Overview
The world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation, the National Restaurant Association Show is where every trend, solution, and category in the industry comes to life. When it comes to staying on top of what’s happening in hospitality—and ahead of what’s next—there’s no place like the Show.
Join your peers from across the industry in Chicago, May 17-20, 2025, at the Western Hemisphere’s largest and most trusted foodservice event.
Who is this for?
This event is for thought leaders, decision makers, and policy visionaries from food service operations in the TUCO membership, who would like to explore the food trends, the key note speakers, chef demonstrations and expert exchange and networking (as well as 1000s of exhibitors at the expo.)
Bursary places
There will be bursary places available free of charge and the TUCO Academy will be accepting applications up to the closing date of the 15th of March 2025 through the following form: Bursary Application Form Please do not use the booking form button on the right.
If you are interested in attending - please send your expression of interest to Sarah Mcloughlin at [email protected] and you will be informed when the booking form goes live.
Why should I take part?
Exposure to Global Trends and Innovation:
- Cutting-edge Products and Services: The NRA Show is the largest foodservice expo in the Western hemisphere, showcasing the latest equipment, technology, food and beverage products, and service solutions. UK caterers can gain firsthand insights into global trends and innovations that could revolutionize their university dining operations.
- Diverse Culinary Concepts: The expo features a wide array of culinary demonstrations, workshops, and educational sessions highlighting emerging food trends, international cuisines, and innovative dining concepts. This can inspire UK caterers to diversify their menus and enhance the dining experience for university students.
Networking and Collaboration:
- Industry Connections: The NRA Show brings together thousands of foodservice professionals from around the world, providing a valuable platform for UK caterers to network with potential suppliers, industry experts, and peers. These connections can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and access to new resources.
- Knowledge Sharing: The expo offers numerous opportunities to learn from industry leaders and experts through educational sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. UK caterers can gain valuable insights into best practices, industry challenges, and solutions to improve their operations.
Enhancing University Dining:
- Student Expectations: University students are increasingly demanding diverse, high-quality, and sustainable dining options. Attending the NRA Show can help UK caterers understand evolving student preferences and discover innovative ways to meet those expectations.
- Operational Efficiency: The expo showcases the latest technologies and solutions for streamlining foodservice operations, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. UK caterers can find tools and strategies to optimize their processes and enhance the overall dining experience on university campuses.
Professional Development:
- Skill Enhancement: The NRA Show offers various educational sessions and workshops focused on culinary skills, food safety, sustainability, and management techniques. UK caterers can enhance their professional skills and stay updated on the latest industry standards.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Attending a large-scale event like the NRA Show can be inspiring and motivating for UK caterers. It provides an opportunity to step outside of their daily routines, explore new ideas, and return with renewed enthusiasm for their work.
How will it help me?
During the event, you will benefit from…
- An opportunity to engage with industry peers and innovative suppliers
- Culinary, sourcing, and business strategies for hospitality operations
- Lessons learned from real-world case studies from the extensive speaker sessions
- A visit to a Chicago University and meeting the Dining and Accommodation team
What’s included?
- Transport to the USA and the NRA Show
- Overnight accommodation during your stay
- All site visits including entry to the NRA Show
- Food and drink each day
What’s not included?
Anything not listed on the itinerary including, but not limited to:
- Additional drinks, room service, trips not on the itinerary etc.
Provisional Itinerary:
A provisional itinerary and costs will be made available closer to the time. Final itineraries will be emailed approx. 1 week prior to the event commencement.
15MAY LHR Terminal 3 1025 departure / 1635 arrival
20MAY ORD-LHR Terminal 3 2055/0625*1 (arrives 0940 on the 21st of May)
You can find out more about the conference and the NRA Show 2025 here.
