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Get ready for the world's largest pizza show! In this special insider episode, the Pizza Today team pulls back the curtain on International Pizza Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, March 24–26. Hear directly from Jeremy White, Brand Director of Emerald Food Group, along with editors Denise Greer, Kate Lavin, and creative director Josh Keown as they share exclusive details about what makes this year's expo truly unforgettable.

What You'll Discover:

• Record-Breaking Numbers: Why this will be the largest Pizza Expo in history
• Beer & Bull 2.0: The revamped networking session with Dan "Malted MC Pizza Man Dan" Collier
• Pizza Today Village: A brand-new immersive experience featuring a 1980s-style pizzeria kitchen, secret menu sessions, limited-edition merch, and live podcast recordings
• International Pizza Challenge: Inside the new rigorous judging certification process with over 600 competitors across 8 categories
• Insider Tips: Download the app early, attend the Newcomers Happy Hour, don't miss the World Pizza Games Block Party, and approach anyone—this community is here to help

Whether you're a first-timer or a Pizza Expo veteran, this episode delivers the insider knowledge you need to maximize your experience at the world's premier pizza industry event.

Ready to register? Visit PizzaExpo.pizzatoday.com to secure your spot and save $50 off onsite pricing before March 21!

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Ever wondered what it takes to juggle a soccer ball while spinning a pizza dough? Or how nerve-wracking it is to toss a dough skin blindfolded while a panel of judges watches your every move?

Welcome to “The Olympics of Pizza!” In this episode of The Hot Slice, we are joined by Justin Wadstein, owner of Sleight of Hand Pizza and champion of the World Pizza Games. He takes us behind the curtain in the competitive world of dough acrobatics, sharing exactly what goes into a winning routine.

Tune in to hear:

• The secrets behind the scorecard: What are judges really looking for in dexterity, creativity and difficulty?
• Disaster management: Hear the nail-biting story of how a frozen hand almost led to a wedding cake catastrophe!
• Dough Spinning 101: Wadstein breaks down the mechanics of the perfect toss for beginners.
• 2026 Predictions: Who is favored to take home the gold at this year’s World Pizza Games?

Whether you’re a pizza pro looking to add some flair to your kitchen or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with energy and insight. Grab a slice and get ready to be amazed. You might just be inspired to start spinning your own faux dough tonight!

Show Notes

Sleight of Hand Pizza: https://www.sleightofhandpizza.com/

World Pizza Games: https://pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com/giveaway-rules-regulations/world-pizza-games/

Register for Pizza Expo: https://registration.pizzaexpo.com/event/2026

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Ever wondered what it takes to turn a neighborhood pizza joint into a James Beard semifinalist in just one year? You’re about to find out.

Ryan O'Hara, the new owner/chef of Pizza Grace, joins us on The Hot Slice podcast to spill the sauce on his wild journey. O’Hara went from fine dining and ice cream making to pizzeria ownership. We chat about keeping the legendary 25-year-old starter (its name is Frank!) alive while shaking up the menu with natural wines and elevated hospitality.

Ryan gets real about the pushback he faced when rebranding an existing business and why serving “good pizza” just isn’t enough to earn a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Ready for some serious restaurant ownership inspiration? Let’s dig in!

Show Notes:

Pizza Grace: https://www.pizzagrace.com/

Are you a Pizzeria to Watch?

We are looking for standout pizzerias to feature in our 2026 Pizzerias to Watch in our May issue of Pizza Today. If you would like to be considered, complete our questionnaire for inclusion.

https://pizzatoday.com/pizzerias-to-watch-questionnaire/

Countdown to Pizza Expo

As Pizza Expo approaches, we are preparing for the biggest and best Pizza Expo yet. A couple things of note. Competition spots are filling or are on waitlists, signed up now for remaining competition spots.

Register now for Pizza Expo 2026.