 2026 Barcaffè LAGS Battle.
The future is now: hybrid format
The Fairs were held in a hybrid form, enabling attendees to follow the content via livestream and a digital platform active before and during the event.
We have taken a step towards a more accessible fair
To improve the user experience, a free shuttle service was introduced for the first time this year, running between the P+R Center Stožice car park and the Fairs venue. The service proved to be very successful and was well received by visitors.
GASTexpo 2026 has once again proven to be an invaluable source of knowledge, innovation and practical experience for professionals in the hospitality, tourism and related industries.