Live Event · Pleasanton, CA
Presented by California Foodservice Instant Rebates
September 23–25, 2026
Frontier Energy Food Service Tech Center (FSTC)
Pleasanton, CA · Newly Opened Facility
A first-of-its-kind, hands-on training and networking event for foodservice professionals, laser-focused on the equipment specification process.
Live Event · Pleasanton, CA
Presented by California Foodservice Instant Rebates
September 23–25, 2026
Frontier Energy Food Service Tech Center (FSTC)
Pleasanton, CA · Newly Opened Facility
A first-of-its-kind, hands-on training and networking event for foodservice professionals, laser-focused on the equipment specification process.
Presented By
Foodservice Equipment Reports
In Partnership With
Frontier Energy FSTC
6
Equipment Categories
2
Days of Programming
5+
Audience Segments
WHY ATTEND
Education Built For How You Spec
Unlike any other industry event, How To Spec Live delivers a program laser-focused on how to specify foodservice equipment. Every session is a live version of FER's signature equipment comparisons, combining expert panels, live demos, and real-world specification tips.
Live Equipment Demos
Get hands-on time with equipment at the newly opened Frontier Energy FSTC, one of the most advanced foodservice technology centers in North America.
Expert Panel Discussions
Hear directly from manufacturers, operators, and consultants in moderated sessions covering the latest technologies, specification tips, and common mistakes.
🎯
Category-Focused Sessions
Each session answers the questions that matter: What are the benefits? What sets makers apart? What are the top specification tips? What surprises even seasoned pros?
📚
FER Editorial Authority
Sessions are built around the same rigorous editorial standards as FER's renowned equipment comparison content, brought to life in a live, interactive format.
🤝
Unmatched Networking
A smaller group setting, two hosted group dinners and full days of side-by-side programming create the kind of facetime and lasting connections that trade show floors simply cannot match.
📈
Sharper Specifications
You will leave with practical, immediately applicable knowledge across six equipment categories, giving you a genuine edge every time you write or review a spec.
Group Dinners
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Built for Every specifier
Whether you are just starting out or have decades of experience, How To Spec Live is designed to level up your expertise and connect you with the people who shape the industry.
1st
First-of-its-kind event
A FER and Frontier Energy FSTC partnership unlike anything the foodservice industry has produced: educational, hands-on, and built for real specification impact.
100%
Specification Focused
Every session, every demo, and every discussion is purpose-built around helping you specify better. No fluff. No filler. Just actionable knowledge you can use immediately.
Hotel Information
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Pleasanton at the Club
7050 Johnson Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Room rate is $183.50/night plus tax.
The room rate includes a mandatory $4.50/night fee.
We will be providing bus transportation to and from the FSTC at the beginning of the day and after the meetings end and to any evening events.
Build Relationships That Last Beyond the Event
Two hosted group dinners plus full days of side-by-side programming create the kind of meaningful facetime that trade show floor encounters simply cannot replicate. Leave with real connections to the colleagues and collaborators who matter most to your work.
Build Relationships That Last Beyond the Event
Two hosted group dinners plus full days of side-by-side programming create the kind of meaningful facetime that trade show floor encounters simply cannot replicate. Leave with real connections to the colleagues and collaborators who matter most to your work.
2026 Equipment Categories
Six Categories. Deep Expertise.
Each session dives into one equipment category with live demos, expert panels, and specification guidance you can put to work immediately. The 2026 program covers:
Fryers
⚡
High-Speed Ovens
🧊
Ice Machines
❄️
Refrigeration
🔥
Combi Ovens
⚙️
Induction
The Schedule
Three Days. One Mission.
An intensive, experiential program that turns specification theory into hands-on practice across every session.
September 23
Opening Dinner Reception
Kick off the event with a hosted evening reception where attendees and manufacturers gather in a relaxed outdoor setting. A perfect opportunity to connect with fellow specifiers and industry leaders before the sessions begin.
September 24
Full Day: Panel Discussions, Equipment Demos + Group Dinner
Dive into a full day of expert panels and live equipment demonstrations at the FSTC facility. Each session covers a specific equipment category with practical specification guidance. Cap the evening with a group dinner off-site for continued conversation and connection.
September 25
Full Day: Panel Discussions + Equipment Demos
The second full day continues the deep-dive program across all six equipment categories. Each session answers the critical questions: What are the benefits? What separates the top products? What are the top specification tips? What are the most common mistakes?
Thank you to our sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
HTSLNOSHOW
How To Spec Live is produced by FER Media LLC in partnership with Frontier Energy FSTC. Pleasanton, CA · September 23–25, 2026.