A wide range of culinary product innovations will be showcased in Chicago beginning this weekend, offering tons of opportunities to experience the very latest trends in the restaurant and hospitality world. The 2011 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show – May 21-24 at McCormick Place – is the largest industry event in the Western Hemisphere and allows attendees to interact with celebrity chefs, leading restaurateurs, and representatives from food companies from all over the globe. It’s where you get to rub shoulders with the leading trendsetters and top food forecasters to explore what’s hot on today’s menus and what will be tomorrow’s edgiest food trends.
With more than 1,800 exhibitors showcasing products in hundreds of categories, NRA Show 2011 enables restaurateurs and chefs to remain on the cutting edge when it comes to food and beverage trends. The NRA’s wide focus includes concepts as varied as mobile food trucks, which continue to roll across the country, and hot topics such as the impact of social media on the restaurant industry.
Colin Powell speech on Sunday
Gen. Colin Powell will give the keynote address at the event on Sunday. The former secretary of state will offer his unique insights on global events and issues facing the nation today. “Based on Gen. Powell’s military, political and private sector experiences, he understands the power of persuasion, purpose and building trust in getting people to work together toward a common goal,” said C.W. Craig Reed, Convention Chair for NRA Show 2011 and Director of Food and Beverage, Broadmoor Hotel. “Gen. Powell will undoubtedly impart invaluable insights on key issues that affect NRA Show attendees and us all.”
IWSB event
Held in conjunction with the NRA convention is the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB), which will highlight alcohol and food pairings and showcase beverage alcohol trends, including culinary and organic cocktails and artisan wine, beer and liquor. The IWSB event at NRA Show is the industry’s first and only forum focused exclusively on restaurant and hospitality bar programs, and showcases brands and labels from around the world.
The Food Channel will be on the scene to provide show coverage. Check back with us to see what’s hot on the NRA show floor in 2011.
For a full schedule of culinary events and attractions at NRA Show 2011, as well as the full schedule of education sessions held at the event, visit www.restaurant.org/show.
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