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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.

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.

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.

Make connections across the foodservice ecosystem with qualified buyers from all 50 states and 124 countries.

Not sure what works best for you? Welcome to a quick guide to Restaurant Show sponsorships. Each of these 3-5 minute videos break down important sponsorship strategies and highlight a few key corresponding opportunities.

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 Museum of Ice Cream is a self-guided interactive museum and a must-see Chicago attraction for families, couples, and friends. The experience typically takes about 90 minutes (or longer if you’re savoring every moment) and encourages visitors to explore. Visit www.museumoficecream.com and receive 10% off tickets with code CHOOSESWEET. through 12/31/26. EAT UNLIMITED Ice Cream. CREATE Unforgettable Memories. LEARN Through Interactive Installations. PLAY in Magical Spaces.

Best known for his participation in Bravo’s Top Chef seasons 5 and 8 - earning the “Fan Favorite” title as well as winning Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament – Chef Fabio Viviani’s on-screen appearances and off-screen successes have propelled him to become one of the most influential culinary and hospitality names in the country. At this exclusive dining experience, hear from Chef Fabio and taste the made-from-scratch, upscale Italian menu of his Chicago staple, Sienna Tavern. Just steps from the Chicago River, join Chef Fabio at the recently opened event space, Mosaic. With subtle nods to speakeasy design that lend a sense of intimacy and intrigue, this new space from DineAmic Hospitality (who Chef Fabio began teaming up with in 2013) offers guests a hidden gem tucked away from the downtown energy. Location: Mosaic (355 N Clark St) Date/Time: Sunday, May 17th at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket Price: $300 (Limited tickets available) Includes: Custom three-course menu with 2 drinks

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

Step into Hawksmoor, a renowned UK steakhouse that brought its celebrated dining experience to Chicago in 2024. Nestled in the historic LaSalle Powerhouse—built in 1886 and formerly home to Michael Jordan’s restaurant—Hawksmoor combines timeless elegance with a dedication to sustainability. The night will kick off with exclusive commentary from the Executive Chef before indulging in all-natural beef from ethically reared cattle, sustainably sourced seafood, fresh local produce and artisanal cheeses. Enjoy a dining experience where rich history meets responsible sourcing and exceptional flavors. Location: Hawksmoor (500 N La Salle Dr)Date/Time: Sunday, May 17th at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.Ticket Price: $300 (Limited tickets available) Includes: Custom three-course menu with 3 drinks

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!

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.

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.

Our MLB team, the Chicago White Sox has partnered with Choose Chicago for their 2026 season, and we are delighted to provide discounts to games taking place prior and during the Restaurant Show. Visit the below link for reduced ticket costs for attendees and guests, that varies on section and game.

This special recognition highlights the judges' top picks among the FABI Awardees, offering an extra spotlight to the most outstanding innovations that truly exemplify the future of food and beverage.

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.

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.

2026 Sponsorship offerings have expanded with new opportunities for unique branding and activation throughout the Show.

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