Workshops Overview


The 2023 Show’s expert-led workshops deliver high-value education on today’s biggest topics: menu optimizations, funding business growth, and branding and digital media. These hands-on workshops will dive deep into strategies, solutions and resources, allow you to work directly with experts and peers to solve your biggest challenges and answer your toughest questions, and provide powerful ideas that you can immediately put into practice.

Workshop sessions will be held at McCormick Place during the Show dates from 9:00 – 10:30 am CT on Saturday 5/20, Sunday 5/21, and Monday 5/22 – so there’s still plenty of time to take in all that the Show has to offer! Registrants can sign up for one, two, or all three sessions within each workshop, or mix and match sessions from any workshop.

Workshops are open to operators only, and attendees must also be registered for the Show.

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Workshop #1: Menu Optimization to Grow Business

How do you know if you are maximizing your menu to drive sales and delight your guests? As competition in the foodservice space continues to build, it’s even more important to make the absolute most out of your offerings. From size and pricing to optimal design and formats, learn directly from industry experts about strategies to make your menu a top performer. Don’t miss this chance to beat out your competition with a menu everyone drools over.

  • Day 1: Manage Your Menu for Greatest Profitability
    Saturday, 5/20, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT
  • Day 2: Strike the Right Pricing Balance
    Sunday, 5/21, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT
  • Day 3: Optimal Menu Formats for Your Business
    Monday, 5/22, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT

Speakers to be announced soon



Workshop #2: Funding Your Restaurant Business’ Growth

You’ve done the work to determine the time is right and you’re ready to grow your business. You have a sound business plan and good cash flow, and your numbers make sense, but growth takes considerable money. Whether you dream of opening your first location, expanding by one unit or multiple, or renovating or growing sales of an existing location, how will you finance this dream? This workshop will help you get that fuel for growth, be it from maximizing cash flow and profits through more astute financial management or finding capital from outside sources. Learn the do’s and don’ts that can turn your dream into a reality.

  • Day 1: Evaluate Your Funding Needs and Suitable Financing Options
    Saturday, 5/20, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT
  • Day 2: Practical Finance Practices to Grow Profits
    Sunday, 5/21, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT
  • Day 3: Real Estate, Design, Contractors, and More: Next Steps to Realizing Growth
    Monday, 5/22, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT

Speakers to be announced soon



Workshop #3: Branding and Digital Media Bootcamp

Think you need a huge marketing team and a million-dollar budget to play in the branding and digital media big leagues? Here’s the great news, you don’t! Elevate your brand and build a robust digital media plan to drive traffic and attract new guests with attainable strategies you can leverage using existing resources and staff. From content marketing best practices including value-driven strategies, to DIY website enhancements, to effective social media engagement, learn from experts who can help you make the most of out of your brand!

  • Day 1: Maximize Your Branding to Drive Traffic
    Saturday, 5/20, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT
  • Day 2: Make the Most of Your Social Media and Web Presence
    Sunday, 5/21, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT
  • Day 3: The Power of Digital Media for Real Results
    Monday, 5/22, 9:00 – 10:30 am CT

Speakers to be announced soon