100 years of The National Restaurant Association Show
By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 15, 2019It's not just the National Restaurant Association celebrating its centennial this year. Also in 1919, about 200 members of the foodservice industry from across 14 U.S. states and Canada gathered to discuss key issues impacting the industry. That convention has since grown into the industry's largest trade show, with more than 60,000 attendees and about 2,300 exhibitors each year, providing operators, suppliers and others in the foodservice space the opportunity to learn, network and experience.
Click here for more insights and information on the Centennial.
Gathering for decades
Guests gather for a photo at the 15th annual convention in 1931.
Demos
Show attendees gather to watch demos of new equipment, taste new foods and ingredients and learn more about what's available in the foodservice space.
In-person conversations
For decades, attendees and vendors alike have discussed new products and innovations on The Show floor.
Entertainment
The Show has also featured entertainment throughout the years, providing attendees a chance to have fun in a casual yet exciting setting.
New equipment on display
Suppliers in the foodservice space bring their latest and greatest innovations to share with operators.
1960s-1980s
Whether it's a Flav-R-Pat representative dishing out samples, the Quadracon robot moving around or a representative promoting the Incredible Edible Egg, Show attendees in the 1960s - 1980s experienced a wide array to see and try.
On the floor
Show attendees have the opportunity to see, and often try, a variety of new foods that have yet to hit the market.
Changing uniforms
An array of restaurant uniforms were modeled at the Show in the late '80s.
Square footage abounds
Attendees have a lot to see. About 2,300 exhibitors are spread throughout the nearly 695,000 square feet at McCormick Place in Chicago during the Show.
Chef demos
Different chefs working with various suppliers give in-person demos to show operators interesting uses for their products.
Tech at the Show
Technology has been on display on the Show floor for decades, including this robotic display from the '90s.
Networking
A key benefit of attending the Show: The chance for in-person networking. Operators and others in the foodservice industry have used the Show as a gathering place to discuss ongoing issues and innovations since it launched 100 years ago.
Tea on trend
Loose tea varieties were among the trends on display at the 2018 Show.
Future of the industry
Attendees of the 2018 Show posted their visions for the industry's future.