The National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, is returning to McCormick Place in Chicago May 20 to 23. As the global restaurant and hospitality industry’s premier trade show, the National Restaurant Association Show is the place to explore everything that’s happening in the hospitality industry, from the latest food-and-beverage trends to emerging technology.
New York restaurateur Danny Meyer and Slutty Vegan owner and CEO Pinky Cole will headline the event as the 2023 keynote speakers. During the session, these two restaurant visionaries—who have had entrepreneurial success both individually and in collaboration—will speak about the challenges and opportunities that paved the way for their business growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Danny Meyer and Pinky Cole to the National Restaurant Association Show as our esteemed keynote speakers to share their strategies for success in building a diversified restaurant empire and leading the way for the next generation in the industry,” says Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions, which owns and operates the show.
This year’s event will mark the newest wave of foodservice innovation, showcasing the industry’s latest technology and equipment enhancements, solutions driving operational efficiencies and the latest in flavour, taste and dining trends.
The NRA’s president and CEO Michelle Korsmo will also take to the stage to present a strategic industry outlook showcasing the work being done across the association to advocate for and advance the foodservice community.
“Restaurants, and the people who come to work in them every day, are the foundation of our communities,” says Korsmo. “The National Restaurant Association is proud to highlight the innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship that have been the hallmarks of our industry and most certainly part of our future.”
In addition to the keynote session, the show will hold a featured session with Technomic, titled Chart Your Course: Traversing What’s Next for the Restaurant Industry on May 22, where attendees will embark on a journey through the future of the restaurant industry. Technomic’s Joe Pawlak and a Winsight Media expert, along with top industry operators, will provide insights “on the key issues impacting the industry today — from labour and menu trends to innovation and industry growth.
The show also features a curated education program featuring an array of expert-led sessions and deep-dive workshops, all designed to give attendees forward-looking insights, perspectives and strategies that facilitate growth. A variety of pavilions offer numerous opportunity to learn from and network with industry experts across a wide range of segments — from food and beverage to equipment and technology.