NFFS 2027 Industry Executive Conference
February 19-21 | Rancho Bernardo Inn | San Diego, CA
Social Events & Tours
Make the most of your time in San Diego with unforgettable IEC networking events, local experiences, and optional excursions designed to bring the industry together.
Where Connections Become Experiences
Some of the most valuable IEC conversations happen outside the formal education program. From opening-night networking and live music to optional tours throughout San Diego, the 2027 social program is designed to create more opportunities to connect, relax, and experience the destination together.
Peruse the sections below to distinguish between IEC evening networking events and optional tours that can be added to your conference experience.
Unforgettable Evening Networking Events
IEC evenings are designed to keep the conversation going. Reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new industry peers, and experience some of San Diego's most memorable settings along the way.
Rocking the IEC: Great Food, Friends, and Yacht Rock
After a full day of learning, exchanging best practices, building valuable connections, and enjoying time on the golf course, Saturday evening is your opportunity to slow down and have some fun at Rocking the IEC: Great Food, Friends, and Yacht Rock.
Gather with colleagues from across the industry for delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and the relaxed camaraderie that makes IEC such a memorable experience.
Throughout the evening, High Tide Society will bring the smooth sounds and easygoing energy of yacht rock to the stage. Continue the day's conversations, make new connections, and rock the night away.
Optional Tours & Experiences
Explore more of Southern California with optional experiences offered before and during IEC. Choose the excursion that fits your interests and make your trip to San Diego even more memorable. Beyond the scheduled activities, take time to experience some of San Diego’s most iconic attractions, including Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Thursday, February 18
Make a Splash: San Diego Whale-Watching Adventure
Set sail for an unforgettable 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise along San Diego's beautiful coastline. Keep your eyes on the horizon for whales, playful dolphins, sea lions, and an incredible variety of seabirds while enjoying spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Choose between comfortable indoor seating or an open-air deck where you can feel the refreshing ocean breeze and take in every moment.
Certified marine naturalists will provide live commentary throughout the cruise, sharing fascinating facts about the wildlife and marine ecosystem that make San Diego's waters so remarkable. With lunch and beverages included, this year-round adventure offers the perfect combination of wildlife, education, relaxation, and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Escape to the Countryside: Escondido Wine Tour
Trade the energy of the city for the rolling hills, fresh air, and relaxed charm of Escondido wine country. During this approximately five-hour excursion, guests will visit two boutique and family-owned wineries, enjoy guided tastings of carefully selected wines, and experience the welcoming character of Southern California's emerging wine region.
Along the way, meet winery staff and winemakers, hear the stories behind their wines, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the wine making process. With beautiful vineyard views, inviting tasting rooms, and plenty of time to slow down and savor the experience, this tour offers the perfect countryside escape for seasoned wine enthusiasts and curious beginners alike.
Friday, February 19
Sip, Savor and Sea: La Jolla Food Tour
Journey through the “Jewel of San Diego” during a three-hour guided walking tour that brings together La Jolla's coastal beauty, fascinating history, contemporary art, and celebrated culinary scene.
Stroll approximately 1.5 to 2 miles through La Jolla Village, taking in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Cove while discovering iconic landmarks, upscale boutiques, hidden local gems, and the area's famous sea lions.
Along the way, enjoy savory bites and drink samples at three hand-selected restaurants, including a classic taco and margarita pairing, before ending with a sweet treat from a local gelateria. With tasting portions designed to equal a meal, Sip, Savor and Sea offers a relaxed and social way to experience the flavors, stories, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery that make La Jolla unforgettable.
Saturday, February 20
Tacos, Tequila & Tombstones: Old Town Food Tour
Travel back in time to Old Town San Diego, known as the “Birthplace of California,” during a lively 2.5-hour walking tour filled with authentic cuisine, tequila cocktails, fascinating history, and a touch of the supernatural.
Visit four local restaurants and businesses to sample tacos, traditional Mexican favorites, and elevated tequila-based cocktails while experiencing the colorful plazas, mariachi music, and vibrant atmosphere that make Old Town a cultural treasure.
As you stroll approximately one mile through the historic neighborhood, your guide will bring the past to life with stories of early Spanish missionaries, Mexican Independence, the California Gold Rush, and the people who shaped the region. Social, immersive, and more spirited than scary, Tacos, Tequila & Tombstones is an unforgettable combination of delicious flavors, local culture, great company, and historical intrigue.
Optional Experiences Require Advance Selection
Tour availability, pricing, transportation details, and participation requirements will be provided through the IEC registration process.
The Best Conversations Don't Always Happen in the Meeting Room.
Whether you're sharing a meal, exploring San Diego, listening to live music, or watching the sunset from the USS Midway, IEC creates space for the relationships and conversations that make the NFFS community valuable long after the conference ends.
Make Your IEC Experience Unforgettable.
Join foundry industry colleagues in San Diego for three days of insight, connection, and experiences worth staying for.
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!