The National Restaurant Association Show 2024 is set to be a big one with the influx of technologies and new trends along with the continued challenging labor market. We analyzed the show's agenda and found there are three main themes:
- Technology Integration: The 2024 show featured a significant focus on AI and automation technologies. These technologies are being leveraged to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and drive innovation in food preparation and service.
- Workforce and Operational Solutions: Another significant focus at the show was on workforce solutions and operational efficiencies. This includes discussions and sessions on cost-saving strategies without compromising quality and increasing accessibility in the hospitality sector.
- Sustainability and Plant-Based Foods: There is a growing emphasis on sustainability within the industry, with a particular focus on plant-based foods. This trend is driven by consumer demand for more environmentally friendly and health-conscious options. The show highlighted this shift with numerous exhibitors showcasing sustainable practices and products, including innovations in plant-based cuisine.
2024 State of the Industry
Supply & Labor Costs
The industry is poised to surpass a historic milestone with sales expected to exceed $1.1 trillion. Despite this growth, restaurants face substantial cost pressures:
- Food Costs: 97% of operators reported higher food costs as a major issue.
- Labor Costs: Similarly, 98% of operators are challenged by rising labor costs. This is exacerbated by legislation like California's AB 1228, which mandates higher wages for certain fast-food chains.
- Staffing Shortages: About 45% of restaurant operators indicate a need for more employees to meet customer demand.
- Legislative Impacts: Laws like AB 1228 are influencing operational costs and could potentially lead to similar legislation in other states, affecting wage structures across the industry.
Providing Benefits As A Driver For Retention
Health benefits are a critical factor in attracting and retaining employees, especially in light of ongoing labor shortages:
- Intense Competition: 45% of operators expect competition to intensify compared to the previous year.
- Insurance Coverage: Some restaurants have added surcharges to customer bills to cover health insurance costs. However, only 32% of food service workers had employer-provided health benefits in 2023.
- Additional Benefits: Beyond health insurance, restaurants are increasingly offering benefits like paid leave, childcare assistance, and flexible schedules to enhance employee retention and attract new talent.
Mira provides an attractive solution for franchisees and restaurant operators to provide portable health benefits at a low cost ($55/month) to part-time and contract workers. Mira covers virtual primary care, mental health care, lab tests, prescriptions, and even Ozempic/GLP-1 in selected states.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Kick off the National Restaurant Show with a full day on the show floor from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at McCormick Place, perfect for exploring a wide range of exhibits. The day includes specialized meetups for various professionals including marketing and equipment experts, and ends with an International Reception, making it ideal for global attendees to network.
| Time | Event Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | National Restaurant Show Floor Open | McCormick Place | Open to all attendees interested in exploring the restaurant industry exhibits. |
| 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Expo + Education Sessions | McCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms | Requires additional registration. Ideal for attendees looking for educational content in the restaurant industry. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | On-Floor Programming and Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations | Show Floor | Open to all attendees; begins culinary and beverage demonstrations. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | FABI Awardees Tasting | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Ideal for attendees interested in innovative food and beverage products. |
| 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM | ServSuccess Restaurant Leader Workshop | McCormick Place, room S403 | Requires additional registration. Designed for current and aspiring restaurant leaders. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Quick Tips for Navigating the Show / New Attendees Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Perfect for new attendees looking for guidance on making the most of the show. |
| 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM | Training and HR Professionals Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Ideal for HR and training professionals in the restaurant industry. |
| 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Equipment Professionals Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Suited for professionals interested in the latest restaurant equipment. |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Marketing Professionals Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Tailored for marketing professionals in the foodservice industry. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | International Reception | McCormick Place meeting room, N427 | Open to all international registrants. A networking event for global trade executives and exhibitors. |
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Continue exploring the show floor, and don't miss the featured session with Technomic in the Grand Ballroom for valuable industry insights. Wrap up the day at the Young Professionals Party at TAP at Hyatt Regency, specifically tailored for foodservice professionals under 40 looking to connect with peers in a casual setting.
| Time | Event Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Expo + Education Sessions | McCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms | Requires additional registration. Ideal for attendees looking for educational content in the restaurant industry. |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Women in Convenience, brought to you by CSW | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Focused on female professionals in the convenience store sector. |
| 11:00 AM | On-Floor Programming and Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations | Show Floor | Open to all attendees; begins culinary and beverage demonstrations. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | FABI Awardees Tasting | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Ideal for attendees interested in innovative food and beverage products. |
| 2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30 PM) | Featured Session with Technomic | Grand Ballroom, S100 | A key session for attendees interested in the latest industry data and trends from Technomic. |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Young Professionals Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Suited for young professionals under 40 in the foodservice industry. |
| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Young Professionals Party | TAP at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place | A networking event for foodservice professionals under 40. Additional registration required. |
| 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Restaurant Show Let’s Talk Womxn Dinner Experiences | Various locations | Exclusive dinner experiences curated by Let's Talk Womxn entrepreneurs. Additional registration required. |
Monday, May 20, 2024
The show floor remains open with ongoing demonstrations and education sessions. Highlights include the Keynote '24 in the Grand Ballroom and the Industry Night Out at Time Out Market, which offers a taste of Chicago's top culinary offerings. This is a great opportunity for industry professionals to mingle in a vibrant setting.
| Time | Event Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | National Restaurant Show Floor Open | McCormick Place | Open to all attendees interested in exploring the restaurant industry exhibits. |
| 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Expo + Education Sessions | McCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms | Requires additional registration. Ideal for attendees looking for educational content in the restaurant industry. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Entrepreneurs and First-Time Business Owners Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Designed for entrepreneurs and first-time business owners in the restaurant industry. |
| 11:00 AM | On-Floor Programming and Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations | Show Floor | Open to all attendees; begins culinary and beverage demonstrations. |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Meetup for Franchisors and Those Interested in Franchising | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Ideal for franchisors and individuals interested in franchising opportunities. |
| 11:45 AM | Let’s Talk Womxn and NRA Show Women-Owners Reception | The Beverage Room Stage - Lakeside Center - Booth 11155 | Open to all attendees, focusing on women owners in the restaurant industry. |
| 1:15 PM (doors open at 12:30 PM) | Keynote '24 | Grand Ballroom, S100 | Keynote session at the National Restaurant Show, open to all attendees. |
| 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM | FABI Favorites Tasting | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Suitable for attendees interested in tasting award-winning food and beverage innovations. |
| 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Industry Night Out | Time Out Market, 916 W Fulton Market | A social event featuring tastes from top Chicago chefs and restaurants. Additional registration required. |
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
The final day features a shorter show floor schedule, closing at 3:00 PM, but still packed with valuable education sessions and demonstrations. It's a last chance to connect with industry peers at the Chefs and Culinary Professionals Meetup, making it essential for those looking to make final networking connections and gather insights before the event concludes.
| Time | Event Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM | National Restaurant Show Floor Open | McCormick Place | Open to all attendees interested in exploring the restaurant industry exhibits. |
| 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM | Expo + Education Sessions | McCormick Place South Building 4th and 5th floor meeting rooms | Requires additional registration. Ideal for attendees looking for educational content in the restaurant industry. |
| 10:15 AM | On-Floor Programming and Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations | Show Floor | Open to all attendees; continues culinary and beverage demonstrations. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Chefs and Culinary Professionals Meetup | Connections – Lakeside Level 3 – 10148 | Tailored for chefs and culinary professionals looking to network and discuss industry trends. |