Organizers of the National Restaurant Association Show on Friday announced the cancellation of the 2021 convention, which was scheduled for May 22-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“We look forward to serving the foodservice community year-round through online resources and are committed to planning a 2022 Show focused on fueling recovery,” said Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions, in a statement.
Organizers said the state of Illinois, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, had ordered restrictions on gatherings of 50 or more people until early June.
“While this order could be modified prior to expiration, McCormick Place has indicated their ability to re-open for large events is currently prohibited by the state regulation and they do not anticipate changes prior to June that would allow an event of this size and scope to occur in May,” organizers said. “Therefore, show organizers regret to announce the cancellation of the 2021 National Restaurant Association Show due to the unavailability of the facility.”
The 2020 show was also canceled because of coronavirus uncertainty. The last show was in 2019, when the National Restaurant Association celebrated the gathering’s 100th year.
“While we can’t do business or learn together in-person just yet, we are dedicated to helping our industry through this exceptionally challenging time,” Cindric said. “And when we reunite next year, May 21-24, 2022, it will be in an environment unlike anything any of us have ever experienced—an environment filled with renewed energy and unmatched connection as the restaurant community seeks new products, concepts, innovation, and thought leadership to reimagine foodservice.”
Organizers said information about transferring current registration fees and hotel cancelations, as well as other information, is available at the show’s website, www.nationalrestaurantshow.com.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless
