National Restaurant Association Show

May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

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National Restaurant Association Show

May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

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Costs, Technology EP
Onsite Planner & Directory The Show To Go is the official online platform and mobile app that houses your company profile and products, the official exhibitor directory, floorplan, education line-up, planner, and more.Year-round Marketplace As an exhibitor you’ll gain exposure to thousands of foodservice industry professionals year-round. Access to the platform is free for operators.
Intro, Influencer Criteria
On behalf of the National Restaurant Show, we invite digital content creators within the foodservice industry to join us for the largest, most important industry trade event of the year. This event gives an unparalleled opportunity to engage with professionals seeking to reimagine foodservice through new products, technology, concepts, and thought leadership. Digital Content Creator registration for next year’s Show will open in 2026.
Costs, Other EP
Onsite Planner & Directory The Show To Go is the official online platform and mobile app that houses your company profile and products, the official exhibitor directory, floorplan, education line-up, planner, and more.Year-round Marketplace As an exhibitor you’ll gain exposure to thousands of foodservice industry professionals year-round. Access to the platform is free for operators.
Submission, Call for Proposals
How to Submit a ProposalSubmit your proposal using our online application. The submission deadline has been extended to September 26. Proposals are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on September 26. See the Selection Criteria and Tips for a Good Proposal sections for insight on crafting a quality proposal. We strongly recommend preparing your proposal in a Word document before starting the application process. See page 15 of the Submission Guidelines for a complete Session Proposal Checklist.Before you submit your proposal, please make sure: 1) That you/your speakers have pre-established authorization from your/their employer (if applicable) to present.2) That you/your speakers have travel expenses covered.3) That you/your speakers agree—if accepted—not to cancel other than for medical or family-emergency reasons. Submitting and agreeing to speak is a professional commitment to be taken seriously.Submission GuidelinesPlease review the Submission Guidelines before starting a proposal. Review & Selection ProcessProposals are reviewed by a panel of industry experts representing various industry segments and areas of expertise. Reviewers score proposals based on the Selection Criteria, and proposals with the highest scores are considered for selection. The Show programming team will notify submitters of their proposal status by October 31, 2025.Non-Commercial PolicyThere is a strict non-commercial policy in place for speakers participating in the program. Review the Submission Guidelines for more details on the non-commercial policy.Questions?Contact RestaurantShowPrograms@informa.com.
Delta, Airline Discounts
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the National Restaurant Association Show.Please click here to book your flights. Discounts are available to and from O’Hare (ORD), Bloomington (BMI), Chicago-Midway (MDW), Moline (MLI) and Peoria (PIA) for travel booked between May 12-23, 2026. "Event Code Applied" will appear under the flight fare when available, please note the discount is not available on all flights.You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1-800-328-1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code "NY44Q".*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Delegation, International Attendees
When you join a delegation, you'll enjoy perks like complimentary passes, VIP access to select events, and dedicated support from industry experts. Learn more about the Show’s 2025 delegation program below and check back soon for 2026 options.
Attendee, Exhibitor Prospectus
Make connections across the foodservice ecosystem with qualified buyers from all 50 states and 124 countries.
Education
The Expo + Education program is hosted in a distraction-free environment off the Show floor, creating an ideal atmosphere for uninterrupted learning and networking. Sessions are scheduled in 2-hour blocks Saturday through Monday, allowing attendees the perfect balance between attending sessions and exploring the tradeshow floor.
Judges, Kitchen Innovation Awards
KI Awards Judges
Dinner Experiences
Immerse yourself in the best of Chicago dining with an unforgettable dinner at the iconic Avec, as featured in FX’s hit show The Bear. Savor Mediterranean and Midwestern-inspired shared plates while Donnie Madia, Managing Partner/Owner of One Off Hospitality Group, delves into the menu, shares the history of the restaurant and recounts his (and Avec’s) memorable appearance on The Bear Season 2. A true trail blazer in the industry, Donnie’s role on the show underscores his impact, the achievements of One Off Hospitality Group and Avec’s exceptional reputation. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from a Chicago restaurant legend at one of the city’s finest establishments. Location: Avec West Loop (615 W Randolph St) Date/Time: Sunday, May 18th 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket Price: $300 (Limited tickets available) Includes: Custom four-course menu with 2 drinks
Directions to Lot C, Driving Directions
For Parking at Lakeside CenterFROM O'HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NORTHWEST OR THE NORTH: Follow I-190 East to I-90 East. This turns into I-90/94 East (Dan Ryan Expressway). Keeping to the right, follow to I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway) onto US-41 South (Lake Shore Drive). Exit at 31st St. and turn left over the Lake Shore Dr. Bridge to Ft. Dearborn Drive. Turn left and follow signs to Lot C.FROM THE WEST: Take I-290 East (Eisenhower Expressway) to I-94 East (Dan Ryan Expressway). Keeping to the right, follow to I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway) onto US-41 South (Lake Shore Drive). Exit at 31st St. and turn left over the Lake Shore Dr. Bridge to Ft. Dearborn Drive. Turn left and follow signs to Lot C. FROM MIDWAY AIRPORT OR SOUTHWEST: Take I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway) to Lake Shore Drive South. Exit at 31st Street and turn left over the Lake Shore Dr. Bridge to Ft. Dearborn Drive. Turn left and follow signs to Lot C. FROM THE SOUTH OR INDIANA via I-80/94 From I-80/94, exit at I-94 West (Bishop Ford Expressway) and proceed on I-94 West (Dan Ryan Expressway). Follow to I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway) to US-41 South (Lake Shore Drive). Exit at 31st St. and turn left over the Lake Shore Dr. Bridge to Ft. Dearborn Drive. Turn left and follow signs to Lot C. FROM INDIANA SKYWAY: Take I-90 West (Indiana Tollway turns into the Chicago Skyway). Merge onto I-90/94 West (Dan Ryan Expressway). Exit at I-55 North (Stevenson Expressway) to US-41 South (Lake Shore Drive). Exit at 31st St. and turn left over the Lake Shore Dr. Bridge to Ft. Dearborn Drive. Turn left and follow signs to Lot C.
Why Attend
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judges, FABI Awards
Meet the Judges
Dining near McCormick, Around Chicago
Many options to choose from If you haven’t been to the McCormick Place campus in a little while a lot has changed and continues to change. Recently, Eater Chicago did a feature on various places to eat around McCormick Place and there are probably more options than you realized!
Dinner Experiences
Experience a culinary feast like no other. A five-course dinner, with five leading Chicago culinary concepts, cocktails & wine, hosted by Let's Talk Womxn restaurateurs and wine maker. When have you had a dinner with each course a different cuisine with the restaurateurs present to share their vision? Also experience a conversation on the evolution of fine dining. Hear varying perspectives by veteran restaurateurs. Are we being scammed or is fine dining an ever evolving art form? Meet your restaurateurs and hear the views of Deann Bayless (owner Michelin starred Mexican Topolobampo and Frontera Grill), Korina Sanchez (owner lauded La Luna, Treehouse, Moe's Cantina, Tunnel, Old Crow, Third Coast Hospitality), Doriani Isufi (owner beloved Molly's Cupcakes Chicago), Molly Matelski (owner premium Italian winemaker Mmmm Enjoy), Rohini Dey PhD (owner elevated comfort fare Sanctuary by Vermilion, founder Let's Talk Womxn). Moderated by Ashok Selvam, Chief Editor Midwest, Eater hear about the Behind The Business on restaurants and about their unique national Let's Talk Womxn collaboration, now 900+ women restaurateurs strong across 15 cities.Location: Sanctuary (10 W Hubbard St) Date/Time: Sunday, May 18th 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ticket Price: $300 (Limited tickets available) Includes: Custom five-course menu with cocktails and wine
Intro, State Association Toolkit
Get your members excited about the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show! Access a variety of marketing resources and customizable assets to help you promote the event and communicate membership benefits including how to access complimentary Expo badges. From email templates to social media graphics and digital banners, you’ll have everything you need to spread the word.Please note, graphics can be customized with your association’s logo in Canva, a free online design platform. Please reach out to Chelsea (chelsea.gregory@mdg.agency) if you need additional promotional assets.
United, Airline Discounts
We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event. MileagePlus members earn valuable dollars miles for their travel.To make flight reservations online, please click here or call United Meeting Reservations at 1-800-426-1122 Monday – Friday and mention booking code ZRFS591524. Booking fees are waived for Meetings. Booking feeds are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.Discounts are available to and from O’Hare (ORD) for travel booked between May 12-23, 2026 and “Special Offer” will appear under the flight fare when available. Please make sure ORD (O’Hare) is entered as your destination airport.
FABI Awardee Toolkit
As a 2025 FABI Award recipient, you have exclusive access to a range of marketing assets designed to highlight your achievement and promote your award-winning product. This private landing page is your go-to resource for maximizing your FABI recognition across your marketing and sales efforts.Use these assets to build credibility, attract media attention, and generate interest in your product. Whether you're announcing the news, engaging customers, or reinforcing your leadership in the food and beverage industry, these tools will help you leverage your FABI Award recognition to its fullest.Please note, graphics can be customized with your company’s logo and product details in Canva, a free online design platform. Please reach out to Chelsea (chelsea.gregory@mdg.agency) if you need additional promotional assets.
International Delegation Toolkit
As an international delegation leader, thank you for your recruitment efforts in the buyer’s delegation program for the National Restaurant Association Show. Use the materials and collateral outlined below to guide your event promotion and maximize your delegation participation. Please reach out to Andres (andres.tovar@mdg.agency) for additional materials or translated assets.
Kitchen Innovations Toolkit
As a Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award recipient, you have exclusive access to a suite of marketing assets designed to amplify your achievement and showcase your awarded product. This private landing page is your go-to resource for leveraging your KI recognition across your marketing and sales efforts.Use these assets to build credibility, attract media attention, and drive interest in your award-winning product. Whether you’re announcing the news, engaging customers, or reinforcing your leadership in kitchen innovation, these tools help you make the most of your Kitchen Innovation recognition.Please note, social media graphics can be customized with your logo and product details in Canva, a free online design platform. Please reach out to Chelsea (chelsea.gregory@mdg.agency) if you need additional promotional assets.
Sponsors
Acodrés
2025 Show Supporters
Galunion
2025 Show Supporters
Gouvea Foodservice
2025 Show Supporters
NASDA
2025 Show Supporters
Restaurant Association of Singapore
2025 Show Supporters
U.S. Commercial Service
2025 Show Supporters
Buyers Edge Platform
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Kraft Heinz
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Modisoft
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Restaurant365
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
SpotOn
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Uber Eats
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
CJ Schwan's
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
LAV HORECA
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Square
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Pop Menu
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Sky Tab
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Clover IT
Thank you to our 2025 Show Sponsors!
Discovery Theater - South Hall
View the Floor Plan
TECH Pavilion - North Hall
View the Floor Plan
Speakers
Zia Ahmed
Associate Vice President
Ohio State University
Dan Bendall
Principal
FoodStrategy
Pat Cobe
Senior Editor
Restaurant Business
Lenny Condenzio, FCSI
CEO, Emeritus
Ricca Design Studios
Becky Davis
Vice President, Global Culinary Innovation
Wendy's
Richard Eisenbarth, FCSI
President, Emeritus
Cini-Little International
Cha Nye Farley
Director Facility Services
Cracker Barrel
Marion Gibson
Sr. Director Culinary Development & Menu Enablement
Aramark
Christine Guyott, FCSI, RDN
Executive Principal/Partner
Rippe Associates
Frank Inoa
Vice President, Design, Engineering, & Equipment Innovation
Inspire Brands
Farley Kaiser
Senior Director of Culinary Innovation
McLane Company
Jim Krueger, Jr., CMCE, NRAMF
Chief, Mission Feeding
Air Force and U.S. Space Force
Juan Martinez, PhD, FCSI
Principal
Profitality Labor Guru
Robin Rosenberg
Vice President, Chef De Cuisine
Levy
Alfred Spear
Manager, Food and Beverage Program Design and Development
Walt Disney Company
Bret Thorn
Senior Food & Beverage Editor
Nation’s Restaurant News
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