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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.

The National Restaurant Association Show is seeking ambitious emerging professionals to apply for the Young Professionals Scholarship Program. This scholarship is designed to help rising stars accelerate their careers and make meaningful connections that will shape their future success. Scholarship recipients get a complimentary Show badge and hotel stay covered, along with exclusive resources designed to help them make the most of every opportunity!Scholarship Benefits: Complimentary registration.Complimentary hotel accommodations for the duration of the Show.VIP perks: Reserved keynote seating, a Show floor tour and curated agenda with suggested sessions, activities and exhibitors to visit.Who Can Apply: To qualify, applicants must:Be between the ages of 21 and 35 as of the 2027 Show.Be a foodservice operator (not open to exhibitors or non-exhibiting suppliers), and be currently employed within the foodservice industry.Be a U.S. resident able to travel to Chicago for the Show.Application Requirements: Written responses to career-related questions.A referral from a foodservice colleague. Click here for the template to use that should be uploaded with the application. A brief video submission.Ready to take your career to the next level? Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect and gain recognition at the 2027 National Restaurant Association Show.

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.

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.

The National Restaurant Association Show’s program is approved for continuing education credits from the following organizations. Information about individual session credits and how to request a certificate of attendance will be posted at each theater and in session rooms.Select educational sessions are approved for continuing education credits through the American Culinary Federation and Foodservice Consultants Society International. Available credits for individual sessions will be posted in the Show’s online directory by early May 2027.If you would like to request certificates of attendance for past Show programs, please email your request to RestaurantShowPrograms@informa.com.

We're looking for operators and subject matter experts who are ready to share real-world insights, proven strategies, and innovative solutions that address the most pressing challenges facing today's foodservice operators. Your expertise can help thousands of peers build stronger businesses and advance the industry.What We're Looking For:Practical and Actionable Takeaways – Sessions that provide attendees with practical learnings they can implement immediately in their operationsRelevant and Timely Topics – Content that aligns with our topic priorities and addresses current industry challenges, emerging trends, and future opportunitiesDiverse Perspectives – Voices from across the foodservice spectrum, including independent operators, multi-unit leaders, and professionals from retail, grocery and non-commercial operations.

The Strategy ShiftYou're not here to browse—you're here to validate, discover, and future-proof.This year, your approach should be:Spend less time in categories you already knowPrioritize first-time exhibitors and emerging brandsFocus on what's changed in the last 12–18 monthsLook for ideas that can drive growth in the next 3–5 years Mindset: "If I've seen it before, I move on. If it's new, I go deep."

The National Restaurant Association Show is not just the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere, it also boasts an attendee base full of quality buyers. In fact, 77% of Show attendees are decision makers and nearly 50% purchase more than $5,000,000 per year. The most efficient and cost effective way to meet these decision-making operators is by becoming an exhibitor at the 2027 National Restaurant Association Show.

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 ZSZC756623. 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 18-28, 2027 and “Special Offer” will appear under the flight fare when available. Please make sure ORD (O’Hare) is entered as your destination airport.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Show Store OpenGrand Concourse, level 2.5 – includes bookstore and merchShow Store North opens at 9:30, North Hall B2 – merch only9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.National Restaurant Association Show Floor OpenView Floor Plan9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Workshop: AI Essentials for OperatorsAdditional registration required.Presented By: FinTitan & NCCOMore Info 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.)Featured Session with TechnomicGrand Ballroom, S100More Info2:30 – 4:15 p.m.Expo + Education SessionsMcCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms. Additional registration required.More Info8:00 – 11:00 p.m.Show After PartyHouse of Blues Chicago. 329 N Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60654. Additional registration required.Title Sponsor: Shift4More Info

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Show Store OpenGrand Concourse, level 2.5 – includes bookstore and merchShow Store North opens at 9:30, North Hall B2 – merch only9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.National Restaurant Association Show Floor OpenView Floor Plan9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Risk, Reward & Revenue: Restaurant Catering WorkshopAdditional registration required.More Info10:00 a.m.On-Floor Programming and Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations BeginMore Info10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Show Floor ToursAdditional registration required.More Info1:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.)Keynote '26Grand Ballroom, S100Presented By: FinTitanMore Info3:00 – 4:45 p.m.Expo + Education SessionsMcCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms. Additional registration required.More Info4:00 – 4:30 p.m.Celebrating the Future of Foodservice: A Networking Event for Young ProfessionalsDiscovery Theater, South HallMore Info7:00 – 10:00 p.m.Restaurant Show Dinner ExperiencesDiscover unique dinners curated just for you this year! Additional registration required.More Info

Focus:TECH Pavilion – AI, automation, robotics (OMG: "operations made great")POS + back-office integrationWhat You're Looking For:Tech that has moved beyond pilot phaseSystems that integrate across the operationTools improving labor, forecasting, and guest experienceKey Questions to Ask:"Who is using this successfully at scale?""What replaces this in 3 years?" Pro Tip: Book 2–3 short, pre-scheduled demos instead of browsing aimlessly. Bonus: Check out A Taste of the States for fresh flavors and premium ingredients from across America.

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Workshop Check-In / Badge Pick-Up 10:00 am – 10:05 am: Welcome Remarks 10:05 am – 11:00 am: State of the Restaurant Workforce; Presented by the National Restaurant Association and State Restaurant Association Leaders 11:00 am – 11:10 am: Refreshment/Networking Break 11:10 am – 12:00 pm: Strategic Workforce Planning 12:00 pm – 12:55 pm: Lunch 1:00 pm – 2:10 pm: Content and Working Time 2:10 pm – 2:20 pm: Refreshment/Networking Break 2:20 pm – 3:30 pm: Content and Working Time 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Networking Time More details coming soon. Times subject to change.

The Show immerses you in everything related to the restaurant and foodservice industry from special exhibits and pavilions, celebrated chefs and mixology demos, and motivating featured presentations. We hope you gained inspiring content and innovative story angles that will excite readers.

Can't-Miss:Kitchen Innovations Awards Showroom → the future of back-of-house that hits differentOrganic & Natural Pavilion → plant-based, clean-label, sustainability. Give your menu a healthy glow-up with everything that tastes good and is good for your customers (and your bottom line)Discovery Theater → secure the bag for your business with practical, profit-driving strategies from the expertsPlus a killer mix of foodservice equipment, food, beverage, tableware and moreWhy Start Here: This grounds you in macro trends and operational efficiency. You'll quickly understand what's shaping the industry right now—no cap. Pro Move: Spend time exploring equipment or categories you wouldn't normally consider. This is where unexpected ROI opportunities often appear.

Review the “What You Need to Know” section below, paying close attention to the Tracks and Topic Priorities, Selection Criteria, and Tips for a Winning Proposal.Confirm that you and any co-speakers have employer authorization (if applicable), covered travel expenses, and can commit to presenting if selected.Prepare your proposal and gather speaker information. See the Submission Guidelines for a complete Session Proposal Checklist.Submit your proposal using our online application. Submissions are due no later than 11:59 p.m. CST September 25, 2026.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Show Store OpenGrand Concourse, level 2.5 – includes bookstore and merchShow Store North opens at 9:30, North Hall B2 – merch only9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.National Restaurant Association Show Floor OpenView Floor Plan10:30 a.m.On-Floor Programming and Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations BeginMore Info11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Show Floor ToursAdditional registration required.More Info11:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.Expo + Education Sessions & NetworkingMcCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms. Additional registration required.More Info5:00 – 6:00 p.m.International ReceptionMcCormick Place meeting room, S406. Open to all international registrants.More Info

Uncover advancements revolutionizing convenience operations at the National Restaurant Association Show! This exclusive tour highlights key innovations transforming the convenience sector. See solutions at work, engage with industry leaders, and connect with like-minded professionals while gaining insights to enhance your business.Saturday, May 16: 12:30 pm (SOLD OUT)Sunday, May 17: 3:00 pmFor all tours: Spots are limited—reserve yours today for this unforgettable experience!All tours are open to operator attendees only.

Level up your experience with the Expo + Education upgrade, giving you face time with expert operators so you can pull moves from their playbook for success.Get access to over 30 sessions focused on industry topics like menu inspiration, operational solutions and technology. Make connections with participants before the learning starts at an exclusive networking session and receive on-demand access to the session recordings and presentation materials following the Show.If you want a next-level Show experience, add Expo + Education to your registration! On the registration page, login with your email and confirmation number. If you’re not sure what type of badge you have or need help accessing, please reach out to restaurant@maritz.com.

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.