Chicago is poised to once again become the epicenter of the foodservice world as the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, the foodservice industry’s key annual gathering, returns to McCormick Place, May 17-20. This landmark event will draw tens of thousands of professionals from every facet of the foodservice and hospitality sector to explore a vibrant marketplace spanning over 700,000 sq ft of exhibit space. More than 2,200 exhibitors, including more than 800 debuting companies, will showcase innovative equipment, technology, ingredients, and a full spectrum of solutions for restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality operations.
For over a century, the Show has united the foodservice industry – from independent operators and global chains to chefs, suppliers, and innovators – to explore emerging trends, sample new products, and influence the industry’s future. As the sector navigates ongoing shifts like economic pressures, evolving consumer preferences, and the need for technology integration, the 2025 Show provides a vital platform to identify actionable strategies, source advanced products, and build strategic partnerships.
Show floor highlights
A vibrant marketplace: The 2025 Show floor is a vital hub where operators can find practical solutions to today’s real-world pressures. Featuring 2,200+ exhibitors– including over 800 first time exhibitors and 550+ international brands – attendees will discover innovations across 900+ product categories, covering advanced equipment, AI-powered tools, innovative ingredients, labor optimization, and sustainable solutions aimed at boosting efficiency and enhancing the guest experience.
Specialty pavilions: Complementing the main Show floor, six specialty pavilions offer focused discovery. These include A Taste of the States, The Beverage Room, Global Food Expo, the Organic & Natural Pavilion, the TECH Pavilion, and the Emerging Brands Pavilion, each showcasing unique market segments from regional specialties and international ingredients to health-conscious products and the latest technology.
Keynote and featured session
Keynote – A conversation with Carla Hall: The 2025 Show Keynote will feature a conversation with chef, author, and TV host, Carla Hall. On Sunday, May 18, at 1 p.m., Hall will share her inspiring journey from accountant to renowned chef and TV personality, where her passion to “cook with love” and “live with joy” has fueled her success. Presented by NCR Voyix.
Technomic featured session: On Monday, May 19 at 1 p.m., the “Lessons from the Winners” session will bring industry experts together to share how they’re tackling significant topics like sustainability, menu innovation, and elevating the guest experience.
FABI & KI Awards:
Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards: The FABI Awards spotlight the year’s most innovative and forward-thinking flavors that are driving trends and satisfying evolving consumer demands. This year, 39 recipients were selected for their impact on creativity, menu expansion, and operational versatility, with 10 of these products distinguished as FABI Favorites.
Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards: The KI Awards honor 24 significant equipment solutions that advance automation, efficiency, safety, and sustainability. These awardees will be featured in the dedicated Kitchen Innovations Showroom (South Hall). Opportunities to learn more include:
- “Fear No More! How to Embrace Kitchen Innovations that Drive Big ROI” Session:Operators can learn practical applications for these innovations during this special session on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at the Discovery Theater (South Hall, Booth 2693).
Enhanced educational programming:
For the second year, Expo + Education badge holders gain access to over 45 operator-led sessions, as well as new Expert Exchange and Networking opportunities and post-Show on-demand content. Educational content covers a variety of timely topics, organized into tracks: Culinary Insights, Operations Solutions, Marketing Matters, Technology Strategies, Trends in Adult Beverage, and Workforce Management.
This year, badge holders will also have access to a new, exclusive general session led by Courtney Storer, renowned chef, culinary producer, and co-executive producer of FX’s The Bear, and Donnie Madia, managing partner/owner of award-winning One Off Hospitality Group.
Networking, special events, and new features
The 2025 Show further enhances the attendee experience with a variety of special events and new features designed to foster connections and spark discovery, complementing its educational programming and expansive show floor. Highlights include:
- Comprehensive networking opportunities: Attendees can connect with peers at returning favorite events like Industry Night Out, the Young Professionals Networking Party, and the International Reception, alongside an expanded schedule of topic-specific meetups designed to facilitate meaningful peer-to-peer connections.
- Exclusive culinary experiences: For 2025, the Show will feature a series of Dinner Experiences presented by Uber Eats, providing attendees with curated dining opportunities at select renowned Chicago restaurants.
- Expert-led show floor tours: These new guided tours, led by industry editors and experts, offer unique access to trending brands and noteworthy products. (Note: Limited spots for these popular tours were quickly filled.)
- Live podcast booth: Attendees will have the opportunity to listen as popular industry podcasts, including “Restaurants Grow” and “Restaurant Influencers,” record live from the Show floor, alongside Informa’s own media brands.
- Additional show floor activities: Other new activities on the Show floor include the Plate Drop Prize Game, Kraft Heinz Away from Home’s Scavenger Hunt, and a Bush Brothers Duke the Dog photo op on Sunday, May 18.
Culinary demonstrations and beverage insights
The Culinary Experience (Lakeside Center, Booth 12448) will feature a lineup of chefs, including James Beard Award winners and Michelin-star talent, demonstrating the latest culinary trends and techniques. Book signings will follow select demos, and attendees can sample creations from the stage in the new Tasting Zone. In The Beverage Room (Booth 11155), top mixologists and beverage experts will showcase advanced techniques and share insights into current beverage trends.
Show resources and tools
To help participants plan their time and create personalized experiences, the Show offers several resources:
- New Attendee Quiz: Attendees can answer a few questions to design a curated agenda tailored to their goals.
- The Show To Go Mobile App: Presented by Kraft Heinz Away From Home, the app features floor plans, session schedules, exhibitor directories, and more. Available for Apple and Android devices.
- Press Room (South Building, S101b): Registered press are invited to utilize the press room for interviews, meetings, and story development.
- Connect on Social: Event updates and conversations can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Official hashtag: #2025RestaurantShow.
Further details:
For more information and to register, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com.
