NRA Show Gets High Marks And A 6% Jump In Attendance

It might be nearing the century mark, but it’s not showing its age. The 93^rd annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is getting favorable reviews and can boast an overall 6% increase in attendance. The May 5-8 event attracted more than 61,000 registrants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More specifically among registrants, there was an 8% increase in the restaurant/foodservice category; a 6% increase among dealer/distributors; a 21% increase in retail visitors; and a 7% increase in the press category.

There was good news on the exhibitor side as well. The sold-out, newly redesigned exhibit floor showcased more than 1,900 companies; that count includes more than 500 new exhibitors. Just as notably, the show’s 540,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space was up by 5% over last year’s show.

NRA Show 2013 will be held May 18-21 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and the 2013 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event held in conjunction with the NRA Show will take place May 19-20 next year.