The Kitchen Innovations Award participation fee is $15,500 and includes the following:

• Marketing to National Restaurant Association Show attendees, including recognition on Show website and official mobile app and planner
• 10x10 all-inclusive turnkey exhibit space in the KI Showroom, including installation and dismantle, hard walls, and carpeting
• Electricity/Plumbing required to demonstrate the innovative product in KI Showroom
• 5 additional complimentary exhibitor badges
• Material handling for innovation from Show booth to KI Showroom booth
• Limited storage (including freezer and refrigerated storage), cleaning services, and access to nearby dishwashing facilities
• Lead Retrieval device to collect attendee information
• Complimentary Silver Package upgrade The Show To Go exhibitor listing (refunds will not be issued for companies who already have this upgrade)
• Use of year specific KI Award logo in promotions for the life of the product
• Media advertising value from the National Restaurant Association Show publicity campaign: Press Releases, News Clips, Social Media Activity, etc.

Note: All KI Award recipients selected must maintain their separate exhibit space at the National Restaurant Association Show in addition to the KI Showroom booth and agree to staff both booths.

Note: Products must be new to the U.S from within 24 months of, and available for sale at the 2026 National Restaurant Show to qualify.

Applicants are asked to address the following in detail:

• Click here to view the full list of application questions and advice directly from the judges on how to specifically address them.
• In addition to written answers, the following resources are required:
  • A video demonstration of the innovation.
  • Two operator references to verify information and benefits.
  • Spec sheet for the equipment.
  • Marketing materials including company logo, high resolution product images, and a product brochure.
• Complete applications and a $1,500 deposit are due by Wednesday, December 10th.
  • The $1,500 deposit will be fully refunded if the application is not accepted.
• The third party expert panel of judges deliberates through January 2026 and applicants will be notified of their final decision by mid-February.

Deadline to apply is Wednesday, December 10, 2025

For a step by step guide on how best to complete your application, click here

• View the full list of application questions.
• Review question specific advice from the panel of judges on what makes a successful submission.
• “Before You Begin” highlights a few significant preparations to make before starting your application, ensuring all resources are in hand when you are ready to submit.

Questions about the KI Awards or application process? Please contact your Sales Representative or email us at restaurantshowexhibitorservices@informa.com.

Each KI participant will be allotted space to accommodate and demonstrate the innovation within the KI Showroom. Each KI participant is required to have a live demonstration of the innovation in the KI exhibit space. If it is determined this is not possible with the equipment, the KI participant will be required to show a video on a large screen monitor demonstrating the innovation in action, while having a company representative in the booth. The KI participant is responsible for ordering and covering cost of AV for video demonstration.

The National Restaurant Association Show will make the determination of participant’s location within the demonstration area. No hanging signs or booth display properties over 8' in height will be permitted.

All KI Award recipients selected must maintain their separate exhibit space at the National Restaurant Association Show in addition to the KI Showroom booth and agree to staff both booths.

The following items are included with the KI participation fee: Material handling from the exhibit booth to KI Showroom, a lead retrieval device, electricity/plumbing to demonstrate the innovation, limited storage (including freezer/refrigeration storage), counter, carpet, and installation/dismantling of these items. Any charges for additional furnishings, graphics, or A/V needed by the exhibitor will be the exhibitor’s responsibility.

Participation fee is $15,500, which includes the application deposit of $1,500. Full payment for Kitchen Innovations participation is due and non-refundable upon confirmation from the judges. Once approved, there will be no refunds made for cancellation of participation; the deposit becomes non-refundable and will be applied to the total participation fee.

The $1,500 deposit will be refunded only if the proposed innovation is not approved by the panel of experts for KI participation.

No refunds will be issued for a Silver or Gold Package upgrade that was already purchased at the time of the award.

Awardees will receive a year-specific Kitchen Innovations logo after paying the participation fee. The logo may only be used for promotions directly related to the awarded product. Exhibitors may continue using the logo throughout the product's lifespan, provided that no significant changes are made to the innovation.

The participant’s KI space must always have an authorized company representative in attendance in the KI Showroom throughout the entire Show

Saturday, May 16 – Monday, May 19, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, May 19, 9:30am – 3:00pm

Each KI participant will receive 5 complimentary exhibitor badges, in addition to the allotted Show 2026 badges. Show badges must be worn in order to gain access to the exhibit hall and KI Showroom.

Material handling charges for the KI innovation are included in the KI participation fee. Charges included are defined as moving the innovation from the exhibit booth to the KI Showroom. Any material handling charges incurred outside of these defined areas will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Each KI participant will be provided with a lead retrieval device onsite as part of the KI package to scan the badges of those attendees who visit the KI booth. The contact information collected will then be emailed to each KI participant after the Show.

Show management will use the company logo, innovation name and a 50 word description of the innovation on the official Show website and any other pre-Show promotional materials. Company logo and product picture (both in .eps format, 300 dpi or higher AND .jpg files) must be supplied with application.

All property of the exhibitor is understood to remain under its custody and control in transit to and from the exhibit hall and while it is in the confines of the exhibit hall. Neither Show Management, the Official Show contractor, the management of the exhibit hall nor any of the officers, staff members or directors of any of the same are responsible for the safety of the property of exhibitors from theft, damage by fire, accident, vandalism or other causes, and the exhibitor expressly waives and releases any claim or demand it may have against any of them by reason of any damage to or loss of any property of the exhibitor.

Show Management does not maintain insurance covering exhibitor’s property. It is required that exhibitor obtain adequate insurance coverage, at their own expense, for property loss or damage and liability for personal injury.

Although perimeter security personnel will be provided by Show Management, Show Management shall have no liability whatsoever for theft, loss or damage to property belonging to any exhibitor, the exhibitor’s agent, employees, business invitees, visitors or guests.

All internet connection requests including Wi-Fi are subject to additional charges and are the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Electrical and plumbing utilities for the product are included in the participation fee. Product specification sheets representing all utility requirements need to be submitted by April 1, 2026. Any additional utilities are the responsibility of the exhibitor.