But before I share some of my favorite features this year, I want to thank you for being here. The foodservice community has been through an incredibly challenging time, and I deeply value you making the commitment to join us for the next four days. Especially now, when restaurants are (thankfully) busier than they have been in a while! Please know that we are dedicated to maximizing every minute you spend here — and making the 2022 Show the comeback event that our industry, and every member of it, deserves.  

Here we are, together at last. I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled I am to finally say those words — and how excited I am for you to experience the 2022 National Restaurant Association Show, our first in three years.

We’re doing that by ensuring that there’s something for everyone, from hiring strategies that help independent operators attract talent, to the state-of-the-art equipment that enables dealers to meet their customers’ evolving needs. No matter your role, this is your Show. And while you’re deciding how to spend your time onsite, I want to point out a few new features you won’t want to miss:  

• The Culinary Experience, where you’ll see live demos from some of the world’s best chefs and hear meaningful culinary discussions and presentations.  
• The Beverage Room, a brand-new showcase of the top mixologists, ingredients, and suppliers in adult beverage.  

 
Also, I’m proud to say that some attendee favorites are even bigger and better this year, including:  

• An inspiring, timely keynote. Join us today at 2 p.m. CST in the Grand Ballroom where Alexis Ohanian, founder of Seven Seven Six and co-founder of Reddit, will shed new light on how creating and embracing disruption can amplify growth and produce positive transformations.   
• A full trade show floor featuring more than 1,200+ returning and 500+ new exhibitors. 
• Access to more award-winning products than ever before. The FABI and KI awards programs highlight the food and beverage items and equipment innovations that are transforming the industry, and now you can see awardees from 2020, 2021, and 2022 in person.   

 
Lastly, I encourage you to do two things:  

1. Set yourself up for a successful Show by downloading the official app and using the My Show To Go feature to ensure that you make it to all the sessions and exhibitors you want to see.  
2. And, if you’re able, please donate to Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen’s #ChefsForUkraine initiative. Even $5 goes a long way toward providing nourishing plates for those in need. 

 
Again, thank you for being part of this momentous event, where we will move from recovery into our new reality — and define the future of foodservice. 

Let the Show begin!  

Sincerely,  

Tom Cindric 
President, Winsight Exhibitions