Sustainability & DEI

The Show’s shuttle service significantly reduced the number of cars on the road, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint of the event.

The Show To Go digital directory offers a sustainable solution by providing attendee information through a mobile app, digital publication wall, and QR code-equipped event signage, replacing traditional printed materials. This eco-friendly tool gives easy, real-time access to exhibitor guides, session details, and event information on smartphones or tablets, reducing paper waste and enhancing the event experience.

The Show's event services provider, Freeman, implemented sustainability initiatives such as utilizing energy-efficient AV equipment and printing all graphics on recyclable substrates with non-VOC inks, which are free from volatile organic compounds that contribute to air pollution and health problems.

Utilizing McCormick Place’s sustainable infrastructure, including LED lighting that reduces the facility’s carbon footprint by 12%, the Grind 2 Energy Program which converts food waste into energy, and a half-acre garden rooftop for composting. Additionally, all food and beverage disposable service ware was compostable and provided by McCormick’s food and beverage partner OVG Hospitality. McCormick Place has earned multiple sustainability awards and certifications, including the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award and Green Seal Certification.

More than 80% of our attendees tell us that they care that our events are run in a responsible manner. That's why we're working more closely than ever with our sponsors and exhibitors to ensure we all commit to doing the right thing for our customers, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

We are dedicated to advancing the exhibitions industry while delivering exceptional experiences for our customers. By shifting away from disposable booths, we enhance the ease, quality, safety, and sustainability of our events.

The National Restaurant Association Show is committed to running a socially responsible event that values inclusivity and accessibility for all attendees. Our efforts focus on creating a welcoming environment that respects diverse needs and promotes equal participation. We prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and community engagement to ensure the event reflects our shared responsibility toward a better future.

For more details, please visit our Attendee FAQs page to learn about the specific measures in place to make the event more accessible to everyone.

The Show organizes meetups on the show floor for individuals attending alone, creating opportunities for networking and social connection. This initiative fosters a sense of belonging and community among attendees, encouraging diverse interactions and collaborations.

We want the National Restaurant Association Show to be run in a socially responsible manner. To do so, we are focusing on:

• Doing business safely and ethically
• Considering wellbeing and accessibility
• Creating a positive impact on our host cities and measuring our impacts
• Supporting exhibitors in donating to local and industry-related charities

Our Code of Conduct ensures a respectful, safe, and professional environment, emphasizing no tolerance for harassment, compliance with laws, and promoting inclusivity, with strict consequences for violations.

The Show is committed to showcasing a dynamic and diverse speaker lineup that reflects the multifaceted makeup of the foodservice industry. With experts from various backgrounds, the program emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and growth, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for the industry.

For over 20 years the National Restaurant Association Show has supported future foodservice professionals through the High School Visitation Program. Each year, culinary and hospitality students (16+) from Chicago Public Schools and regional Illinois high schools are invited to attend the industry’s premiere event to explore foodservice careers, learn from experts, and engage with operators and suppliers.

The High School Visitation Program was designed to inspire the next generation of foodservice professionals through hands-on experiences that expand their knowledge of the industry. Students attend an orientation with foodservice operators and chefs, then explore the tradeshow floor, watch culinary demos, taste award-winning products and take in all the Show has to offer. Schools receive a discounted registration rate, making this opportunity more accessible.

For over 30 years, the National Restaurant Association Show has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to collect food donations from exhibitors. In 2024, the Show donated 36,381 pounds of food. The Depository, a key resource since 1979, supports over 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across Chicago and Cook County. It also addresses food insecurity through public benefits outreach and job training. "This year, we recovered more than 36,000 pounds of food," said Michael McFaul, Senior Director of Procurement at the Depository, highlighting the importance of this support amid high demand.

Since 2022, the Show has partnered with Fight2Feed, a nonprofit focused on ending hunger and reducing food waste by repurposing rescued food into hot meals. Using McCormick Place's East Kitchen, Fight2Feed increases meal production and accepts donations that food banks cannot. In 2024, the Show donated 49 pallets (47,700 pounds) of food, its largest contribution to date. Of these, 21 pallets were distributed the same day to organizations in Chicagoland. "This was our most successful year for donations," said Fight2Feed CEO Jiwon McCartney, emphasizing the partnership’s role in tackling hunger and promoting sustainability.

Our exhibitors appreciate the option to donate their leftover product to not only support the local community but to save on shipping cost and reduce their carbon footprint of shipping product back to their warehouses. We look forward to partnering with both charities again for the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show.