News Release

2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show Exhibitors, Programs and Features Help Attendees Succeed in a Fast-Changing Economy

May 07, 2009
Contact: Annika Stensson (202) 973-3677, Derrek J. Hull (312) 853-2522

(Chicago) Restaurant operators face many challenges in the current economy. Attending the 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show can help an operator navigate the economic environment to achieve business success. The best and brightest of the restaurant and hospitality industry’s top experts and trend-setters will share their knowledge and proven success strategies during the four-day event, held May 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The NRA Show offers its attendees education sessions by recognized industry leaders, opportunities to interact with some of the most successful operators, and scores of exhibiting companies showcasing the most innovative products and services in the world.

“Savvy restaurateurs are streamlining their operations and positioning themselves for growth when the recession turns around, and we are starting to see signs that indicate the beginning of an economic recovery,” said Lorna Donatone, Convention Chair for NRA Show 2009 and President, School Services at Sodexo, Inc. “The 2009 NRA Show offers ways in which attendees can explore and learn how to not only survive but succeed in the current economy. Restaurant operators will learn how to enhance the customer experience and increase productivity in every aspect of their operations, from workforce management and marketing, to technology and equipment.”

Highlights of NRA Show 2009 programming and events that focus on business- and profit-building strategies include:

More than 65 free education sessions, including The Money Crunch: Raising Money and Securing Credit in This Economy (Monday, May 18, at noon); How to Surf the Economic Tsunami and Stay Afloat (Saturday, May 16, at noon); The Future of Payment: What Every Operator Needs to Know About the Growth and Acceptance of Alternative Payment Types (Sunday, May 17, at 10:00 a.m.); Five Systems for Controlling Labor Costs (Monday, May 18 at noon); In Your Customers Pocket: Driving Restaurant Revenues Through Mobile Technology (Tuesday, May 19, at 10:00 a.m.); and and Fast Casual: Heating Up the Restaurant Industry (Monday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m.).

A new and unique Keynote Executive Panel, where attendees can interact and hold a lively discussion with some of the most successful restaurant executives today. The panel includes wine maker and restaurateur Joseph Bastianich; chef-owner Daniel Boulud; Chipotle founder Steve Ells; hospitality analytics entrepreneur Damian Mogavero; and Buffalo Wild Wings' Sally Smith. Award-winning journalist Steve Dolinsky will lead the discussion to identify cutting-edge and profitable ideas and strategies on Sunday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m. NRA Show attendees may submit questions to the panelists in advance through the Floored! blog or on Twitter @nrashow09.

Exclusive to management-level restaurant professionals, the Restaurant Executive Breakfast, which will focus on how chains and multi-concept operators are increasing revenue and guest loyalty through word-of-mouth and social media marketing. Held Saturday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m., the discussion will be moderated by Andy Sernovitz, CEO, GasPedal, leading word of mouth marketing expert and author of “Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking,” and feature executives from McDonald’s USA, Dunkin’ Brands, The Krystal Company, Denihan Hospitality Group and Rockit Ranch Productions.

Free, 30-minute consultations with leading design and management advisory experts in Ask the Design Experts. Appointments can be made online and are open to all registered restaurant and foodservice operators.

Additionally, despite the sluggish economic situation, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) edged up for the third consecutive month in March, indicating increasing optimism in the restaurant industry. Also improving are operators’ plans for capital expenditures, as 44 percent plan to make a capital investment for equipment, expansion or remodeling in the next six months, the highest level since July 2008. The RPI tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry on a monthly basis.

For complete NRA Show 2009 programming and events schedule, as well as listings of exhibiting companies and their products and services, visit www.restaurant.org/show.

Celebrating its 90th year, the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals. NRA Show 2009 will be held May 16-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event attracts attendees and visitors from all 50 states and 100+ countries, and showcases more products, services, innovative ideas and other growth opportunities than any other industry event. For more information, visit the Show Web site at www.restaurant.org/show.