Welcome to the National Restaurant Association Show! You are joining nearly 54,000 professionals here in Chicago for the largest hospitality event in the Western Hemisphere.

From the latest culinary trends and technology to operational efficiency and sustainability, the Show delivers exclusive strategies, insights, and connections you won’t find anywhere else. It’s your one-stop source for practical, innovative solutions to drive your business forward.

At the National Restaurant Association, we work every day to be an indispensable partner to the restaurant industry. We protect and promote restaurants and guide their prosperity by providing the training, education, advocacy, and insights they need to thrive.

The Show’s dynamic educational program offers operator-focused sessions on critical topics to strengthen business, plus programming packed with tactical solutions for professionals across the industry. A few highlights include:

• Sustainability as a Profit and Recruitment Driver, Saturday at 1 p.m., Rm. S505
• Concept to Creation: Crafting a Winning Restaurant Concept: Restaurant Startup Sessions, Sunday at 10 a.m., Rm. S505.
• Diners, Drama & Disrespect: Stopping Toxic Behaviors Before They Cost You, Monday at 12 p.m., Discovery Theater

For our Keynote on Sunday, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to talk with acclaimed chef, author, and television host Carla Hall. We’ll explore her inspiring journey from accountant to renowned chef and TV personality. We’ll also discuss the evolving foodservice industry and what drives Carla’s passion for mentoring emerging talent.

Come visit us at the National Restaurant Association booth located at the entrance to North Hall! We’re presenting a full agenda of educational sessions Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. A few highlights include:

• Raising Menu Prices: Strategies for Success Without Losing Customers, Saturday at 11 a.m.
• Liquor Liability: Protect Your Business from Alcohol-Related Risk, Sunday at 12 p.m.
• Strategic Health Benefits for a Thriving Workforce, Monday at 10 a.m.

Thank you for being here and for your commitment to the success of our industry. I’ll see you on the Show floor!

Best,

Michelle L. Korsmo
President & CEO
National Restaurant Association

I’m delighted you’ll be at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show. The energy is palpable when thousands of foodservice and hospitality professionals come together to share their passion for creativity and innovation. I can’t wait for you to experience it!

That collaborative community spirit is more important than ever during these uncertain times. And so are the ingenious solutions spread throughout the Show floor’s 700,000+ square feet. With 2,200+ exhibitors, including 800+ new to the Show, you’ll have countless opportunities to strengthen your supplier network, streamline your operations, and savor unique flavors and ingredients.

How can you make the most of your time? Downloading the official mobile app is a great start, and you’ll find plenty of attendee resources on our website. You can also take our attendee quiz for personalized recommendations.

I recommend these fresh and reimagined Show highlights that can’t be missed:

• Keynote ’25 with Carla Hall: The renowned chef, author and TV host will explore the current foodservice evolution during an insightful discussion that’s sure to be captivating and uplifting. The keynote, sponsored by NCT VOYIX, takes place at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18, in the Grand Ballroom, S100.
• Expo + Education: The programming includes a new-for-2025 general session and expert exchange and networking, plus 45+ operator-led sessions on everything from Culinary Insights to Technology Strategies. It’s open only to Expo + Education badge holders; if you don’t have one, you can upgrade today on the registration page by logging in with your email and confirmation number.
• Interactive Activities: Just when you thought the Show couldn’t get more exciting! We’ve added new Show floor experiences, including the Plate Drop Prize Game, Kraft Heinz’s Mobile App Scavenger Hunt and a photo op with Duke, Bush’s Beans’ famous dog, on Sunday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are also plenty of opportunities to connect with our robust networking event, which includes meetups, intimate dinners and must-attend receptions.

Plus, you’ll want to add these Show favorites to your agenda:

• Kitchen Innovation (KI) Awards: Get the first look at 24 equipment innovations that advance automation, efficiency, safety and sustainability. See the awardees in the South Building Kitchen Innovations Showroom, at the south end of aisles 3200-4000.
• Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards / Tastings: What’s new and next in foodservice is here now, with 39 exceptional products that will shape the industry. Find the awardees on the Show floor in all the halls, then sample them in the Tasting Zone space at The Culinary Experience (Lakeside, Booth 12448).
• Culinary and Beverage Demos: The Culinary Experience (Lakeside, Booth 11155) is also your hub for new trends, as celebrated chefs showcase their expertise on stage. Stop by the Beverage Room Stage (Lakeside, Booth 11155) to learn about the latest innovations from top mixologists and beverage experts.

With the new ideas, connections and products you’ll discover here, you’ll have the inspiration and strategies to move your business forward. I look forward to seeing you at the #2025RestaurantShow!

Best,

Tom Cindric
President, National Restaurant Association Show
Informa Connect