Higher Costs, Smarter Spending: Balancing Food Pricing + Profit in 2026

If there’s one thing operators across the attractions industry can count on, it’s that food and beverage costs are always in motion. As we head into 2026, it’s more important than ever to reevaluate how you’re managing those costs—from menu design to vendor contracts to kitchen operations. In this session, SB Value’s Clint Elkins will moderate a panel of IAAPA members who will share practical strategies to help you stay profitable in an unpredictable economic landscape, whether you’re running a theme park, FEC, or water park.

Takeaways:

• Analyze the latest trends in food pricing and how they impact planning, portioning, and profit margins.
• Discover sustainable purchasing techniques that cut waste and stretch your budget further.
• Examine how labor pressures and external market forces affect pricing decisions.
• Explore what's ahead in food purchasing for 2026—and how to prepare with confidence.

A question-and-answer session will follow the webinar. 

Attendees are eligible to earn one continuing education unit (1 CEU) towards IAAPA recertification. For more information about IAAPA Certifications, please contact Alissa DeMeglio.