May 17–20, 2025
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Quick tips for Show Success
At such a large event, it can be easy to lose focus and succumb to overwhelm. We surveyed previous attendees to gather tried-and-true quick tips for a smooth, productive Show experience.
November 21, 2023
When it comes to the Show, preparation is key—and what better way to prepare than by tapping into the wisdom of past attendees? Through a series of LinkedIn polls, we engaged with our community of Show veterans, gathering their insights on Show preparation and strategy. The gathered results are highly valuable for newcomers, offering guidance to ensure they make the most of their first visit to the foodservice industry's premier event.
No surprise here—as predicted by the Show team, “comfy shoes” emerged as the runaway winner. Anyone who has walked the length of the Show floor (equivalent to the size of 12 football fields!) understands that there is simply no substitute for comfortable footwear.
Source: National Restaurant Association Show LinkedIn Poll – November 2023
While organic networking can take place anywhere on the Show floor, the Show’s structured “meet ups” offer an excellent opportunity to connect with foodservice pros from the same industry segment or with similar job roles. It’s the perfect way to expand your network, discuss common challenges and share resources. A published list of meetups will be available on The Show To Go in the coming months.
Source: National Restaurant Association Show LinkedIn Poll – November 2023
Though goals and objectives are certainly helpful, a carefully planned schedule is the only way to navigate an event with over 1,500 exhibitors (plus numerous education sessions, demos and much more) without experiencing major stress. Thankfully, The Show To Go—the Show’s official directory and planning tool—provides all the information and resources you need to identify priority exhibitors, find relevant sessions and build a personal schedule you can reference throughout the Show.
Source: National Restaurant Association Show LinkedIn Poll – November 2023
