The National Restaurant Association Show Re-signs Majority of 2020 Exhibitors for 2021
August 11, 2020
In light of damage the pandemic has inflicted upon the foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association Show is working to help the industry recover through online resources and a 2021 in-person event that has already re-sold exhibit space to 75 percent of its 2020 exhibitors. Set for May 22-25 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, the annual trade show and conference provides foodservice operators and suppliers access to new and innovative technologies, emerging food and beverage trends, unique ingredients, and partnership and networking opportunities.
“For the past 101 years, the National Restaurant Association Show has been a trusted resource for the foodservice industry, and we are excited to be preparing for an in-person event in 2021,” said Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions, which owns and runs the show. “COVID has deeply impacted the foodservice industry, and we know they are looking forward to an event where they can interact with new products, connect with the community, find buying and selling opportunities, and have access to timely education.”
More than nine months out, next year’s show is already showing signs of attracting robust participation, with more than 75 percent of its 2020 exhibiting companies re-signed through the event’s first-ever online space sales program, Cindric added.
To be eligible to participate in the program, exhibitors needed to apply full or partial payment from the cancelled 2020 show (originally scheduled to run May 16-19 at McCormick) to their 2021 exhibit space. Those who paid in full were able to maintain their 2020 rate, contributing to 1,170 companies booking nearly 518,000 square feet within 10 days, according to show officials.
“For the 2021 show, we received an impressive number of renewed commitments during our online space selection, further reinforcing [its value] to continue the industry’s advancement,” Cindric added.
Meanwhile, Winsight has been busy filling in the gaps left by the cancelled 2020 event by creating digital opportunities to help F&B operators and suppliers navigate the current climate. These include curated news updates, education and other resources through the COVID-19 Resources Hub and The Show To Go. Available Aug. 3-Sept. 7, the latter platform displays the 2020 show’s exhibitors while allowing foodservice companies and professionals to connect and make business inquiries through its virtual portal.
“The National Restaurant Association Show has provided our company with some of our most critical business deals and foodservice industry relationships over the years,” said Exhibitor Brian Holdrich, vice president of sales and marketing, Americas for Welbilt. “We had a lot planned for 2020’s show, and we could not be more grateful to have The Show To Go as our platform to ensure we keep up our momentum and stay strong throughout this pandemic.”
Looking toward the NRA Show in 2021, show officials will tailor educational content to help the industry stabilize and rebuild via tracks focused on operations solutions, the new consumer, technology and innovation, workforce development and more.
Attendees can save on registration fees by taking advantage of the event’s early bird discount being offered Sept. 7–Nov. 23.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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