May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Two-Day Strategic Tour
Move from discovery → validation → decision-making
Day 1: Discover What's New
North Hall: Tech Exploration
Focus:
- TECH Pavilion – AI, automation, robotics (OMG: "operations made great")
- POS + back-office integration
Goal: Build a shortlist of 5–6 technologies to evaluate further
What You're Looking For:
- Tech that has moved beyond pilot phase
- Systems that integrate across the operation
- Tools improving labor, forecasting, and guest experience
Bonus: Hit the Innovation Theater in the TECH Pavilion for smart strategies on data-driven decisions and operational efficiency. And don’t forget to check-out A Taste of the States pavilion for fresh flavors and premium ingredients from across America.
Pro Move (Expo + Education):
Start Sunday strong with the Risk, Reward & Revenue: Restaurant Catering Workshop (9:45 am – 12:15 pm). Learn how to scale catering operations, design experiences that sell, and unlock off-premise revenue without compromising your brand. Hear from operators who've cracked the code on executing flawlessly under pressure.
South Hall: Equipment and Food Innovations
Focus:
- Discovery Theater – See our new fashion show, product showcase, and participate in operator-led sessions
- Kitchen Innovations Showcase
- Organic & Natural Pavilion – Clean-label, nutrient-rich, plant-based innovations that aren't just good for customers—they're good for your bottom line
Goal: Quickly identify what's actually new and game-changing
Key Question to Ask:
"What's new this year that didn't exist last year?"
Lakeside Center: Trend Immersion
Focus:
- Global Food Expo – French oils, Italian pasta, Australian beef, Taiwanese seasonings
- The Beverage Room – No/low cocktails, functional beverages, adult beverage trends that add dollars to your revenue stream
- The Culinary Experience Stage – Watch culinary icons demo new techniques and talk about what's next
Broad Networking
Attend:
- Restaurant Show After Party at House of Blues (let's keep it 100: you will get FOMO if you don't go)
Goal: Cast a wide net—meet new operators and innovators
Bonus: Check out the Young Professionals Networking Meetup in the Discover Theater.
Day 2: Validate + Decide
See, Touch, Taste Tour
A guided journey through one exhibit hall where you'll SEE exhibitors and products, TOUCH and test equipment, and TASTE food and beverage products reflecting emerging trends—all while hearing directly from product experts.
Pro Move: These guided experiences save you time and ensure you don't miss the game-changers. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's worth your investment.
Go Back to Top 5 Booths
Revisit:
- Tech vendors
- New product discoveries
Goal:
Go deeper with serious questions:
- Pricing
- Implementation timeline
- ROI proof
Pro Move: This is where you separate what's scalable from what's just shiny. Armed with insights from the AI workshop, you'll ask smarter questions.
Targeted Floor Walk
Focus:
- Anything you missed
- Specific categories tied to your business challenges
Goal:
Fill knowledge gaps—not browse
Pro Move: Touch base with brands you currently do business with—but don't linger.
Bonus: Hit the Discovery Theater on the show floor for practical, profit-driving strategies on scaling operations, modernizing menus, and boosting ROI.
Decision Time
Document:
- Three ideas to implement in 90 days
- Two technologies to pilot
- One long-term investment
High-Value, Smaller Networking
Prioritize:
- Private dinners
- Small group conversations
- Curated meetups organized by industry segments
Goal: Deepen relationships and pressure-test your ideas
Pro Move:
Ask: "What's working now that wasn't last year?" and "What are you betting on next?"
Bonus (Expo + Education): Leverage exclusive networking with peers and experts from your education sessions. These connections are gold—they're the operators actually doing the work.
Featured Workshops
Risk, Reward & Revenue: Restaurant Catering Workshop
Sunday, May 17, 9:45 am – 12:15 pm
Are you leaving money on the table? Learn how to scale catering operations, design experiences that sell, and unlock off-premise revenue—without compromising your brand.
Open to foodservice operators only.
Workshop: AI Essentials for Operators
Monday, May 18, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
AI has evolved from experimental to practical implementation. Learn how to leverage AI to improve productivity, automate tasks, and boost margins with measurable ROI. Come with your laptop and a curious mindset.
Designed for operators with little to no AI experience.
Pro Move: This is where you separate hype from reality. You'll leave with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
Two-Day Success Outcome
You should leave with:
- Clear shortlist of vetted solutions
- Defined implementation plan
- Stronger, more relevant network
- Confidence in what's worth investing in
The Key Difference
- One Day = Speed + Instinct
- Quick pattern recognition and decisive filtering
- Two Days = Strategy + Validation
- Thoughtful evaluation and confident decision-making
Upgrade to Expo + Education
Want the complete Show experience? The Expo + Education upgrade includes:
- 30 operator-led sessions across six tracks
- Exclusive networking with peers and experts
- On-demand recordings & presentation materials
- Access to specialized workshops on AI and Catering
Sessions run in 2-hour blocks Saturday–Monday, giving you the perfect balance between learning and exploring the floor.
