NRA Show Will Offer Show-Based Group Buying Deals Program

The National Restaurant Association has unveiled “Daily Deals,” a show-based group buying program for exhibiting manufacturers and attendees at the 2011 Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show this month. The service allows buyers to purchase a deeply discounted deal online and fulfill it face-to-face at the May 21-24 NRA Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

“The NRA Show Daily Deals program harnesses the power of Internet group coupon sites to create demand, while simultaneously creating one-on-one interactions that match sellers with new buyers,” said Mary Pat Heftman, NRA exec. v.p.-convention.

The association touts the program as mutually beneficial for show attendees and exhibitors. The former have opportunities to purchase deeply discounted equipment, services, and technology, and to try out new products that otherwise might have been cost-prohibitive, while exhibitors gain new brand visibility and meet and identify buyers who might not have otherwise considered them.

Group buying power is a boost for small businesses, NRA said, in announcing the program.  According to association research, 93% of restaurants are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. More at 2011 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.