CHICAGO—Following two years of struggle that changed the way foodservice businesses operate, industry professionals will return to Chicago’s McCormick Place when the National Restaurant Association resumes its annual National Restaurant Association Show, May 21 to 24.
This year, the Show, the largest of its kind in North America, will feature expert-led sessions on how to rise from current challenges and navigate the new business landscape, turn disruption into opportunity, and embrace innovation.
More than 65,000 attendees are expected over the course of four days, ready to have an in-person look at the latest foodservice products and to hear about solutions that support restaurant growth, revenues, and profitability.
Caitlin Rodgers, Marketing Director/Exhibitions, says this year will have even more of a focus on food and beverage and how operators can deliver the best guest dining experiences, whether they’re on or off premises.
Latest Bar & Beverage Trends
“It’s been a tough couple of years for the industry,” she says. “Restaurateurs have always been committed to making great food for their customers, but now we are going to help them explore even more aspects of the culinary experience, and we’ll present the latest bar and beverage trends. We want to show them how to effectively pair their food with beverages, and optimize the most profits from it.”
Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of social media giant Reddit, and founder of Seven Seven Six, a venture capital group that specializes in start-up businesses, is the keynote for the Show. He’ll shed new light on how creating and embracing disruption not only increases growth, but also produces positive change. Starr Marcello, deputy dean of MBA programs at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, will moderate the keynote session.
In addition, the Show will showcase the industry’s latest equipment, products, and services, all housed in McCormick Place’s vast exhibition halls. Attendees can expect to see the latest tech trends, including artificial intelligence and robotics, at the Show’s Tech Pavilion.
Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Opportunities
Celebrity chefs/personalities, including Rick and Lanie Bayless, Lamar Moore, Andrew Zimmern, and more are set to lead culinary demonstrations and renowned mixologists and sommeliers will amplify beverage opportunities, at the Show and during Industry Night Out, Monday, May 23.
A major addition to this year’s show is a workshop series covering ghost kitchens, virtual brands, and leadership development. The latter is designed to help operators and their high-potential team members identify paths to leadership management and other opportunities in the organization.
The 2022 Kitchen Innovations Awards and FABI Awards are back (along with those who received awards in 2020 and 2021) to showcase all of their best products and services.
Rodgers says growth and innovation starts with the right information and tools. This year will offer all of that and more. The goal: help industry members learn more to grow their sales and profitability. Get more information and register for the Show.
