National Restaurant Association Show

May 22–25, 2027
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL

Education

Discover innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and future-forward ideas through operator-led education. Available exclusively with an Expo + Education upgrade, the Show’s education program provides a focused learning experience for growth-minded attendees.

What’s included with Expo + Education

Want the complete Show experience? Here’s what the Expo + Education upgrade offers:

  • Exhibit Hall Access
  • On-Floor Theaters (including live demos)
  • Keynote & Featured Sessions

PLUS

  • 30 Operator-led sessions covering critical industry topics across six tracks
  • Exclusive networking with peers and experts
  • On-demand session recordings & presentation materials
Education Session

The Expo + Education program is hosted in a distraction-free environment off the Show floor, creating an ideal atmosphere for uninterrupted learning and networking. Sessions are scheduled in 2-hour blocks Saturday through Monday, allowing attendees the perfect balance between attending sessions and exploring the tradeshow floor.

Expo + Education: the recipe for foodservice success

Expo + Education: the recipe for foodservice success

  • Proven strategies to boost business
  • Innovative ideas and fresh solutions to your biggest challenges
  • Practical, actionable takeaways that you can implement immediately
  • First-hand perspectives from successful operators and industry leaders
  • Opportunity to connect one-on-one with peers and experts

Exclusive Networking

Kick off your Show experience with a networking gathering exclusively for attendees with the Expo + Education upgrade. This is your chance to connect with fellow foodservice operators and industry trailblazers in a focused setting – before you even take a seat in a session. Dive into thought-provoking conversations about the biggest challenges and exciting opportunities shaping the restaurant industry today. Whether you're looking to share insights, spark fresh ideas, or forge meaningful relationships with peers and thought leaders, this is the perfect place to make it happen. Don’t miss out—be part of the conversations that matter and the connections that last.

Exclusive Networking

What Attendees have to say

2025 Attendee

[The program is] very insightful in helping build out innovation pipelines.

Explore Tracks and Topics

Explore By Track

Culinary Insights

Culinary Insights

Through culinary-focused education, explore the latest in food and beverage trends, menu insights and optimizations to boost sales, and more.

  • Menu Engineering for Profitability
  • Operational Menu Design
  • Inclusive and Wellness-Driven Menu Development
  • LTO Strategy and Execution
  • Revenue-Driving Food & Beverage Trends
Marketing Matters

Marketing Matters

Learn new consumer trends, insights and engagement strategies to successfully market your brand and connect with today’s evolving consumer.

  • Performance-Driven Digital Marketing
  • Generational Marketing Strategies
  • Brand Value & Authenticity Marketing
  • Tech-Powered Loyalty and Personalization
  • Hyper-Local Marketing & Community Engagement
Operations Solutions

Operations Solutions

Find strategies to improve operational efficiencies, maximize ROI, and navigate new business realities.

  • Off-Premise Channel Optimization
  • Multi-Channel Order & Kitchen Orchestration
  • Controlling Costs & Protecting Margins
  • Supply Chain Resilience, Food Safety & Risk Mitigation
  • Preventive Maintenance & Equipment Strategy
  • Scalable Growth & Multi-Unit Operations
Technology Strategies

Technology Strategies

Discover how the power of technology can improve your business.

  • AI Adoption & Practical Applications
  • Integrated Technology Platforms
  • Kitchen Automation & Smart Equipment
  • Data Analytics & Predictive Intelligence
  • Technology Change Management
  • Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Trends in Adult Beverage

Trends in Adult Beverage

From new revenue opportunities to what’s trending in beer, wine and spirits, find business insights to maximize your beverage program.

  • Adult Beverage-Led Traffic Building
  • Beverage Menu Trends & Innovation
  • Regulatory Navigation and Compliance
  • Non-Alcohol Revenue Diversification
  • Beverage Program Profitability Analysis
  • Functional Beverages & Wellness Drinks
  • Wine and Beer Program Optimization
Workforce Management

Workforce Management

Gain tools to create a stronger workforce. Learn how to navigate the new labor landscape, bolster hiring, retention and training efforts, and prioritize DEI and wellness.

  • Strategic Hiring & Talent Pipeline Development
  • Onboarding & Training Excellence
  • Retention-Focused Compensation & Benefits
  • Employee Engagement & Recognition
  • Career Pathing & Internal Growth
  • Workforce Planning & Labor Optimization