May 22–25, 2027
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Sustainability & Resource Management
Help Restaurants Build a More Sustainable Future
Sustainability has become a core business strategy for restaurants, focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources, cutting costs, and meeting customer expectations. The Sustainability & Resource Management category showcases innovative solutions like sustainable packaging, recycling, energy management, and food waste reduction, connecting buyers with actionable, eco-friendly options.
Category Insights
Beverage programs continue to drive profitability across foodservice segments, attracting buyers seeking to enhance offerings. From specialty coffee and cocktails to functional drinks and dispensing tech, operators seek solutions to boost sales, speed service, and enhance guest experiences. Whether launching a new beverage program or refreshing an existing menu, buyers come ready to sample products, evaluate equipment and connect with trusted suppliers.
Featured Products & Solutions
Showcase products including:
- Sustainable packaging
- Compostables
- Recycling solutions
- Waste reduction
- Food waste technology
- Energy management
- Water conservation
- Grease management
- Green cleaning products
- Renewable energy
- Environmental certifications
Who You’ll Meet
At the National Restaurant Association Show, you’ll engage with decision-makers from across the industry, including:
- Independent Restaurant Owners
- Multi-Unit & Chain Restaurant Executives
- Foodservice Directors
- Sustainability & ESG Leaders
- Operations Managers
- Facilities & Maintenance Directors
- Procurement & Purchasing Managers
- Corporate Chefs
- Hospitality Groups
- Catering Companies
- Hotels & Resorts
- Colleges & Universities
- Healthcare Foodservice Operators
- Convenience Store & Retail Foodservice Leaders
- Distributors & Dealer Partners
These buyers are looking for innovative products and services that help them minimize waste, conserve resources, meet sustainability goals, and create more efficient operations.
Industry Trends Driving Demand
Sustainability is no longer a niche initiative—it’s a business imperative. Restaurants and foodservice operators are investing in solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance and long-term profitability.
Key trends shaping the market include:
- Sustainable Packaging & Circular Solutions
- Waste Reduction & Food Recovery
- Energy & Water Efficiency
- ESG & Corporate Responsibility
- Smarter Resource Management
Why Exhibit
Restaurants are under pressure to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and meet sustainability goals, driving demand for innovative solutions. The National Restaurant Association Show connects buyers with products and services that support environmental and operational performance.
Exhibiting allows you to:
- Showcase leadership in sustainable foodservice innovation.
- Connect with decision-makers seeking eco-friendly solutions.
- Demonstrate how your products reduce waste, conserve resources, and cut costs.
- Launch new technologies to an engaged audience.
- Build partnerships with distributors, dealers, and consultants.
- Generate leads and boost sales through face-to-face interactions.
- Enhance brand visibility among sustainability-focused organizations.
Position your company at the forefront of sustainability, a key investment area in foodservice.
Success Opportunities
The National Restaurant Association Show brings together buyers who are actively investing in sustainable products and operational improvements. Exhibitors in this category have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and generate long-term business growth.
Maximize your impact before, during and after the Show by:
- Hosting beverage tastings and product sampling
- Demonstrating coffee, bar and beverage equipment
- Launching new beverage programs
- Meeting chain and independent operators
- Connecting with distributors and dealers
- Building relationships with beverage buyers
- Generating media and brand awareness
- Positioning your brand as a beverage innovator
Sponsorships Keep the Opportunities Flowing
2027 Restaurant Show sponsorships are now available, offering unmatched access to foodservice decision-makers seeking solutions and partnerships. Sponsors gain premium visibility across digital channels, educational content, and high-traffic areas, positioning your brand as an industry leader. Secure your sponsorship early to maximize ROI, build connections with qualified buyers, and stand out in the competitive foodservice market.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can exhibiting help grow my business?
Exhibiting helps you build relationships with qualified buyers, expand distribution opportunities and increase brand visibility across the foodservice industry.
Are operators investing in sustainability?
Yes. Many organizations are prioritizing initiatives that improve efficiency while reducing waste and operating costs.
Who influences purchasing decisions?
Owners, operations leaders, sustainability managers and procurement teams often collaborate on these investments.
Why exhibit sustainable products?
The Show attracts buyers actively searching for solutions that align environmental responsibility with operational performance.
Ready to Put Your Products in Front of Qualified Buyers?
More than 34,000+ foodservice operators attend the National Restaurant Association Show to compare products, evaluate suppliers and make purchasing decisions. They represent every major segment of the industry—and they’re actively looking for innovations that help them improve operations, delight guests and stay ahead of the competition. Whether you provide food, equipment, technology, services or breakthrough innovations, there’s a place for your business in the industry’s largest marketplace.
Reserve your booth today for the 2027 Show and connect face-to-face with operators, dealers, distributors and decision-makers who come ready to talk to you and discover what’s next in foodservice.
