May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Attendee FAQs
Get answers to all your questions about the National Restaurant Association Show. Learn about Show hours, registration, travel, exhibitors, wellness services, innovation trends and more.
Basic Show Information
What are the Show hours?
The 2026 Show Hours are:
Saturday, May 16 – Monday, May 18: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Who may attend the Show?
The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® welcomes professionals from across the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries. This includes individuals working in restaurants, bars, catering services, hotels, resorts and other lodging establishments, as well as those involved in noncommercial foodservice operations such as healthcare facilities, schools and corporate dining.
The Show is also open to professionals in retail foodservice, dealers and distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers who support the industry. Whether you're an executive, operator, chef, manager, buyer, or young professional looking to grow your career, the Show provides opportunities to connect, learn and explore innovations that drive the future of foodservice and hospitality.
How can I join the online conversation about the National Restaurant Association Show?
Join us online at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok. Use #2026RESTAURANTSHOW.
Registration & Badges
How much does it cost to register?
2026 pricing coming soon.
Will badges be mailed in advance of the Show?
All badges must be picked up onsite. Badge Pickup locations at McCormick Place are in the South Bldg. Room S102, and Lakeside Center level 2 lobby. Hotel Remote Badge Printing: Chicago Marriott Mag Mile, Chicago Sheraton Grand, Hilton Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Do I have to be a member of the National Restaurant Association to attend?
No, but you must be affiliated with the restaurant/foodservice or lodging industry. A business card or tax ID number is required to register for the Show. Your company's accounting or finance department can provide you with the tax ID number. Please note: The National Restaurant Association Show is for trade only and is not open to the public.
Do National Restaurant Association members receive complimentary badges to attend the Show?
Yes. Members of the National Restaurant Association are entitled to receive a complimentary Expo badge.
Additional registration is required for Expo + Education and evening events.
What is included in my badge?
Expo badge:
- North Hall Exhibits
- South Hall Exhibits
- Lakeside Center Exhibits
- The Beverage Room Pavilion
- Global Food Expo
- A Taste of the States
- Organic & Natural Pavilion
- TECH Pavilion
- Emerging Brands Pavilion
- The Culinary Experience
- The Kitchen Innovations Showroom
- Keynote
- Featured Session with Technomic
- All programming on the show floor taking place at the Innovation Theater, Discovery Theater, The Beverage Room Stage and The Culinary Experience.
Expo + Education badge
Everything that’s included with your Expo badge above, PLUS:
- 30 operator-led sessions covering critical industry topics across six tracks
- Exclusive networking with peers and experts
- On-demand session recordings & presentation materials
Who do I contact if I have questions about National Restaurant Association Membership or my membership account information?
Contact National Restaurant Association Membership by phone at (855) 514-8115.
Can I use a credit card or a check to register?
Registration may only be paid for with a credit card. We accept all major credit cards (American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, and Visa). Please note: We do not accept checks, purchase orders or wire transfers.
What are the Health and Safety Guidelines?
Informa considers the health and safety of all those onsite at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026 as our top priority. Regarding COVID-19, the Show will follow all governmental and facility guidance / regulations. As guidance / regulations continue to change, we will issue definitive event policies as we get closer to the Show. Please see our Health and Safety page for additional questions regarding COVID-19.
Are attendee substitutions permitted?
Yes, substitutions may be made if the original registrant submits the request in writing including the name, company, phone, and email of his/her replacement. Original payments cannot change and/or be substituted. Once onsite registration opens, badge registration letter, and identification must be brought to onsite registration for substitution to occur. Please note: If badge has already been used, a substitution will not be approved.
Sharing of badges is not permitted.
What are the onsite registration hours?
Thursday, 5/14: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m
Friday, 5/15: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m
Saturday, 5/16: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m
Sunday, 5/17: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m
Monday, 5/18: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m
Tuesday, 5/19: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hotel Remote Badge Printing: Chicago Marriott Mag Mile, Chicago Sheraton Grand, Hilton Chicago and Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Friday, 5/15: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, 5/16: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where is onsite Show registration located?
South Bldg. – Room S102 and S103
Lakeside Center – Level 2 Lobby
Travel Arrangements
Is shuttle service provided?
Complimentary shuttle service is provided to and from McCormick Place if you stay at our partner hotels. A few exceptions apply. Check back in Winter 2026 for more info.
Show Floor
What are some of the resources the Show provides?
Explore our many resources – including suppliers, content, and connections – on The Show To Go page.
What exhibitors will be at the Show?
Lists of all of the 2026 Show exhibitors.
Where can I find the programming & education schedule?
You can explore on-floor programming and Expo + Education sessions in The Show To Go. Session details may be subject to change
Where can I get a wheelchair or mobile scooter for the Show?
Mobile scooters can be rented from Scootaround for use during the Show. Please contact Scootaround directly, at the number listed below, for pricing and availability or visit one of their onsite locations at McCormick Place.
Scootaround
(888) 441-7575
www.scootaround.com
South Building
- Level 1 - Permanent Coat Check near Gate 4
- Level 2.5 - FedEx Office
Lakeside Center
- Level 2 – E256 (Coat Check)
- Level 2 - FedEx Office
How do I remove merchandise from the Show floor?
Product removal from the Show floor should be accompanied by a Merchandise Removal Pass distributed by exhibitors who desire to give away product to a Show attendee. The pass must be signed by a representative of the exhibiting company authorizing the attendee to remove product from their booth and the building. Security personnel will not permit attendees to leave the building without the required pass.
How long does it take to walk the Show floor?
Allow at least two days to adequately cover the entire Show.
Are children allowed in the Show?
No one under 16 years of age will be permitted on the Show floor at any time regardless of affiliation or circumstances. This includes infants and toddlers. Absolutely no strollers or infant carriers (worn or carried) are permitted at any time on the Show floor. Children ages 16 to 18 years of age are permitted only if accompanied by an adult at all times.
The National Restaurant Association Show reserves the right to request proof of age from any one at any time. This rule is strictly enforced and there are no exceptions to this policy. This rule applies to all exhibitors and attendees. Registration of anyone under 16 years of age is unauthorized and in violation of these policies.
What is the dress code?
The dress code for the Show is business casual.
Wellness
Family/Gender Neutral Restrooms
Mamava Lactation Suites
Mamava Lactation Suites are available in 3 locations:
- South - Level 2.5 across from Starbucks
- Lakeside Center - Level 2 by the Gift Shop
- West - Level 1 near the Main Information Desk on Indiana Avenue
First Aid Offices are available as well:
- South - Level 2.5
- West - Level 1
Please download the Mamava Mobile App to unlock the suites.
Quiet/Prayer Rooms
- Lakeside Center – Level 2, E259
- North Building – Level 1, N126
*Please Note: These are not to be used as offices.
Safety
At the National Restaurant Association Show, the safety and well-being of all our attendees are of utmost importance to us. Show organizers work closely with McCormick Place, Choose Chicago and the Chicago Police Department to ensure that our guests are provided with a secure and safe environment. As with any city, we encourage our guests to exercise caution during their visit to the Show, both onsite and when enjoying the many amenities that Chicago has to offer. In the rare circumstance where attendees may have any safety concerns or require assistance, we encourage them to contact local authorities. We remain confident that we will provide you with a positive experience at the National Restaurant Association Show.
Onsite Assistance
ADA Show Shuttle Assistance
For ADA transportation call/text 312-634-6030. Please note that this phone number is only active during shuttle times which will be updated in the new year. Please request ADA service at least 30 minutes in advance of desired pick up time.
ADA Accessibility at McCormick Place
Should you or someone from your organization require assistance while attending an event at McCormick Place, please visit the ADA Accessibility page.
ASL Interpreters
ASL interpreting services are available during the Show, please check back for more info on how to make a request. We are also able to arrange for consecutive and simultaneous interpreting services for presentations and other events, upon request. Contact Sarah Rowan at Sarah@SaludTranslations.com or
360-383-7002.
Scootaround: Wheelchairs and Mobile Scooters
Mobile scooters can be rented from Scootaround for use during the Show. Please contact Scootaround directly, at the number listed below, for pricing and availability or visit one of their onsite locations at McCormick Place.
Scootaround
(888) 441-7575
www.scootaround.com
Pickup Locations:
South Building
- Level 1 - Permanent Coat Check near Gate 4
- Level 2.5 - FedEx Office
Lakeside Center
- Level 2 – E256 (Coat Check)
- Level 2 - FedEx Office
First Aid Office
In case of injury or sudden illness, First Aid is available at McCormick Place in 2 locations:
- South and North Buildings – Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse nearby the FedEx Office
- Lakeside Center – Level 1 nearby the Arie Crown Theater Dressing Room Entrance
Additional Questions
Who should I contact regarding Attendee Registration questions?
Please contact restaurant@maritz.com or by telephone at (864) 699-6435.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have a question about National Restaurant Association Membership, call (855) 514-8115.
If you have a registration inquiry, email Restaurant@maritz.com or call (864) 699-6435.
For all other inquiries, call (312) 853-2525.
Where can I find information desks during the Show?
Lakeside Center — Outside Ballroom, Level 3
North Building — Grand Concourse Lobby
South Building — Transportation Lobby, Level 1
Grand Concourse — Level 2.5
What are the 2027 Show dates?
The 2027 National Restaurant Association Show will take place on May 22-25, 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Where can I check my coat/bag at the Show?
South Building:
Level 1: Near Gate 4 (South entrance)/entrance to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Level 1: S105
Lakeside Center:
Level 2: E256
Daily Schedule:
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Attendees are not permitted to bring luggage on to the Show floor at any time.
*Please note coat/bag check is at your own cost.
