The National Restaurant Association Show – Chicago is America’s largest annual trade show for the foodservice industry, including restaurants, hotels, and catering. This event is where professionals from around the world gather to explore the latest innovations, technologies, products, and trends in the food and beverage industry.
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Why You Need to Know the National Restaurant Association Show?
More than 50,000 attendees attend the National Restaurant Association Show (NRAS) each year. If you’re in the foodservice and restaurant industry, don’t miss this exciting event.
This prestigious annual event offers a variety of educational sessions with timely themes and direct learning from industry experts. This event is the premier platform for finding solutions, building relationships, and understanding the future of the food and beverage industry.
Simply put, NRAS is the largest global trade show for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Its prestige is such that it attracts tens of thousands of foodservice professionals from various countries.
The purpose of this event is to bring together industry leaders, technology innovators, and international foodservice companies. McCormick Place, Chicago, has always been a popular venue.
Reasons Why Chicago Hosts the NRA Show?
There are certainly various reasons why Chicago was chosen as the host for the National Restaurant Association Show, including:
Strategic Location
Chicago’s strategic location in the heart of the United States (“America’s breadbasket”) makes it a major transportation and logistics hub. The city is easily accessible by land, rail, and air, with two major international airports (including O’Hare, one of the busiest in the US), making it easy for exhibitors and visitors from across the US and the world to attend.
Center for Food Industry and Culinary Innovation
Chicago has historically and currently been a leader in the food and beverage (F&B) industry and culinary innovation. The city has a robust food industry ecosystem, including manufacturing, logistics, and professional services, and is home to many of the nation’s top restaurants. This provides a rich and relevant backdrop for an industry event as large as the NRA Show.
World-Class Convention Facility
The show is held at McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. This expansive facility can accommodate more than 2,000 exhibitors and tens of thousands of food service professionals from around the world, which is essential for an event of this global scale.
Local Community Support
Chicago’s local restaurant community is incredibly supportive and embracing of the event. The city offers an unparalleled experience for food industry professionals, with a wide variety of world-class culinary options for visitors to enjoy.
Historical Heritage
The National Restaurant Association was founded in 1919 in Chicago and has a long history of ties to the city. Although its headquarters moved to Washington, D.C. in 1979 for legislative advocacy purposes, this history remains strong.
The combination of factors above makes Chicago an ideal repeat location for the NRA Show, and the event has committed to remaining in Chicago until at least 2032.
For those interested in attending this prestigious event, the 2026 NRA Show will take place from May 16–19 in Chicago. You still have time to prepare your budget and get ready to be amazed by the diverse product categories on display, as well as the engaging live demonstrations. Be sure to also prepare for a variety of educational sessions from experts that will inspire you.
Modern Solutions Featured at the NRA Show
While the NRA Show continues to evolve, let’s learn about the various modern solutions typically presented at the event:
Restaurant Operations Technology
The NRA Show introduces various technologies related to restaurant operations, including:
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The latest POS system
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Inventory and supply chain software
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Kitchen automation and smart equipment for kitchen efficiency
Innovations in Customer Service
To support innovation in restaurant operations, the NRA Show also showcases various innovations in customer service, including:
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QR-based ordering and payment
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Self-service kiosks and digital menu boards
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Loyalty systems that rely on customer data
Modern Equipment & Machinery
The NRA Show also showcases various F&B technologies, such as:
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Energy-efficient multi-function cooking machines
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Food storage technology that extends shelf life
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Smart kitchen appliances based on sensors or IoT
Surely the various solutions above are very suitable for addressing F&B needs today and in the years to come, right?
Food and Beverage Trends Introduced Through the NRA Show
In addition to showcasing various solutions needed by the F&B world, the NRA Show also introduces various food and beverage trends, including:
New Ingredients & Eco-Friendly Products
As more and more people are paying attention to the environment, it’s no surprise that plant-based products continue to rise in popularity. Furthermore, sustainable packaging and eco-friendly utensils are also becoming increasingly important.
Modern Flavor and Menu Creations
Experts predict that fusion dishes will remain a favorite food trend for many. Meanwhile, innovative beverages, such as mocktails, cold brew, and plant milk trends, continue to develop to complement modern menus.
Solutions for Modern Consumers
With increasing health awareness among modern consumers, healthy-focused food and beverages continue to grow globally. Products for gluten-free, dairy-free, and other special dietary needs are becoming increasingly popular.
The National Restaurant Association Show – Chicago, one of the world’s most comprehensive F&B events, remains the perfect event for culinary industry players and enthusiasts to understand modern trends for the advancement of the culinary business. So, if you’re an industry player or a die-hard culinary enthusiast, be sure to consider attending the NRA Show in 2026.