Articles
May 12, 2025

What to know before you go to the Show

If it’s May, it's time for the National Restaurant Association Show, and this year it’s better than ever.
Crowd of attendees at the National Restaurant Association Show

Representatives from over 2,000 suppliers of food, equipment, and services, plus more than 54,000 peers are expected at this year's Show. What to know before you go to the Show

Representatives from over 2,000 suppliers of food, equipment, and services, plus more than 54,000 peers are expected at this year's Show.

Now’s your chance to explore, learn, celebrate, and network at the largest and most trusted gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. 

Expected to attend are representatives from more than 2,000 suppliers of food, equipment, supplies and services in 900-plus categories, as well as more than 54,000 of your peers with purchasing responsibility in every segment of the industry, from fast casual to the armed services to B&I. 

Plus, more than 70 industry experts answer all your questions in operator-led sessions and deep-dive workshops that will provide you with critical industry insights. Included are six tracks of expert-led operator education, hands-on culinary and beverage demonstrations and celebrations of cutting-edge foodequipment and technology products that can change your business. Industry leaders and panelists will be on hand to inform and inspire you. Highlights include: 

Keynote – Grand Ballroom, South Building Level 1–1 p.m., Sun., May 18.
Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, will engage acclaimed chef, author, and television host Carla Hall in a lively interview-style Q&A, exploring her inspiring journey from accountant to renowned chef and TV personality, and her passion for mentoring emerging talent and advocating for children’s well-being.

Spotlight on emerging trends
The Beverage Room – Lakeside Center, Level 3 – (End of aisles 13800–14200). 
This pavilion showcases everything you can imagine related to mixology and bar service from ingredients to equipment and tech. Top mixologists conduct live demos and expert sessions on the Beverage Room Stage (Booth 11155) to keep your beverage program on the cutting edge.

The Culinary Experience – Lakeside Center, Level 3 – Booth 12448.
Here, the world's best chefs and top industry leaders take the stage to share their experience, techniques, and tips on some of today's hottest culinary trends. Watch celebrated—and celebrity—chefs cook up their latest dishes.

Emerging Brands – North Hall (end of aisles 9100–9200).
This new-company pavilion features 23 exhibitors this year and gives buyers a sneak peek at new food and beverage items, new equipment and supplies, new technology, and more.

Back and better than ever 
These pavilions are back with more exciting products and programs. Check the floor plan for their locations throughout the complex.

FABI Award winners – The 39 Food & Beverage Award winners are scattered throughout the Show floor. FABI Awards tastings will be held in the Culinary Experience’s “Connections” space –Lakeside Center – Sat., Sun., and Mon., May 17–19, with the awards presentation on the Beverage Room Stage, Lakeside Center 11155, Mon., May 19, 1:30–2:15 p.m.

Kitchen Innovations Awards – South Hall. Featured this year are 24 new award winners proudly displaying the new KI Awards logo. 

TECH Pavilion – North Hall (end of aisles 5500–6500 & 8300–8700
See the leading technology products, tools and processes that can help make your business more modern, efficient and profitable.

Organic & Natural Pavilion–South Hall (end of aisles 300–2100).

Global Food Expo – Lakeside Level 3 (aisles 11100–11600).

A Taste of the States – North Hall (end of aisles 7700–8200). See what’s trending in American fare, and talk with growers, producers and processors interested in exporting their products.

Heartland, a Global Payments company, is introducing Genius, a new next-gen restaurant point of sale. (Booth 3801)

Featured presentations and workshops
Among the many educational opportunities to learn more about running your business in the most effective way are several that headline our own Association experts.

Sustainability as a Profit and Recruitment Driver – South Bldg. (Room S505), Sat., May 17, 1–1:45 p.m. The Association’s Jeff Clark talks with celebrity chef Rick Bayless about how sustainability affects your bottom line.

Creating Exceptional and Indispensable Experiences: How Cultural Intelligence Drives Retention and Growth – South Bldg. (Room S502), Sun., May 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Erika Cospy Carr, MFHA, demonstrates how cultural intelligence (CQ) is critical to creating workplace environments that foster employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Concept to Creation: Crafting a Winning Restaurant Concept – South Bldg. (Room S505), Sun., May 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Restaurant Startup Sessions with Sara Bray and Chip Romp.

Building Success from Scratch– South Bldg. (Room S505), Sun., May 18, 11–11:45 a.m. How to Create a Winning Restaurant Business Plan – Restaurant Startup Sessions with Sara Bray and Chip Romp.

Funding Your Dream: How to Secure Financing for Your Restaurant Concept – South Bldg. (Room S505), Mon., May 18, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Restaurant Startup Sessions with Sara Bray and Chip Romp.

Talented, and Ready to Serve! Increasing Young Adult Employment and Advancement in Restaurant & Hospitality Careers – South Bldg. (Room S405), Mon., May 19, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Patricia Gill, Director of Program Development & Success at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, leads a lively discussion with three young adults—Kimani Glasper, Darnell Reed, and Nelson Roman—about why they chose to work in the restaurant industry.

Diners, Drama & Disrespect: Stopping Toxic Behaviors Before They Cost You – South Hall, Discovery Theater – Mon., May 19, 12–12:45 p.m. This “Triple D” workshop focuses on workplace behavior that can ruin your business. Erika Cospy Carr, VP of The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), walks through how to recognize workplace toxicity and resolve conflicts. 

In the Association booth…
More industry experts will be conducting workshops in the Association (6600) and ServSafe (7202) booths, which are adjacent, on the following schedule:

Sat., May 17, 11 a.m. – “Raising Menu Prices: Strategies for Success Without Losing Customers”
Sat., May 17, 1 p.m. –“Off-Premises Sales Growth and Trends”
Sun., May 18, 10 a.m. – “Compliance on the Line: What Operators Must Know About Updates to the FDA Food Code”
Sun., May 18, 12 p.m. – “Liquor Liability: Protect Your Business from Alcohol-Related Risk”
Mon., May 19, 10 a.m. – “Strategic Health Benefits for a Thriving Workforce”
Mon., May 19, 12 p.m. – “Capital Funding Session: Accion Opportunity Fund”
Mon., May 19, 2 p.m. – “Transforming Toxic Behaviors: Effective Strategies for Accountability and Communication”

For more information on the Show and why you should attend, read our FAQs.  

Registration for the Show takes just a few minutes online. Don’t miss this amazing event!
 

Now’s your chance to explore, learn, celebrate, and network at the largest and most trusted gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. 

Expected to attend are representatives from more than 2,000 suppliers of food, equipment, supplies and services in 900-plus categories, as well as more than 54,000 of your peers with purchasing responsibility in every segment of the industry, from fast casual to the armed services to B&I. 

Plus, more than 70 industry experts answer all your questions in operator-led sessions and deep-dive workshops that will provide you with critical industry insights. Included are six tracks of expert-led operator education, hands-on culinary and beverage demonstrations and celebrations of cutting-edge food, equipment and technology products that can change your business. Industry leaders and panelists will be on hand to inform and inspire you. Highlights include: 

Keynote – Grand Ballroom, South Building Level 1–1 p.m., Sun., May 18.
Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, will engage acclaimed chef, author, and television host Carla Hall in a lively interview-style Q&A, exploring her inspiring journey from accountant to renowned chef and TV personality, and her passion for mentoring emerging talent and advocating for children’s well-being.

Spotlight on emerging trends
The Beverage Room – Lakeside Center, Level 3 – (End of aisles 13800–14200). 
This pavilion showcases everything you can imagine related to mixology and bar service from ingredients to equipment and tech. Top mixologists conduct live demos and expert sessions on the Beverage Room Stage (Booth 11155) to keep your beverage program on the cutting edge.

The Culinary Experience – Lakeside Center, Level 3 – Booth 12448.
Here, the world's best chefs and top industry leaders take the stage to share their experience, techniques, and tips on some of today's hottest culinary trends. Watch celebrated—and celebrity—chefs cook up their latest dishes.

Emerging Brands – North Hall (end of aisles 9100–9200)
This new-company pavilion features 23 exhibitors this year and gives buyers a sneak peek at new food and beverage items, new equipment and supplies, new technology, and more.

Back and better than ever 
These pavilions are back with more exciting products and programs. Check the floor plan for their locations throughout the complex.

FABI Award winners – The 39 Food & Beverage Award winners are scattered throughout the Show floor. FABI Awards tastings will be held in the Culinary Experience’s “Connections” space –Lakeside Center – Sat., Sun., and Mon., May 17–19, with the awards presentation on the Beverage Room Stage, Lakeside Center 11155, Mon., May 19, 1:30–2:15 p.m.

Kitchen Innovations Awards – South Hall. Featured this year are 24 new award winners proudly displaying the new KI Awards logo. 

TECH Pavilion – North Hall (end of aisles 5500–6500 & 8300–8700
See the leading technology products, tools and processes that can help make your business more modern, efficient and profitable.

Organic & Natural Pavilion–South Hall (end of aisles 300–2100).

Global Food Expo – Lakeside Level 3 (aisles 11100–11600).

A Taste of the States – North Hall (end of aisles 7700–8200). See what’s trending in American fare, and talk with growers, producers and processors interested in exporting their products.

Heartland, a Global Payments company, is introducing Genius, a new next-gen restaurant point of sale. (Booth 3801)

Featured presentations and workshops
Among the many educational opportunities to learn more about running your business in the most effective way are several that headline our own Association experts.

Sustainability as a Profit and Recruitment Driver – South Bldg. (Room S505), Sat., May 17, 1–1:45 p.m. The Association’s Jeff Clark talks with celebrity chef Rick Bayless about how sustainability affects your bottom line.

Creating Exceptional and Indispensable Experiences: How Cultural Intelligence Drives Retention and Growth – South Bldg. (Room S502), Sun., May 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Erika Cospy Carr, MFHA, demonstrates how cultural intelligence (CQ) is critical to creating workplace environments that foster employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Concept to Creation: Crafting a Winning Restaurant Concept – South Bldg. (Room S505), Sun., May 18, 10–10:45 a.m. Restaurant Startup Sessions with Sara Bray and Chip Romp.

Building Success from Scratch – South Bldg. (Room S505), Sun., May 18, 11–11:45 a.m. How to Create a Winning Restaurant Business Plan – Restaurant Startup Sessions with Sara Bray and Chip Romp.

Funding Your Dream: How to Secure Financing for Your Restaurant Concept – South Bldg. (Room S505), Mon., May 18, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Restaurant Startup Sessions with Sara Bray and Chip Romp.

Talented, and Ready to Serve! Increasing Young Adult Employment and Advancement in Restaurant & Hospitality Careers – South Bldg. (Room S405), Mon., May 19, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Patricia Gill, Director of Program Development & Success at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, leads a lively discussion with three young adults—Kimani Glasper, Darnell Reed, and Nelson Roman—about why they chose to work in the restaurant industry.

Diners, Drama & Disrespect: Stopping Toxic Behaviors Before They Cost You – South Hall, Discovery Theater – Mon., May 19, 12–12:45 p.m. This “Triple D” workshop focuses on workplace behavior that can ruin your business. Erika Cospy Carr, VP of The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), walks through how to recognize workplace toxicity and resolve conflicts. 

In the Association booth…
More industry experts will be conducting workshops in the Association (6600) and ServSafe (7202) booths, which are adjacent, on the following schedule:

Sat., May 17, 11 a.m. – “Raising Menu Prices: Strategies for Success Without Losing Customers”
Sat., May 17, 1 p.m. –“Off-Premises Sales Growth and Trends”
Sun., May 18, 10 a.m. – “Compliance on the Line: What Operators Must Know About Updates to the FDA Food Code”
Sun., May 18, 12 p.m. – “Liquor Liability: Protect Your Business from Alcohol-Related Risk”
Mon., May 19, 10 a.m. – “Strategic Health Benefits for a Thriving Workforce”
Mon., May 19, 12 p.m. – “Capital Funding Session: Accion Opportunity Fund”
Mon., May 19, 2 p.m. – “Transforming Toxic Behaviors: Effective Strategies for Accountability and Communication”

For more information on the Show and why you should attend, read our FAQs.  

Registration for the Show takes just a few minutes online. Don’t miss this amazing event!
Sponsored by
  • Come see what we’re cooking up in Chicago at the National Restaurant Association Show, May 17-20. Heartland is transitioning to the Global Payments brand this year. Stop by our booth 3801 to check out our exciting new point of sale solution, Genius for Restaurants. Get a live demo, chat with our team and enter to win an ebike!

    Visit the Global Payments booth at the National Restaurant Association Show - Booth 3801

    Learn More