The Ultimate Guide to Chicago NRA Show 2025
What is the NRA Show?
Every year, more than 60,000 people from across the globe gather for the National Restaurant Association Show—one of the most influential foodservice trade events in the world. The 2025 edition takes place May 17–20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
What to Expect at NRA Show 2025
The NRA Show covers every aspect of the foodservice industry. Here are some of the highlights you can expect at the 2025 show:
1. Massive Exhibit Halls
The show’s exhibit halls feature over 2,000 exhibitors representing every category of foodservice and hospitality, including:
- Kitchen equipment manufacturers
- Point-of-sale systems and management software
- Food and beverage suppliers
- Specialty ingredients and gourmet products
- Restaurant décor and furnishings
- Eco-friendly packaging solutions
- Delivery and takeout innovations
Engage with ZBS live! Meet our team for interactive product demos and Q&A sessions, where you can test out the latest
ZBS Restaurant POS systems and see how our software improves ordering speed, inventory tracking, labor management, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Stop by to take part in our exclusive booth giveaways and on-the-spot consultations.
2. Live Culinary Demonstrations and Tastings
The World Culinary Showcase is one of the most popular attractions at the NRA Show. Here, celebrity chefs, Michelin-starred chefs, and culinary innovators take to the stage to demonstrate signature recipes, new techniques, and global flavors.
Expect to see:
- Live cooking demonstrations
- Product tastings
- New equipment demos
- Global cuisine trends
- Plant-based and health-forward recipes
It’s an incredible opportunity to sample new products and watch some of the world’s most talented chefs in action.
3. Educational Sessions and Workshops
The NRA Show is renowned for its robust educational program, offering over 100 expert-led sessions, workshops, and panels covering a wide variety of subjects:
- Emerging menu trends
- Restaurant marketing and branding
- Food safety and regulatory compliance
- Workforce management and labor challenges
- Technology and digital solutions
- Sustainability practices
- Leadership development and business growth strategies
Expect to see technology trailblazers like ZBS participating in tech sessions, where we'll be sharing insights into the future of smart restaurant management systems, new AI-powered kitchen solutions, and data analytics platforms specifically designed to help restaurant operators increase operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Attendees can also sign up at the
ZBS booth (#8312) for an exclusive roundtable discussion on digital transformation in restaurants, hosted by the ZBS leadership team. Seats will be limited — stop by early to register!
4. Networking Opportunities
With more than 60,000 attendees from over 100 countries, the NRA Show is a premier networking opportunity. In addition to casual meetups on the show floor, the event hosts:
- The Opening Night Reception
- Industry-specific networking mixers
- Young Professionals Meetups
- Women’s Leadership Networking Events
Whether you’re looking to connect with potential suppliers, franchise partners, mentors, or new hires, these events provide countless chances to build relationships and grow your network.
ZBS will also be hosting a special Networking Coffee Break at
Booth #8312
each morning. Meet the ZBS team and fellow foodservice leaders while enjoying complimentary refreshments and exclusive product previews.
5. Keynote Presentations
Each year, the NRA Show invites an impressive lineup of
keynote speakers, including celebrity chefs, industry executives, and thought leaders. These keynotes tackle the biggest challenges facing the industry and share insights on future opportunities.
How to Attend NRA Show 2025
- Dates: Saturday, May 17 – Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Registration: Register today
- ZBS Booth: #8312
Visit ZBS at NRA Show 2025
Come by Booth #8312 to:
- Try our new generation Restaurant POS demo, Kiosk, Online Order, Waitlist & Reserve solutions
- Chat 1:1 with ZBS experts
- Discover tools to boost guest experience, loyalty programs, and order accuracy
- Enter exclusive prize drawings
- Unlock special show discounts
- Book a free, in-depth tech assessment for your operation
See you there!
We’ll keep updating this guide as more show details, speakers, and schedules are released. Stay tuned—and be sure to bookmark this page for the latest updates on NRA Show 2025.
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DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal, accounting, tax, HR or other professional advice. You are responsible for you and your businesses' legal and regulatory compliance. Contact your attorney, accountant, or any other relevant professional for specific advice related to your own needs and circumstances.
