2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit
May 19-21, 2026 | Charlotte, NC
The Westin Charlotte
** Get your ticket for the only food waste summit hosted by ReFED! **
Join Us at the Premier Food Waste Event of the Year!
We can't wait to see you next May in Charlotte—the "Queen City" of the South—for three days of insights, inspiration, and action at the 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit. Here's what you can expect when you attend:
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Informative Sessions: Hear from a range of food system leaders, decision-makers, and advocates sharing their insights and expertise on the biggest food waste topics—in mainstage sessions, breakouts, workshops, screenings, and more.
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Actionable Takeaways: As always, the ReFED Summit is all about solutions. Learn how to drive impact in your organization and work.
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Extensive Networking: Engage with colleagues old and new through coordinated activities, happy hours, side conversations, and more.
Tickets for the 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit are now on sale at a special advanced rate—it's the lowest price you'll be able to get a Summit ticket, and it's only available until December 14!
Just Announced!
Andrew Zimmern
We’re excited to announce that Andrew Zimmern—chef, restaurateur, television and radio personality, businessman, food critic, author, and more!—will be making a special appearance at the 2026 ReFED Summit. Driven by the belief that food tells the world's most important stories, he's spent decades exploring how food can bridge social divides and foster change, becoming one of the most trusted voices on global food systems.
Learn MoreRecommend a Speaker
Do you know someone who has a story to share, insights to unveil, or an inspiring vision for how we can optimize our food system? We want to hear from you! Nominate a speaker (including yourself!) using our referral form below.
Apply for a Scholarship
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we're able to offer a limited number of scholarships to help people attend the ReFED Summit. To be considered, fill out the form below. We'll let people know in February whether they've been selected to receive scholarship funding.
Hotel & Venue
We'll be hosting this year's ReFED Summit at the top-rated Westin Charlotte—located in the city's financial district and featuring on-site restaurants and shops, a 24-hour fitness center, plus the Westin's legendary "Heavenly Beds" for an amazing night's sleep.
** A limited number of rooms at the Westin Charlotte are available at our special discounted ReFED Summit rate. Book yours now! **
Got a Question?
Check out our frequently asked questions page or reach out to us at [email protected].
Emcee
You heard right—Joel Gamoran is back as our Summit emcee! The chef, television host, influencer, entrepeneur, and zero-waste advocate kept the proceedings at our 2025 event fast-paced and fun. We can't wait to see what he's got in store for us in Charlotte this May...
Check Out Highlights from Past Summits
Hear from attendees, presenters, and exhibitors why the ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit is the must-attend event for food waste professoinals!
Explore Past SummitsSponsor the Nation’s Premier Gathering of the Food Waste Movement
We’re offering a limited number of sponsorship packages to help your organization maximize your engagement with and leadership in the food waste community. All sponsorship dollars go to support the work of ReFED, offsetting the cost of this event and other initiatives to reduce food waste. Benefits not listed below include flexibility for expanded exhibitor footprint, on-site brand activations, and product integrations (as appropriate and aligned with venue restrictions) for gold and silver level sponsors. With limited spots in each sponsorship category, committing early secures your spot and gives more opportunities to reach our audience!
2026 Sponsorship packages
Gold | $50,0000
Five (5) complimentary registrations
Access to additional discounted registrations
Logo on Summit materials (on-site, website, emails, etc.)
Dedicated LinkedIn & Instagram posts
Access to "Buddy Passes"
Access to full attendee list
Exhibit booth
Invitation to VIP Appreciation Event
Access to private event space (limited availability)
Recognition in ReFED's newsletter
Inclusion in Sponsor Thank You email
Silver | $25,000
Three (3) complimentary registrations
Access to additional discounted registrations
Logo on Summit materials (on-site, website, emails, etc.)
Dedicated LinkedIn & Instagram posts
Access to "Buddy Passes"
Access to full attendee list
Exhibit booth
Invitation to VIP appreciation dinner
Access to private event space (limited availability)
Recognition in ReFED's newsletter
Inclusion in Sponsor Thank You email
Bronze | $ 10,000
Two (2) complimentary registrations
Logo on Summit materials (on-site, website, emails, etc.)
Shared LinkedIn posts
Dedicated Instagram story
Access to full attendee list
Exhibit booth
Recognition in ReFED's newsletter
Inclusion in Sponsor Thank You email
Scholarship | $25,000
Three (3) complimentary registrations
Access to additional discounted registrations
Logo on Summit materials (on-site, website, emails, etc.)
Shared LinkedIn posts
Dedicated Instagram story
Access to full attendee list
Exhibit booth
Invitation to VIP appreciation dinner
Access to private event space (limited availability)
Recognition in ReFED's newsletter
Inclusion in Sponsor Thank You email
We're looking forward to welcoming you to Charlotte, NC, next May for the 2026 ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit! Make sure you're signed up for ReFED's mailing list to get all of the details as they're announced, including speakers and the full schedule—coming soon!