How to Prepare to Exhibit at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026: Tips for Exhibitors

Preparing to exhibit at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026 starts with understanding your booth options, key deadlines, and how to attract foodservice buyers at one of the industry’s largest events. The Show runs May 16–19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, drawing over 35,000 decision-making operators, dealers, and distributors. With 20+ years in the industry, Xibit Solutions has helped companies across food and beverage create booth experiences that generate real leads at major trade shows. This guide covers everything exhibitors need to know.

About the National Restaurant Association Show 2026

The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. The Show brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore the latest trends, products, and solutions in the foodservice sector.

National Restaurant Association Show 2026 at a glance:

• Date: May 16–19, 2026
• Venue: McCormick Place
• City/State: Chicago, Illinois
• Exhibitors: Over 2,000
• Expected Attendance: Over 35,000 decision-making operators, dealers, and distributors

Who Attends the National Restaurant Association Show?

The Show attracts a diverse group of attendees, including restaurant and bar owners, chain representatives, hospitality professionals, distributors, and importers and wholesalers. These professionals come to discover new products, attend educational sessions, and make industry connections.

How to Exhibit at the National Restaurant Association Show

To become an exhibitor, visit the official website’s exhibitor section for details on booth options, pricing, and the application process.

What is the booth pricing schedule?

A 50% deposit is required to secure your space, due within 48 hours of booking. The remaining balance is due by February 2, 2026. Early 2026 rates are $47 per sq. ft. for spaces 800 sq. ft. or larger and $48 for smaller booths (through December 31, 2025). Rates increase after this date. There is also a $325 fee per exposed corner.

What booth types are available?

The NRA Show offers four configurations, each with its own height allowance and design requirements:

Booth Type	Minimum Size	Max Height	Hanging Signs	Floor Plan Approval?
Inline (Standard/Linear)	10′ x 10′	8 ft 3 in	Not permitted	No
Perimeter	10′ x 10′	14 ft	Not permitted	No
Peninsula	20′ x 20′	16 ft	Up to 20 ft	Yes, due Feb 27, 2026
Island	20′ x 20′	16 ft	Up to 20 ft	Yes, due Feb 27, 2026

Inline booths are the standard option, with one aisle-facing side and neighbors on either side. Common sizes are 10’x10′, 10’x20′, and 10’x30′. Standard inclusions are 8-foot back draping, two 33-inch side rails, a company name sign (for 100 sq ft booths), general overhead lighting, and sanitary dishwashing facilities.

Perimeter booths follow inline rules but sit against the outer wall, gaining a significantly higher 14-foot height allowance.

Peninsula booths open to aisles on three sides. Island booths are fully aisle-exposed on all four sides and receive no show-provided draping.

Double-decker structures are permitted in island and peninsula booths only, capped at 16 feet including signage. They require stamped structural engineer drawings and McCormick Place Fire Marshal approval.

For newer companies, the Emerging Brands Pavilion offers 5’x10′ and 10’x10′ booth options for businesses that have been in operation three years or less.

What is included in a booth?

Standard inline booths include:

• 8-foot back draping and two 33-inch side rails (except islands and peninsulas)
• A company name sign and booth number for 100 sq ft exhibitors
• General overhead lighting
• Sanitary dishwashing facilities
• Complimentary badges: five for the first 100 sq ft, three for each additional 100 sq ft
• Customer Invite badges to distribute to operator clients
• A listing in “The Show To Go” (the official online directory)

What are the cooking and food sampling rules?

This is especially important for foodservice exhibitors.

All cooking appliances must run on electricity or natural gas only. Propane, butane, and charcoal are prohibited. Every appliance must be UL-listed and adequately ventilated. A UL-listed 2-A:10-BC ABC fire extinguisher is required in any booth with cooking or heating equipment. Cooking appliances must be separated from spectators by at least four feet of distance or a physical barrier.

All exhibitors sampling food or beverages must submit the Food & Beverage Sampling Form by April 13, 2026. Alcohol sampling requires a separate application with the same deadline. Portions must be tasting-sized, handed out one at a time, and a “possible allergens” sign must be displayed. Sampling in the aisles is not permitted.

Open-flame devices (candles, fire bowls, gelled alcohol fuel) require advance approval from the McCormick Place Fire Safety Manager and Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau.

What are the fire and materials regulations?

Every material used in booth construction or decoration must be certified fire-retardant. Fabrics must pass NFPA-701. All other construction and decorative materials must meet NFPA-703 and UL-1975 standards. Painting of any kind is prohibited inside McCormick Place.

Prohibited materials include all flammable compressed gases, charcoal, untreated Christmas trees or evergreens, and untreated mulch, hay, straw, or bamboo.

What are the move-in and move-out dates?

Exhibitor move-in runs May 12–15, 2026. Each exhibitor receives a Target Check-In Date assigned by Freeman based on booth size and location. All booths must be claimed by 4:30 PM CT on Friday, May 15. Arriving before your assigned date is not permitted and will incur additional charges.

Dismantling may not begin until 3:01 PM CT on Tuesday, May 19. Early teardown is strictly prohibited and can jeopardize future participation.

For exhibitors shipping to the advance warehouse, deadlines vary by hall:

• Lakeside Center: April 24, 2026
• North Hall: April 27, 2026
• South Hall: April 30, 2026

What are the key service order deadlines?

The single most important date is April 13, 2026, which is Freeman’s advance-order discount deadline. Every Freeman-managed service shares this cutoff, and orders placed afterward are subject to significantly higher show-site pricing. Orders are placed through the Freeman Online portal.

Freeman services covered by the April 13 deadline include electrical service, plumbing, furnishings and carpet, display labor, material handling (drayage), shipping, AV and computer rental, and refrigerated/freezer storage.

Internet and telephone services are handled separately by McCormick Place, with a deadline of April 27, 2026. 

Here’s a full breakdown of key deadlines:

Deadline	Service	Provider
February 27, 2026	Floor plan submission (island/peninsula)	Show Management
March 15, 2026	Customs broker/freight forwarder	Phoenix Logistics & Radius Group
April 2, 2026	Lead retrieval (discount rate)	Maritz
April 13, 2026	All Freeman services (electrical, AV, carpet, labor, etc.)	Freeman
April 13, 2026	Food/beverage sampling forms; F&B/ice orders	OVG Hospitality / Show Management
April 20, 2026	Booth staffing	ENVE Models
April 24, 2026	Floral decorations (advance rate)	Floral Exhibits
April 27, 2026	Internet & telephone	McCormick Place
April 27, 2026	Photography (discount rate)	Oscar & Associates
May 2, 2026	Refrigeration & kitchen equipment rental	Lowe Refrigeration
May 4, 2026	Security guard services	United Security

What are the pavilion requirements?

• The Beverage Room: For beer, wine, spirits, bar equipment, cocktail ingredients, and related products. At least 50% of products showcased must meet the pavilion criteria.
• Organic & Natural Pavilion: For food and beverage producers of organic or natural products. At least 50% of products must qualify.
• Emerging Brands Pavilion: For companies in operation three years or less showcasing new food, beverage, equipment, or technology.
• TECH Pavilion: For technology products and solutions for the foodservice and hospitality industry. At least 50% of products must be technology-related.

What is “The Show To Go”?

“The Show To Go” is the official online platform and mobile app housing your company profile, the exhibitor directory, floorplan, education lineup, and more. It provides year-round exposure to foodservice professionals, including those who cannot attend in person.

Why Exhibit at the National Restaurant Association Show?

With over 35,000 decision-makers in attendance, the Show provides direct access to the operators, dealers, and distributors you want to reach. Exhibiting gives you the opportunity to launch new products, generate qualified leads, build customer relationships, and connect with major industry stakeholders in one place.

Educational Sessions and Workshops

The NRA Show offers educational tracks and sessions across six tracks:

• Culinary Insights: Menu trends, emerging flavors, and innovative food and beverage concepts
• Marketing Matters: Strategies for promoting your restaurant and building your brand
• Operations Solutions: Techniques for improving efficiency, controlling costs, and enhancing customer experience
• Technology Strategies: AI, smart tech investments, and digital solutions for modern operations
• Trends in Adult Beverage: Innovations in beer, wine, and spirits, and emerging cocktail program trends
• Workforce Management: Hiring, retention, diversity and inclusion, and team-building strategies

Special Features and Events

FABI Awards

The FABI Awards recognize outstanding food and beverage products that demonstrate excellence in taste, creativity, and market impact. The “FABI Favorites” spotlight program returns for its second year, highlighting top picks among awardees.

Celebrity Chef & Mixology Demos

The 2026 show will feature culinary talent and mixology demonstrations, including celebrity chef and TV personality Carla Hall as a confirmed keynote speaker.

Special Exhibits & Pavilions

• A Taste of the States: Trending American food products from U.S. producers
• The Beverage Room: A dedicated beverage pavilion with master mixologists and beverage program suppliers
• Global Food Expo: International cuisine, ingredients, and products
• Organic & Natural Pavilion: Sustainable and natural food products
• TECH Pavilion: Tools and products to improve profits and efficiency
• Emerging Brands Pavilion: Up-and-coming companies and products from businesses three years old or less
• Kitchen Innovations Showroom: The latest equipment and innovations
• Discovery Theater: On-floor stage for operational and management sessions
• Innovation Theater: On-floor stage for new product and innovation showcases
• The Culinary Experience: On-floor kitchen and demo stage with celebrated chefs

How to Prepare for and Make the Most of the Show

Before the Show

• Set clear goals: determine how many leads you want to generate and which products to showcase
• Research sessions and events that align with your target audience
• Submit your floor plan by February 27 if you’re in an island or peninsula space
• Place all Freeman service orders before April 13 to avoid premium pricing
• Submit food/beverage sampling forms by April 13
• Promote your participation early through social media, press releases, and email campaigns

At the Show

• Keep your booth staffed at all times so no visitor goes unengaged
• Use interactive displays or product demonstrations to draw a crowd
• Have brochures, business cards, and promotional materials ready to distribute
• Share behind-the-scenes content on social media throughout the event

After the Show

• Follow up promptly with leads to keep the momentum going
• Evaluate what worked and what didn’t before planning your next show

For a broader checklist, download our Trade Show Preparation Guide.

Planning on Exhibiting at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026?

With so many foodservice professionals and vendors under one roof, the NRA Show is one of the best opportunities in the industry to make meaningful connections, launch products, and grow your brand.

If you want to make the most of your investment, your booth needs to do its job from the moment the floor opens. At Xibit Solutions, we handle everything from design through on-site installation, so you arrive at a finished, professional booth ready to go. Whether you need a custom build or a rental display solution, we’ll make sure your presence at the National Restaurant Association Show leaves a lasting impression.

Contact Xibit Solutions today to get started.