CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association has announced that its 2008 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show has attracted nearly 2,200 exhibiting companies and that exhibit space is sold out for the third year in a row.
The 2008 Show, to be held May 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature more than 605,000 square feet of exhibit space, which was expanded from last year by reconfiguring the exhibit floor. The NRA Show is expected to draw more than 70,000 restaurant- and hospitality- industry professionals from 115 countries.
"It is more important than ever for restaurant operators to stay up-to-date with the latest cost-management strategies, equipment and menu trends and foodservice technology to battle increasing economic challenges," said William C. Anton, FMP, convention chairman for the 2007 Show and chairman and founder of Anton Airfood Inc. "Our exhibitors know that the health of the $558 billion restaurant industry is tied to their own, and that our show is the best place to find opportunities and to help boost the vitality of the restaurant community."
