Join your peers from more than 100 countries in Chicago, May 18-21, 2024, at the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation and inspiration. International attendees can leverage the U.S. Commercial Service, The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) or a local delegation to assist with registration and travel. Plus, joining a delegation unlocks exclusive personalized benefits such as visa application support and dedicated networking opportunities.
Learn more about registering through a delegation and find additional resources for maximizing your experience outlined below.
International Reception
Connect with colleagues at the International Reception on Saturday, May 18 at 5:00 p.m., which brings together key trade executives, exhibiting companies interested in expanding their operations, and people who matter most to your business. All international registrants are welcome! – North Building at McCormick Place, Level 4, Room N427
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Exclusive Benefits for International Delegations
To help you make the most of your trip to Chicago, the National Restaurant Show offers assistance to international guests before and during the Show. International groups receive benefits, discounts, and other incentives when they attend the 2024 National Restaurant Show through the International Delegation Program. There are three types of delegations—you can attend as part of a U.S. Commercial Service delegation, with NASDA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or by creating your own delegation. Benefits range from free hotel rooms to complimentary passes and exclusive VIP seating at select events at the Show.
The National Restaurant Show partners with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Trade Event Partnership Program (TEPP), leveraging their network of U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) offices in U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide, to bring and connect international buyers with U.S. Companies. Traveling to the show with an official USCS delegation allows you to take advantage of the following benefits:
- Complimentary Show Registration (Exhibit Hall)
- Access to the International Trade Center
- On-site support with setting up supplier meetings
- Exclusive networking opportunities
Find Your Country
Review the list of active delegations below and contact them directly to learn more about the benefits of joining them at the National Restaurant Show. As we confirm delegations, this list will be updated. Please reach out to Andres Tovar at andres.tovar@mdg.agency to learn more.
If your country doesn't have a delegation set up currently, it’s easy to create your own! Bring a group of 5+ or 15+ people and you and your group can be eligible to receive exclusive benefits, ranging from a complimentary hotel stay, complimentary registration and reserved tickets to special events.
Complete the form below for more information or contact Andres Tovar at andres.tovar@mdg.agency.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS), has sponsored the A Taste of the States pavilion at the National Restaurant Show for more than 20 years, where you can find 100% real U.S. made products such as ingredients, meats, seasonings, beverage mixes, bakery products and bourbon, in the A Taste of the States. For more information about attending with a NASDA delegation or featured U.S. food companies, please contact your country’s NASDA contact. You can find a complete list of contacts here.
Travel and Visa Information
Now is the time to start planning your visit to the National Restaurant Show. For current information on the requirements for entry to the United States, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. In addition, a visa may be required.
Although we have no influence or role in the approval or denial of visas, we want to help make the process as easy as possible. Be advised, current visa services and operations vary by country. Check your local U.S. Embassy and Consulate’s website for information regarding operating status and which visa services it is currently offering. Scheduling and obtaining visa appointments may require several months, so start your visa application and/or renewal as soon as possible.
If you’re a citizen of one of the 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, you may travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
Acquiring an invitation letter from the National Restaurant Show is a good idea. The invitation letter will be presented to the consular officer during the visa interview as a supporting document. The National Restaurant Show cannot help you with the interview process, nor can any of its representatives call the embassy or consulate to provide support for obtaining a visa.
In case of a visitor visa to the United States that is denied, you may reapply if there is new evidence to discard the basis of the refusal. In the absence of new evidence, consular officials are not required to reexamine such cases.
To obtain an Invitation Letter you must be registered for the 2024 Restaurant Show. During the registration process just select an Invitation Letter is needed and once registration is complete the letter is available for you to print. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Restaurant Show Customer Service at restaurant@maritz.com or by telephone at +1 864-699-6435.
Where to Stay (Hotel Discounts)
Getting to Chicago (Airline Travel)
Getting Around Chicago (Local Travel & Parking)
United States Department of State*
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)*
Official Travel and Tourism Site of the United States*
Department of Homeland Security*
*The National Restaurant Show does not officially endorse these sites and cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
U.S. Visa Policy and Procedures*
Step-by-Step Guide for Obtaining a U.S. Visa*
Online Visa Application Form*
U.S. Visa Application Procedures for Chinese citizens*
Fees for Visa Services*
Official Travel and Tourism Site of the United States*
*The National Restaurant Show does not officially endorse these sites and cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
Onsite Interpretation
Onsite interpreting services are available during the Show. Please click here to submit a request.
2024 Show Supporters
