The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has announced that the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event will remain in Chicago through 2021. The NRA signed a new five-year agreement with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and Choose Chicago to keep the restaurant and hospitality industry’s largest trade show at McCormick Place.
Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO, made the announcement, saying, “The restaurant industry is a large, dynamic, creative and generous collection of businesses that serve every community in this nation. Therefore, it’s important to us that we hold our industry’s premier trade show in a location that embodies so many of our industry’s unique qualities and values.”
Sweeney added, “Chicago is a world-class travel destination that provides outstanding business facilities, coupled with world-renowned restaurants, vibrant culture and dynamic entertainment.
“Our Show’s 60,000+ attendees and exhibitors from all 50 states and more than 100 countries deserve and expect great taste – and Chicago delivers.”
The Show has been in Chicago for the past 63 years. Over the past five years, it is estimated that the Show has brought in more than $600 million in direct expenditures to Chicago.
The National Restaurant Association is considered the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 970,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees.
See The Food Channel‘s behind-the-scenes documentary of the NRA Show: Big Bite Chicago.
