CHICAGO (Jan. 22, 2025) – Recognizing the vital role young professionals play in shaping the foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is proud to introduce the inaugural Young Professionals Scholarship Program. This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower rising foodservice leaders with an unparalleled opportunity to advance their careers, connect with peers, and gain inspiration at the 2025 Show, taking place May 17–20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

“Recognizing the contributions and potential of the next generation is critical to the evolution of the foodservice industry,” said Lydia Warco, Sr. Manager, Sponsorships and Special Projects, Informa Connect Foodservice. “The Young Professionals Scholarship Program reflects our commitment to fostering fresh talent and providing the tools, connections, and inspiration they need to lead with purpose and innovation.”

With 60% of foodservice employees under the age of 35, the Young Professionals Scholarship Program reflects the Show’s commitment to supporting the next generation of industry leaders. By creating opportunities to access education, build meaningful connections, and explore groundbreaking solutions, the program is designed to help recipients advance their careers and contribute fresh perspectives that drive the industry forward. This new initiative builds on the Show’s existing efforts, including its High School Visitation Program, which introduces students to the diverse career opportunities available in foodservice.

Program Benefits and Application Details
Recipients of the Young Professionals Scholarship Program will receive over $1,000 worth of exclusive benefits, including:

• Complimentary registration, including access to Expo + Education sessions, keynote presentations, and on-demand session recordings.
• Complimentary ticket to the Young Professionals Networking Party on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. CST.
• Complimentary hotel accommodations (up to four nights) within the Show’s room block.
• Reserved seating at the keynote session and a curated agenda with suggested sessions, activities, and exhibitors.
• A guided Show Floor tour offering personalized insights into 900+ product categories.
• Access to exclusive networking breaks to connect with peers and industry leaders.

To qualify for the Young Professionals Scholarship Program, applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 35 as of May 17, 2025, reside in the United States, and be foodservice operators or hospitality students (non-suppliers). Applicants must also commit to traveling to Chicago for the Show. Applications require an online questionnaire, a 2–3 minute video submission, and a written referral, with all submissions due by March 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

“Through this program, we aim to inspire and support the rising stars of foodservice,” added Warco. “Their creativity and fresh perspectives are essential to driving innovation and ensuring the industry’s long-term success.”

For full program details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, visit the Young Professionals Scholarship Program Terms & Conditions page here.

About The National Restaurant Association Show
Awarded by Trade Show Executive as the 2024 Gold 100 Grand winner of the largest trade show managed by an independent organizer, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the Western Hemisphere's most influential foodservice event showcasing industry innovations and trends. Each year (starting in 1919), the Show brings together restaurant operators and foodservice professionals for four days of celebrity-led demos, exhibits, sampling, education, and networking. The Show unites a global community and enables exploration of the latest advancements in food, beverage, equipment, technology, and solutions driving the industry forward. The Show is owned and operated by Informa in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. Visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com for more information.

About Informa
Informa is a leading international B2B markets, live and on-demand events and digital services group. They connect businesses and professionals in 30+ industries with the knowledge they need to learn more, know more, and do more. Informa has hundreds of global brands, products, and services and employs 11,000 employees in ~30 countries worldwide. 

Informa Connect is a content-led, live and on-demand experiences business that connects professionals with knowledge, ideas, and opportunities. Informa Connect, a community of over 1,000 colleagues globally, offers connection through events, media, and research. They service a number of different industries including Foodservice, Finance, BioTech and Pharma, Pop Culture, Marketing, Law, Energy, HR, Sustainability, and Construction. Visit www.informaconect.com for more information.