May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Exhibitor FAQs
All your questions, answered.
Planning for the 2026 Show is Underway!
*Beware of communications from vendors who do NOT have a 2026 Official Service Provider Seal in any communications you receive. We do not sell our database information; any company not listed here should used at your own risk. Restaurant Show does not sell an attendee list and we can only safely vouch for our Official Service Providers.
Should you choose to engage in a business relationship with a company that is NOT an Official National Restaurant Service Provider, the National Restaurant Association Show and Informa cannot vouch for their legitimacy, nor endorse their services.
Bookmark this page today to find important updates and links throughout the Show planning cycle.
Have questions?
Book an office hour with Exhibitor Services here.
Basic Show Information
What are the dates, location, and hours of the National Restaurant Association Show?
The 2026 National Restaurant Association Show will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois from Saturday, May 16 - Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
2026 Show Exhibit Hall Hours:
Saturday (May 16) to Monday (May 18): 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday (May 19): 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Who may attend the Show?
The National Restaurant Association Show is open to professionals involved in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry.
Does the Show have a policy about age requirements?
No one under 16 years of age, including infants and toddlers, will be permitted on the Show floor at any time regardless of affiliation or circumstances. No one under 18 is allowed during move-in or move-out periods. Children 16 to 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The National Restaurant Association Show reserves the right to request proof of age. No children, no infants, no strollers, no backpack carriers are allowed. No exceptions. This rule applies to exhibitors and attendees.
How do I join the online conversation about the National Restaurant Association Show?
Join us online at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. Use #2026RestaurantShow.
What is The Show To Go?
The Show To Go is our 365-day interactive digital marketplace and directory. It's a chance for our audience to interact with the education and exhibitors they need year-round to succeed in the fast-changing hospitality industry. Promotion of the 2026 Show is live and will remain published until September 2026 so that exhibitors can gain additional leads and exposure.
Where can I check my coat/bag at the Show?
South Building:
Level 1: Near Gate 4 (South entrance)/entrance to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
Level 1: S105
Lakeside Center:
Level 2: E256
Daily Schedule:
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Attendees are not permitted to bring luggage on to the Show floor at any time.
*Please note coat/bag check is at your own cost.
About Your Booth
Manage your Show profile in your Exhibitor Dashboard
One of the benefits of exhibiting in our Show is access to our year round “Show To Go” interactive website and directory.
Included in your Basic, Silver, and Gold Branding package:
- List your brands. Add up to 15 within your Show To Go profile.
- Company Info
- Company Description
- Product Categories
- Collateral
- Lead Insights
- Special Offers
Included in your Silver, and Gold Branding package:
- Company Logo
- Featured Products/Videos
- Online Business Cards
- Operator Leads*
- Scheduled Events
*Leads includes Name, Email, Title & Company Name of Operators who viewed your Profile and added you to their Show To Go.
For more information regarding the Show To Go directory benefits, view the feature flyer.
What is included in my booth?
Included in your booth:
- 8' back draping plus two 33” high draped side rails (except islands & peninsulas)
- Peninsulas set with 5’ of 33” drape, 10’ of 8’ drape and 5’ of 33” drape
- Sign with company name and booth number for 100 sq ft exhibitors.
- Larger booths must submit request through Freeman Service Kit.
- General overhead lighting
- Sanitary dishwashing facilities
- Customer Invites: Allotment based on total square feet.
- Badges: Each exhibitor receives five complimentary badges for the first 100 square feet of space purchased, and three badges for each additional 100 square feet of space
- Listings in the 2026 The Show To Go (Official Online Directory of the Show)
What utility ports are in my booth?
Utility ports are located in the floors of the North, South, and Lakeside Center exhibit halls. These ports provide access to electrical, plumbing (water & drain), and natural gas. If your booth is not equipped with a utility port, access will be drawn from a neighboring exhibit or, if necessary, dropped from overhead. No port access will be allowed from the aisles.
Use legend on right side of floorplan PDFs to identify port symbols within your booth.
How do I change my company name?
Per our terms and conditions, we allow one (1) company name per 100 square feet. The company name cannot include a product, company description, DBA, or ‘presented by’. If your name change requests meets these guidelines, please email restaurantshowexhibitorservices@informa.com to request the update.
Payment Information
Where can I manage my account?
Current exhibitors may view/print the most up-to-date invoices, download their contract, and pay their deposit/balance via credit card in the Exhibitor Dashboard.
NOTE: The balance due reflects booth space and branding package only and does not include outstanding balances with any other contractors.
Primary contacts can add other team members as ‘Users’, granting them access to the Exhibitor Dashboard. Once logged in, grant team members access to the site by adding them under the 'Users' section on the left side toolbar. *Each user will have their own log-in account; instead of sharing a password among team members.
*This is separate from account contacts. Update your contacts in the Exhibitor Account tile in the Exhibitor Dashboard.
Where do I mail my payment?
We accept credit card, check, and wire/ACH payments. If you are sending a check please send to one of the addresses below:
via United States Postal Service:
Winsight, LLC / Restaurant Show
P.O. Box 844604
Boston, MA 02284-4604
via FedEx, UPS, or Overnight Carrier:
FIS - Lockbox Operations
C/O Winsight, LLC
10 Dan Road - Dock #2
Canton, MA 02021
Can I use a credit card to pay for my booth space?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card). All credit card transactions are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee. There will be no exceptions.
Do you accept wire transfers or ACH payments?
Yes, we accept payments by wire transfer or ACH. If you would like to pay using this method, please email restaurantshowexhibitorservices@informa.com.
How can I request a copy of your W-9?
Please contact your Exhibitor Services team at restaurantshowexhibitorservices@informa.com to request a copy of our W9.
Logistics
What utility ports are in my booth?
Utility ports are located in the floors of the North, South, and Lakeside Center exhibit halls. These ports provide access to electrical, plumbing (water & drain), and natural gas. If your booth is not equipped with a utility port, access will be drawn from a neighboring exhibit or, if necessary, dropped from overhead. No port access will be allowed from the aisles.
Click here to view the utility ports. Use legend on right side of floorplan PDFs to identify port symbols within your booth.
How do I become an association member?
To become an Allied Member visit Restaurant.org/Membership.
Allied Membership benefits include access to our annual Restaurant Industry Forecast and Restaurant TrendMapper® report, invitation-only webinars and newsletters, access to our Knowledge Center’s Information Specialists, as well as Allied member logo usage for your website and other marketing materials.
Scheduled Appointments
The Scheduled Appointments tool is a way for exhibitors to set up and manage appointments with attendees through the Exhibitor Dashboard. This tool allows exhibitors to post available appointment times to their Show To Go profile, and attendees can reserve these appointments while logged into their Show To Go planner accounts, allowing them to easily connect with exhibitors onsite.
Utilizing the Scheduled Appointments tool will allow you to:
- Control your appointment schedule.
- Assign staff members to specific appointment times to allocate resources appropriately.
- View overall meeting schedule to see onsite and virtual booth visits.
To setup appointment times go to the “Services for the Show” tile and click into the “Manage Scheduled Appointments” tile from your Exhibitor Dashboard.
How can I register my personnel for badges?
Register, edit, and purchase over allotment badges in the "Badge Registration" tile of your Exhibitor Dashboard. This can be found in the "Services for the Show" homepage tile.
How many complimentary exhibitor badges do I receive with my booth?
Each exhibitor receives five (5) complimentary badges for the first 100 square feet of space purchased, and three (3) badges for each additional 100 square feet of space [e.g., up to 200 square feet equals eight (8) badges, up to 300 square feet equals (11) badges, etc.]
Login to your Exhibitor Dashboard, click the “Services for the Show” homepage tile then "Badge Registration" to begin registering your booth personnel.
Can I sample food and beverage at my booth?
If you are sampling food or beverage on the Show floor you must complete the required form found in your Exhibitor Dashboard.
Login to your Exhibitor Dashboard, click the “Exhibitor Forms” tile to complete the sampling forms.
Cooking Appliances:
If cooking or heating appliances will be used, they must be powered electrically or by natural gas. Stoves and heaters for booth usage must be UL listed/approved and also be adequately ventilated. Nothing combustible may be placed near any heat-producing appliance. A UL listed/approved, 2 – A :10 – B: C ABC-type fire extinguisher is required in such exhibits.
*A fire blanket is not an acceptable replacement for the required fire extinguisher.
Prohibited Cooking Materials:
The following items are fire-hazardous and prohibited in McCormick Place:
- All flammable compressed gases, such as propane and butane
- Explosives and live ammunition
- Untreated Christmas trees, cut evergreens or similar trees
- Fireplace logs and similar materials
- Charcoal
- Untreated mulch, Hay, Straw, Bamboo and Spanish moss
Fryers are permitted for use but must follow McCormick Place Regulations. You can view the details here. A hood/venting shouldn’t be needed if you feel that you will have minimal smoke or can adjust to have minimal smoke, for ex: cooking 1-2 burgers at once instead of 4-5. If you feel that you'll have more than minimal smoke from your equipment, you can reach out to Freeman for venting and hood options here.
You may only supply your own products. Anything else must be purchased from OVG Hospitality. Find their forms in the Official Service Provider page here.
Can I sample alcohol at my booth?
A form to request permission to sample alcoholic beverages must be filled out by all exhibitors who wish to sample alcohol in their booth and then approved by Show Management. The sampling forms are located in the Exhibitor Dashboard.
How do I obtain a Certificate of Insurance?
General commercial liability insurance is required of all exhibitors. Exhibitor are required to email a copy of their COI to sales@rainprotection.net.
Are you worried about lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise? Rainprotection also offers Equipment/Merchandise/Display Insurance. All exhibitors are strongly urged to obtain full-coverage temporary insurance for their merchandise and displays while in transit and while at the exposition.
See the information sheet here.
Liability and Insurance – All property of the Exhibitor is understood to remain under its custody and control in transit to and from the Show and while it is in the confines of McCormick Place. Neither Show Management, the Official Show contractor, the management of McCormick Place nor any of the officers, staff members or directors of any of the same are responsible for the safety of the property of Exhibitor’s 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 maintain general public liability insurance against claims for personal injury, death or property damage incident to, arising out of or in any way connected with the Exhibitor’s participation in the National Restaurant Association Show, in an amount no less than $250,000 for personal injury, death or property damage in any one occurrence. Such insurance shall name the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Show as additional insureds on the general liability policy. Each Exhibitor is required to carry workers' compensation insurance protecting employees in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois. Exhibitor acknowledges that it is responsible for obtaining, for its protection and entirely at its expense, such property insurance for its exhibit and display materials as the Exhibitor deems appropriate.
This insurance must be in force during the lease dates of the event naming Winsight LLC (300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60606) as the certificate holder. The following must be named as additional insured: Winsight LLC, McCormick Place, and Freeman.
Where can I find more information for exhibitors?
Visit our Current Exhibitors page where you can find our Marketing Resources Center, Exhibitor Training Series, and links to other important resources for preparing for the Show.
What is my target check-in date?
Your booth has a specific date that your materials must arrive by direct shipping. This date is also the date you can arrive onsite if you are hand-carrying your material.
Find out more information on our Shipping Information page of the service kit.
Your Target Check-in Date
You must check the Target Check-In Schedule to find out what date/time your materials must arrive at McCormick Place. If you are shipping your materials to McCormick all materials must arrive on this date or you will be charged extra for arriving off date.
If you are hand-carrying your materials, you can arrive on the date of your target check-in. You cannot arrive before your date.
How do I reserve Housing?
Hotel arrangements for National Restaurant Association Show 2026 can be made through onPeak official housing.
Where can I order utilities, booth furnishings, and labor?
These services and more can be ordered through Freeman, our official services contractor for Show 2026.
Access the complete Service Kit at the button below.
When should my booth materials arrive?
Review the Shipping Information page for all shipping information.
Will Wi-Fi be available at the Show?
Yes, McCormick Place offers Wi-Fi at a cost. The internet order form is available in the Official Service Provider page of the Service Kit.
Where can I pick up my lead retrieval scanners?
If you ordered lead retrieval from our official lead retrieval vendor Maritz, you must pick up your lead retrieval machines in your specific Hall's pick-up location. For example, if you are an exhibitor in North Hall, you can pick up your lead retrieval machine in the North Hall pick-up location only
- South Hall Exhibitors (Aisles 100-5400)
- Service Center / Lead Retrieval: Under the Food Pods
- North Hall Exhibitors (Aisles 5500-9200)
- Service Center / Lead Retrieval: Rm N227
- Lakeside Hall Exhibitors (Aisles 9300-13700)
- Service Center / Lead Retrieval: Rm E253
Where can I park during the Show? How much does it cost?
Purchase parking passes directly from McCormick Place ahead of the Show with Exhibitor Guaranteed Parking. Lots can fill up on Show days, so purchasing ahead of time gives you peace of mind that you will have a spot. Visit McCormick Place's website and search “Restaurant".
How can I send customer invites?
Through Maritz, our registration provider, you can invite customers to the Show free-of-charge. Make sure your most important customers are at your booth by giving them a complimentary badge! These are sent from the "Send FREE Customer Invites" tile of your Exhibitor Dashboard, within the "Services for the Show" homepage tile. You can find instructions on sending customer invites here.
How can I send Attendee Marketing Emails?
Attendee Email Marketing is available in your Exhibitor Dashboard within the "Services for the Show" homepage tile. You must be a current exhibitor in order to send Attendee Email Marketing.
The National Restaurant Association Show, like many other tradeshows, is increasingly battling fraudulent companies attempting to prey on exhibitors by “selling” exhibitor contact information and/or attendee lists. Please be extremely cautious of any email claiming to sell you services regarding attendee communication, exhibitor contact information, and hotel rates. We are actively working to have these companies cease and desist their practices.
The National Restaurant Association Show is partnered with Maritz, and Maritz is the sole distributor of the attendee list. Please know that only Maritz is authorized to sell our attendee list. If in doubt, always look for the official service provider seal in any communication where you may purchase services.
For more info email ExhibitorServices@maritz.com.
Meeting Room FAQs
How can I book a meeting room?
Meeting rooms can be booked using this link.
Please note that Meeting space will only be granted to exhibiting companies. For further questions, please reach out to RestaurantShowExhibitorServices@informa.com.
Deadline: April 10, 2026.
How much does it cost to rent a meeting room?
- Rental Fee $300- $500 (cost is based on size and availability)
- Exhibitor will also be responsible for all ancillary services inside the meeting room (AV, F&B, floral, etc.)
What is included in the meeting room rental fee:
- A one-time standard set-up (conference, hollow square, U-shape, theatre, banquet, or classroom)
- One (1) non-lit lectern (standing or table)
- One (1) wired microphone (lectern, lavaliere, standing or table)
- Three (3) 6'x8' risers (available in 16/24/32 inch heights)
- Water service for the lectern/head table
- Four (4) six-foot covered and skirted tables upon request
How can I utilize my meeting room?
- Meeting rooms may not be used as an “extension” of an exhibit booth (i.e., in which products or services are displayed or marketed). Hospitality Suites can be purchased for this reason by emailing restaurantshowsales@informa.com.
- A company may not reserve a room for a non-exhibiting supplier company, nor may they reserve a room for a function in which a non-exhibiting supplier company is also participating.
- A Show badge is required for all participants in a meeting room.
When and for how long can the meeting rooms be rented?
A company may not hold an event, function or seminar which would draw attendees off the exhibit floor during official Show hours (9:30am – 5:00pm).
A room may not be reserved for more than one day for any given function and functions must be limited to three hours during official Show hours unless otherwise approved by Show management. If you are interested in a longer time period, please contact restaurantshowsales@informa.com to discuss purchasing a hospitality suite.
What are the next steps after I request a meeting room?
Within 5 business days, you will receive a room confirmation from Show Management. You will also receive a contract which must be submitted to McCormick Place with payment info by mid-April to secure the meeting room and as well as vendor contact info.
Who do I reach out to place F&B, AV orders, etc. for the meeting rooms?
Once your meeting room is confirmed, Show Management will connect you with the appropriate contacts.
Who can rent a meeting room?
Meeting space will only be granted to exhibiting companies.
Where are the meeting rooms located?
