The National Restaurant Association Show 2023 May 20-23, 2023
Enhancing Education and Highlighting Trends
The 2023 National Restaurant Association Show is poised to celebrate the industry and showcase what’s next in foodservice.
By Ethan Gibble Contributing Writer
fter a two-year hiatus, the National Restaurant Association Show returned with a bang last May. With more than 1,700 exhibitors and over 51,000 registrants, the energy inside Chicago’s McCormick Place was palpable. “Our 2022 Show was exceptionally successful for all. Everyone was extremely excited to get back to business in person,” said Caitlin Rodgers, marketing director of exhibitions for Winsight, the event’s organizer. “And we know our 2023 show will be even bigger and better. We’re thrilled that about 88 percent of the exhibitors signed up on-site for next year. We are also seeing many exhibitors who watched the excitement, crowds and engagement from afar and are making their return next May.”
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A key goal for the 2022 event was ensuring that everyone felt comfortable jumping back into an in-person event following the peak of COVID-19. Health and safety are always top priorities for the Show but, as the industry continues to rebound from the pandemic, Rodgers looks forward to emphasizing a singular message during the 2023 event, which will take place May 20-23 at McCormick Place in Chicago. “The National Restaurant Association Show brings together more restaurant and hospitality buyers and equipment manufacturers than any other industry event; this is a show for foodservice,” she says. “That’s what we’re focusing on. It’s like what the Consumer Electronic Show is to the tech industry – we
20 FEDA News & Views
consider the National Restaurant Association Show to be the Show for foodservice.”
New and Renowned Initiatives Rodgers understands that to truly be the show for foodservice means doing more than repeating past success. While renowned initiatives like the FABI Awards and Kitchen Innovation Awards will return in 2023, the show’s new additions aim to give registrants an even better experience. “One of the great things we’re expanding is called Startup Alley, which highlights companies that have been in foodservice for three years or less. We feature them in a pavilion area so that they can showcase their products, equipment and services. That might mean highlighting food equipment, point-of-sale systems, food and beverage products, or robotics. Whatever the case, it’s a great opportunity for newer companies in the industry to engage with attendees at the show.” The Beverage Room is another new attraction
that is sure to interest registrants. This pavilion will not only include top mixologists, but also goods and services such as beer, wine, spirits, bar specialty equipment, cocktail ingredients, mixers, garnishes, drinkware, and bar technology. Rodgers says that there will be plenty of networking opportunities at the show, with a heightened focus on the industry’s up-and-coming professionals. “We recognize that many come to our show to build connections and, therefore, we
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