CHICAGO, IL - While the last year and a half has proven to be a pivotal time for innovation and adaptability, it has also left the fresh produce industry and the foodservice industry, which was hit especially hard, wondering what the future will hold in terms of recovery.

As reopening has begun, so too has revival and advancement, made evident by the National Restaurant Association announcing the National Restaurant Association Show^® has already passed the 1,000 exhibiting companies milestone for its anticipated 2022 event, which will bring together buyers, suppliers, and manufacturers to continue to spur regrowth in this uncertain time.

“For 2022, we are seeing a lot of momentum with both new exhibitors and returning exhibitors we are excited to welcome back,” said Tom Cindric, President of Winsight Exhibitions. “We are seeing new solutions across all of our product categories and are excited to feature new companies entering the foodservice space in our reimagined Startup Alley. We can’t wait to bring our community back together in 2022 with renewed energy and three-years’ worth of innovation and collaboration.”

The event will take place for the first time since 2019, being held May 21–24, 2022, at McCormick Place in Chicago, according to a press release. Currently, 1,055 companies have already renewed their commitment for the 2022 show, and new exhibitors have signed on as well, a milestone that was achieved a month earlier than it was for the 2021 show, demonstrating the desire for industry members to work toward revitalization.

After the cancelation of the association’s 2020 event, organizers of the show developed The Show To Go, an online resource that features searchable products and supplier profiles, free educational sessions led by industry influencers, and more tools. Through the resource, users can explore content with seven unique tracks: Culinary Insights, Operations Solutions, The New Consumer, Technology & Innovation, Trends in Adult Beverage, Wellness, and Workforce Development.

“While we haven’t been able to do business or learn together in person, we have made it a priority—through The Show To Go—to continue to provide our industry with information, resources, and connections to power our industry forward until we meet again in 2022,” added Cindric. “The Show To Go will continue to be an important digital resource for our Show community moving forward.”

Access to the platform is free for industry professionals, and continues to provide a year-round marketplace where exhibitors can gain exposure to thousands of fellow foodservice industry members.

As 2022 approaches, organizers for the event are expecting a full show for as anticipation builds. Those interested in finding booth space and sponsorship opportunities are urged to contact the National Restaurant Association Show sales team.

With events like the National Restaurant Association Show garnering major interest, what will this mean for the pace and means of foodservice revitalization? Keep a tab open for AndNowUKnow as we continue to provide new insights on the matter.

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