T
ravel has always
been about
discovery. We
travel to experience new cultures, meet new people, explore unfamiliar places, and perhaps most importantly, taste the flavors that define a destination.
Whether it's enjoying fresh pasta in Italy, savoring sushi in Japan, or sampling street food in Mexico City, food has become one of the most powerful reasons people travel.
This connection between food and travel was on full display at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held this past May in Chicago.
As the largest gathering of restaurant and hospitality professionals in the Western Hemisphere, the Show brought together chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, food innovators, beverage experts, and hospitality leaders from around the world. For four days, McCormick Place transformed into a global culinary marketplace where attendees could experience cutting-edge food and beverage innovations,
world-class education, and unforgettable networking opportunities.
Walking the show floor felt much like traveling through multiple countries in a single afternoon. International flavors, emerging culinary trends, innovative ingredients, and cultural influences were represented throughout the exhibition halls. Attendees explored special pavilions and exhibits showcasing everything from global cuisine and sustainable food solutions to the latest technology shaping the future of hospitality.
© National Restaurant Association Show 2026