First-Time Attendees

Your Guide to the National Restaurant Association Show.

New to the Show? Let’s Make It Unforgettable!

Welcome to the National Restaurant Association Show—where the foodservice world comes alive! Whether you’re here to spark new ideas, savor incredible flavors or meet the people shaping the industry, this is your moment to dive in and experience it all.

Why Attend

Immerse Yourself in Innovation: Step into a vibrant marketplace buzzing with energy, where every corner offers something new to discover. From groundbreaking technology to artisanal ingredients, you’ll find endless inspiration to fuel your passion.
Learn from the Best: Be part of conversations that matter. Hear from chefs, restaurateurs and industry visionaries who are ready to share their stories, insights and expertise to help you grow.
Build Meaningful Connections: This is more than a Show—it’s a community. Meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and create relationships that could transform your career or business.
Did you know: That over 95% of attendees report achieving business outcomes through their Show connections.

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Registration & Preparation

Register Smart
Choose the right badge for your goals:

Expo Badge: Access exhibits and on-floor programming.
Expo + Education Badge: Includes show floor access, operator-led sessions, and recordings for deeper learning.
Upgrade Your Experience: Evening networking events, dinner experiences, workshops, and show floor tours—stay tuned for email updates.
Plan Ahead with The Show To Go: Build your profile, select sessions and exhibitors, and create a personalized schedule.
Set Clear Goals: Prioritize networking, product discovery, or educational sessions to plan your must-see booths and activities.

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Navigation & Experience

Badge Pickup: Pick up your badge onsite at South Building, Room S102 or Lakeside Center level 2 lobby. Avoid long lines by printing your badge early at participating hotels like the Hilton Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago Sheraton Grand or Chicago Marriott Mag Mile.
Floor Strategy: The Show is huge—don’t try to see it all. If you're attending with a team, divide responsibilities to cover more ground.

Must-See Pavilions in Each Hall

South Hall

Kitchen Innovations: Discover award-winning equipment and tech for back-of-house efficiency.

Organic & Natural: Explore trending organic, plant-based and clean-label products.

View Floor Plan

North Hall

TECH Pavilion: See how robotics, AI and digital tools are transforming foodservice.

Taste of the States: Sample regional U.S. flavors and connect with export-ready producers.

View Floor Plan

Lakeside Center

The Beverage Room: Enjoy craft spirits, mixers, tastings and bar innovation.

Global Food Expo: Experience global cuisines, authentic ingredients and culinary trends all in one place.

View Floor Plan

Show-Day Survival Tips

Dress Comfortably: Wear layers and supportive footwear to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle and schedule breaks for lunch and reflection.
Be Flexible: Stick to your plan but leave room for surprises—impromptu demos and new booths can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Maximize Learning & Networking

New Attendees Meetup: Attend the "Quick Tips for Navigating the Show/New Attendees Meetup" on Day 1 for insider advice on making the most of your experience.
Programming/Educational Focus Tracks: Choose on-floor programming and education sessions from curated tracks like Culinary Insights, Technology Strategies, Workforce Management, Operations Solutions and Marketing Matters.
Networking Events: Don’t miss opportunities like the International Reception (created exclusively for our international attendees), Young Professionals Networking Party and Industry Night Out!

Extend Your Chicago Visit

Where to Eat & Explore: Discover Michelin-rated restaurants and local gems across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.
Must-Visit Attractions: Explore the lakefront beaches, downtown riverwalk, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, architecture tours and vibrant neighborhood food walks.
Unique Experiences: Get your adrenaline pumping with a ride on Navy Pier’s Flyover, or a visit to 360 CHICAGO. There’s so much to discover—consider reserving extra nights for a "b-leisure" experience—balancing business with cultural exploration.

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Post-Show Actions

Team Debriefs: Share highlights, insights and ideas with your colleagues.
Follow Up: Reach out to exhibitors and other new contacts while your visit is still fresh.
Review Materials: Revisit planner notes and session recordings (if you have an Expo + Education badge).

First-Time Attendee

As a first-time attendee, I found the NRAS to be an incredibly valuable investment of time. I came to the show with a list of product and equipment problems that I was looking to solve and came away with dozens of potential solutions and new relationships. I would strongly encourage attendance for anyone responsible for large capital expenditures or procurement. The ability to see, touch, and taste everything while engaging in meaningful dialogue with fellow industry experts just can't be had on this scale anywhere else.

Jeff Single

Owner

JRS Restaurant Consulting

This was my first time attending the show and I have wanted to come for 20 years. I finally carved time out and very happy I attended. The show can be very overwhelming for first timers because of the sheer size, but once you get your feet wet and comfortable it is well worth it. Look forward to coming back for many more shows in the future.

First-Time Attendee

Such an amazing event. For me was a wonderful experience and actually my first time there. This show represents a huge opportunity for us, because let us realize how big is this industry and What a huge chance to growth. I learn a lot about any other competitors and let me talk with some potential clients. I must to go back the next year to keep doing this exciting commercial work. Massive thanks for all of you guys for that incredible show.

First-Time Attendee

As a first-time attendee, I found the NRAS to be an incredibly valuable investment of time. I came to the show with a list of product and equipment problems that I was looking to solve and came away with dozens of potential solutions and new relationships. I would strongly encourage attendance for anyone responsible for large capital expenditures or procurement. The ability to see, touch, and taste everything while engaging in meaningful dialogue with fellow industry experts just can't be had on this scale anywhere else.

First-Time Attendee

Such an amazing event. For me was a wonderful experience and actually my first time there. This show represents a huge opportunity for us, because let us realize how big is this industry and What a huge chance to growth. I learn a lot about any other competitors and let me talk with some potential clients. I must to go back the next year to keep doing this exciting commercial work. Massive thanks for all of you guys for that incredible show.

First-Time Attendee

As a first-time attendee, I found the NRAS to be an incredibly valuable investment of time. I came to the show with a list of product and equipment problems that I was looking to solve and came away with dozens of potential solutions and new relationships. I would strongly encourage attendance for anyone responsible for large capital expenditures or procurement. The ability to see, touch, and taste everything while engaging in meaningful dialogue with fellow industry experts just can't be had on this scale anywhere else.

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