CHICAGO, USA – With an anticipated participation of over 55,000 industry professionals, the National Restaurant Association, Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, renowned as the paramount event in the foodservice industry, is gearing up to host one of its largest shows since 2019. Boasting an expanded show floor by 10% compared to 2023, the 2024 Show will feature over 2,240 exhibitors spanning every facet of the industry.
Among these, a remarkable 68%—more than 1,500 companies from across the globe—are returning to the Show and will be joined by a 700+ companies debuting products for the first time.
The National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 18 – 21, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago, will be the ultimate destination for showcasing innovative solutions and the latest food and beverage trends shaping the future of the foodservice industry.
Tom Cindric, President of the National Restaurant Association Show, remarked, “The Show remains unparalleled in its ability to showcase the industry’s vitality and drive innovation forward. With each passing year, the Show provides a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s trajectory, shaped by the collective contributions of our diverse exhibitors. We eagerly anticipate the influx of new voices and ideas, alongside the continued insights from our returning participants.”
The 2024 Show will impress with its expansive exhibit space covering 700,000+ square feet, the size of over 12 football fields. With over 900 product categories on display, ranging from food and beverage to equipment, technology, AI-powered solutions, bespoke tableware products, emerging global flavors, and more, attendees will experience a comprehensive showcase of the latest innovations driving the foodservice industry forward.
This year, the Show will welcome more than 600 international exhibitors, representing 28% of the total exhibitors, from diverse countries worldwide, including Canada, China, Brazil, India, and more. Participation in the Show not only provides exhibitors with invaluable networking opportunities and exposure but also catalyzes business growth, cementing its status as an essential platform for both new and returning exhibitors worldwide.
As exhibitors prepare for this year’s Show, they eagerly share their experiences and why they invest in this event each year:
“This is an amazing gathering point for so many of our existing clients,” stated Christ Lovett, Sales Leader at DoorDash. “So, it’s a phenomenal opportunity for us to be able to link up with businesses that we spend so much time talking to on the phone.”
“The reason why we come back [to the Show] is because foodservice is a big part of our business and the ROI that we’ve seen from this event has been exponential,” Gulshan Kumar, Vice President of Sales at Pathwater, remarked.
More than 600 exhibitors, both new and returning, will be featured within eight pavilions on the Show floor, providing dedicated spaces for both new and returning exhibitors to showcase their offerings and innovations. These pavilions offer curated experiences tailored to specific interests, such as A Taste of the States, Bellavita Italian Pavilion, Iberica Spanish Pavilion, The Beverage Room, Global Food Expo, Organic & Natural, and the TECH Pavilion. Additionally, the Startup Alley will highlight first-time exhibitors and emerging organizations presenting food and beverage items, equipment, technology, and more, contributing fresh ideas to the foodservice industry.
Having received specialty awards, both new and returning exhibitors will also be showcased in designated areas on the Show floor. This year’s Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards are recognizing 35 recipients for their industry-altering products shaping the future of food and beverage, with 10 FABI Favorites selected by the judges for their unmatched influence and visionary contributions to the industry. Additionally, the 2024 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards celebrate their 20th Anniversary, honoring 25 recipients who define the gold standard of foodservice equipment innovations, elevating automation, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
