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    Dates

    22–25 May 2027

    City / country

    Chicago, United States

    Venue

    McCormick Place

    Time

    Saturday, May 22 – Monday, May 24: 9:30 AM · – 5:00 PM · Tuesday, May 25: 9:30 AM · – 3:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    The National Restaurant Association Show is the premier annual event for foodservice professionals, offering a comprehensive platform to explore cutting-edge restaurant technology trends, foodservice innovation, and networking opportunities.

    With over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing solutions across 900+ product categories, attendees gain access to industry-leading insights, efficiency-boosting equipment, and global flavor trends—all designed to help businesses thrive in a competitive market.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Event dates: May 22-25, 2027
    2. 2Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
    3. 3Over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing 900+ product categories
    4. 4Networking opportunities with industry leaders
    5. 5Educational sessions led by foodservice operators

    Why visit

    Attendees will benefit from networking with over 34,000 foodservice operators, exploring new products, and gaining insights from educational sessions.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors gain access to a diverse audience of decision-makers, showcasing their products and innovations to thousands of potential buyers. The National Restaurant Association Show is crucial for foodservice professionals to discover innovations, connect with peers, and gain insights that drive business success. It serves as a hub for industry trends and solutions, making it an essential event for staying competitive.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Restaurant operators from independent and chain establishments
    Foodservice professionals from non-commercial sectors like schools and hospitals
    Retail foodservice operators
    Dealers and distributors in the foodservice supply chain
    Hospitality and event professionals from hotels and resorts
    Culinary professionals seeking new trends and products

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food and beverage manufacturers
    Equipment suppliers and technology providers
    Service providers for the foodservice industry
    Packaging and sustainability solution providers
    Consultants and industry experts
    Retail foodservice operators

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Food and beverage products
    Restaurant equipment and supplies
    Technology solutions for foodservice
    Sustainable packaging options
    Foodservice management software
    Culinary tools and ingredients

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    3
    South HallNorth HallLakeside Center

    McCormick Place

    2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    South HallNorth Hall

    Floor plans & maps

    Floor plan (PDF)

    Facilities

    Food options

    Cafes and Restaurants

    On-site dining

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Saturday, May 22 – Monday, May 24:9:30 AM
    –5:00 PM
    Tuesday, May 25:9:30 AM
    –3:00 PM

    • Essential Badge

      Early Bird pricing until December 31, 2026

      $385.00

    • Expo Badge

      $125.00

    • Premium Badge

      Includes additional benefits

      $699.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    Badges can be picked up at designated locations.

    Registration deadline

    2027-05-05

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Informa

    Website

    Informa Connect Foodservice

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    50,000

    Exhibitors

    2,000

    Growth over time

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The National Restaurant Association Show is the premier annual event for foodservice professionals, offering a comprehensive platform to explore cutting-edge restaurant technology trends, foodservice innovation, and networking opportunities. With over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing solutions across 900+ product categories, attendees gain access to industry-leading insights, efficiency-boosting equipment, and global flavor trends—all designed to help businesses thrive in a competitive market.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Restaurant operators from independent and chain establishments, Foodservice professionals from non-commercial sectors like schools and hospitals, Retail foodservice operators, Dealers and distributors in the foodservice supply chain. Event dates: May 22-25, 2027. Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing 900+ product categories. Networking opportunities with industry leaders. National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show attracts an audience.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors gain access to a diverse audience of decision-makers, showcasing their products and innovations to thousands of potential buyers. The National Restaurant Association Show is crucial for foodservice professionals to discover innovations, connect with peers, and gain insights that drive business success. It serves as a hub for industry trends and solutions, making it an essential event for staying competitive. Exhibitor categories include Food and beverage manufacturers, Equipment suppliers and technology.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    North America — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Midwest foodservice, hospitality and equipment hub)

    Why it matters

    Chicago is the historic home of the US restaurant industry association, and this show is one of the largest foodservice and hospitality trade events in the world. A single trip puts buyers in front of food, beverage, equipment, technology and supplies suppliers across the whole operator value chain, with strong international attendance from the Americas, Europe and Asia. For suppliers, it is the primary US channel-building moment of the year; for operators and distributors, it is the fastest way to compare new products, pricing and technology before committing to range changes.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Global foodservice, hospitality and equipment show circuit

    Plan 6–12 months ahead; most peers run annually or biennially in fixed host cities.

    This show anchors the North American leg of a global circuit of foodservice, hospitality and equipment exhibitions. Spacing peer events across a 12–24 month calendar helps teams plan budgets, align product launches and avoid overlapping travel.

    Jan–Feb

    Gulfood (Dubai)

    Mar–Apr

    The NAFEM Show (biennial, USA)

    May

    National Restaurant Association Show (Chicago)

    Oct

    HostMilano (biennial, Milan) / Anuga (biennial, Cologne)

    Peer events and typical cadence compiled from public show listings and sector context; verify dates and venue details on each event's own website before committing budget.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Cermak Road / South Loop corridor, walkable or one CTA stop from McCormick Place

    USD 120–190 / night

    Limited inventory during show week — book 3–6 months ahead.

    source
    Mid-range
    McCormick Place campus and South Loop

    USD 190–320 / night

    Show-week rates typically run 1.5–2× midweek baseline; check the official hotel block before booking direct.

    source
    Premium
    McCormick Place campus (connected hotels) and downtown Chicago

    USD 320–600 / night

    Connected hotels sell out first and remove all transfer time — reserve as soon as the housing block opens.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 45–65 taxi/rideshare estimate (approx. 18 mi, 30–45 min off-peak)
    Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to McCormick Place

    Allow 60+ minutes in weekday rush hour; posted flat taxi rates apply from O'Hare to the downtown zone.

    taxi

    Estimated costUSD 30–45 taxi/rideshare estimate (approx. 12 mi, 20–30 min off-peak)
    Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to McCormick Place

    Shortest airport transfer to the venue campus.

    train

    Estimated costUSD 5.00 from O'Hare (CTA fare incl. airport surcharge), then USD 2.50 per onward CTA ride
    Best forCTA Blue Line (O'Hare) → downtown transfer → Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place

    Cheapest airport option, roughly 60–75 minutes door to door with one transfer downtown.

    train

    Estimated costUSD 4.00–5.75 one way
    Best forMetra Electric District → McCormick Place / 23rd St station (from Millennium Station downtown)

    Fastest rail link to the venue campus; weekend service is limited.

    metro

    Estimated costUSD 2.50 per ride
    Best forCTA Green Line: Cermak-McCormick Place ↔ downtown Loop

    Direct connection between the venue and downtown hotels; Ventra day passes reduce cost.

    shuttle

    Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forOfficial show shuttle: participating hotels ↔ McCormick Place

    Typically operates on show days from hotels in the official block — check the show travel page.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: check with organiser

    Weather

    Late May in Chicago brings mild, variable weather: daytime highs around 21 °C (70 °F) and overnight lows near 10 °C (50 °F), with roughly 75–100 mm (3–4 in) of rain spread over about 10–12 days. Showers are usually brief, but lakefront breezes at McCormick Place can feel noticeably cooler — pack layers and a compact umbrella.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Tipping

    Tipping is expected: 18–20% on restaurant bills, USD 1–2 per drink at bars, and 15–20% for taxi/rideshare. Some Chicago restaurants add a service fee for larger parties — check the bill before tipping.

    Business etiquette and dress

    Handshakes are the standard greeting, first names are used quickly, and business casual to business attire is typical on the show floor. Exchange cards freely at stands; follow up by email within a week.

    Sales tax, ID and venue security

    Chicago sales tax is roughly 10.25% and is added at checkout on top of listed prices. The legal drinking age is 21 and photo ID is required. Expect bag screening and badge checks on entry to McCormick Place — arrive a little early on day one.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: ORD

    Book flights to ORD when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare MDW only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need a US visa. Business travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries may instead travel on an approved ESTA authorisation, while all other nationalities typically require a B-1 business visitor visa, which involves an online DS-160 form, a consular interview and biometrics. Apply at least 8–12 weeks before departure (longer where embassy appointment queues are extended) and carry an invitation letter, proof of funds, hotel booking and return-ticket details. Canadians generally do not need a visa for business visits; some nationalities qualify for expedited interview-waiver renewals. Confirm current rules on the US Department of State and ESTA portals before booking.

    Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Cermak Road / South Loop corridor, walkable or one CTA stop from McCormick Place · McCormick Place campus (connected hotels) and downtown Chicago · McCormick Place campus and South Loop

    budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    mid range

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    premium

    Not yet confirmed

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: ORD or MDW to McCormick Place: CTA Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place, or Metra Electric to McCormick Place station.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near McCormick Place: Cermak Road / South Loop corridor, walkable or one CTA stop from McCormick Place: Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago McCormick Place, Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/South Loop, Best Western Grant Park Hotel; McCormick Place campus and South Loop: Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place, Essex on the Park (South Loop), Hilton Chicago (Michigan Avenue); McCormick Place campus (connected hotels) and downtown Chicago: Marriott Marquis Chicago (connected to McCormick

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Chicago; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place; Metra Electric to convention campus; Loop hotels require transit (~15 min).

    Parking: On-site parking is available at McCormick Place; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May 2027

    Temperature: Late May in Chicago typically ranges from about 10 °C (50 °F) overnight to 21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon, with occasional warmer spells into the mid-20s °C (mid-70s °F).

    Seasonality: Late May is one of Chicago's wetter periods, with roughly 75–100 mm (3–4 in) of rain across about 10–12 days; showers are usually short-lived. Lakefront breezes near McCormick Place make it feel cooler than inland — bring a light waterproof layer.

    Packing: Late May in Chicago brings mild, variable weather: daytime highs around 21 °C (70 °F) and overnight lows near 10 °C (50 °F), with roughly 75–100 mm (3–4 in) of rain spread over about 10–12 days. Showers are usually brief, but lakefront breezes at McCormick Place can feel noticeably cooler — pack lay

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Sunday 23 May 2027 (Day 2)

    Day 1 is dominated by registration queues, badge pickup and opening-day traffic, while the final day sees exhibitors begin packing down. Day 2 sits at full exhibitor staffing and carries the densest programme of education sessions and culinary demonstrations, giving the best balance of supplier access and content. If your priority is quiet one-to-one meetings with senior exhibitor staff, Day 3 (Monday 24 May) is the calmer alternative.

    Side trips

    2

    Museum Campus and Lake Michigan lakefront

     

     

     

    Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile, downtown Chicago

     

     

     

    Networking spots

    3

    Show-floor meeting and B2B zones

     

     

     

    McCormick Place concourses and café areas (North/South Halls and Lakeside Center)

     

     

     

    Official show receptions and the downtown restaurant scene (West Loop / Fulton Market)

     

     

     

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Essential Badge

    USD 385 / per person

    official

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Expo Badge

    USD 125 / per person

    official

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · Premium Badge

    USD 699 / per person

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You buy, specify or research foodservice/hospitality products and can justify 2–3 days on the floor.

    Best for

    Foodservice operators, buyers, distributors, consultants and journalists benchmarking products, menu trends and technology.

    Min. budget

    $960.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks before opening day for badge purchase, hotel booking and visa/ESTA processing.

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    May is peak convention season in Chicago; hotel rates and availability tighten quickly.

    Session times and floor-plan details are published closer to the show — confirm before fixing your day-by-day plan.

    exhibit

    You have a defined lead-generation or product-launch goal for US and international foodservice buyers.

    Best for

    Equipment manufacturers, food & beverage brands, technology vendors and service suppliers selling into North American foodservice.

    Min. budget

    $3,840.00

    Timeline

    3–6 months for space selection, build/freight, staffing, travel and pre-show marketing.

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Booth/stand pricing is not published in captured sources — request the current space rate card from the organiser.

    Union labour rules and drayage at McCormick Place add cost and lead time for freight and rigging.

    skip

    Your market, category or commercial goals do not match this edition.

    Best for

    Teams with no North American foodservice channel, no budget for travel, or a category the show does not cover.

    Min. budget

    Not yet confirmed

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Dog show highlights at National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
    Dog show highlights at National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Foodservice
    The industry that includes restaurants, catering services, and other establishments that prepare and serve food.
    2
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
    3
    Badge
    A pass that grants access to the event for attendees.
    4
    Networking
    The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
    5
    Sustainability
    Practices that aim to reduce environmental impact and promote ecological balance.
    6
    Innovation
    The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
    7
    Culinary
    Related to cooking or the kitchen.
    8
    Hospitality
    The industry that provides services to guests, including hotels, restaurants, and event planning.

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    Sources

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