CHICAGO —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
But the 2007 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show differed from the 87 that preceded it. Some might say it even seemed younger. For one thing, there were the students. Attendees of various culinary or hospitality schools have been invited in the past to see the industry they’re joining. This year, they were a major presence at almost every event, from the posh Gold & Silver Plate Awards banquet to Nation’s Restaurant News’ invitation-only party for the winners of its MenuMasters awards for menu innovation. A few even attended the NRA’s board meeting. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
“It is your job to maintain that flame of hope in the younger generation,” Bill McCormick, co-founder of the McCormick & Schmick’s seafood chain and current U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, implored the association’s directors. “I hope you do it well.” —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
The NRA also strived to loosen up the show a bit with more entertainment stirred into the usual mix of education, shopping, eating and partying. Each day, for instance, brought book signings by food or restaurant celebrities ranging from French Laundry kitchen master Thomas Keller to chefs-turned-TV stars Cat Cora and Rick Bayless. Internally, the NRA called the program “Star Power.” —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
Last year’s marquee speaker was President George W. Bush. This year’s keynoter was “Law & Order” cast member Fred Thompson, who a week after appearing at the show announced that he would test the viability of a run for Bush’s spot in the Oval Office on the Republican ticket. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
Seminars and presentations addressed such familiar topics as food safety, menu trends, personnel issues and marketing, but with enough present-day specifics to make the issues seem as fresh as the spring breeze blowing in from Lake Michigan. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
Presenters noted how the focus in food safety is shifting from E. coli contamination of meat to the presence of that potentially lethal pathogen in produce that doesn’t undergo the “kill step” of being cooked. And norovirus was cited as a threat with far greater prevalence today. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
A session on kitchen trends looked at the surging popularity of organics, locally grown ingredients and sustainably cultivated foods. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
The usual prescriptions for recruiting and retaining employees were strengthened with encouragement to foster inclusion and diversity. Everyone seemed to be talking about the importance of being green in a marketplace where employees and customers are demanding more attention to the environmental impact of business decisions. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
Before the show had concluded, NRA officials were already conceptualizing new features for next year’s conference. Among the innovations that will be employed to invigorate the 2008 confab: A wine, beer and spirits event to be held during the show. —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.
RELATED STORIES IFMA honors Gold & Silver Plate winners for 2007 —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. 'Legend' Puck, industry pioneers join Fine Dining Hall of Fame —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Culinary innovation cheered at MenuMasters ceremony —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Spirit Awards panelists share tips for hiring, retaining staff —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. WFF event notes women's progress and challenges ahead —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. NRAEF's Salute to Excellence honors industry vets, students —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Restaurant execs say local marketing begins inside the store —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Presidential hopeful Thompson decries 'professionalization of politics' —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Oshman: Green movement gaining ground in foodservice —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Building 'moats' protects profits and ensures competitive edge —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Panel: Patience, adaptability put restaurants on the map —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. Women Chefs & Restaurateurs holds annual benefit dinner —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants. MFHA releases marketing guide, celebrates diversity leaders —At age 88, the grand-daddy of industry conventions still managed to wear out the generally younger 73,000-plus people who converged here May 19-22 for the nation’s largest gathering of restaurateurs. Foot soreness once again threatened to hit epidemic proportions as operators dashed from exhibit halls to education sessions to the city’s latest must-see restaurants.