Trade Show Trail: National Restaurant Association Show 2024, NeoCon

The 2024 trade show trail calls our name again, and it's taking us to Chicago.

Our team is heading to another pair of trade shows in the coming weeks: the National Restaurant Association Show 2024 and NeoCon 2024.

Overview: National Restaurant Association Show 2024

A trade show that's almost always on our travel schedule, this year's National Restaurant Association Show runs May 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

As it always has, the three-day show will bring together those from all areas of the restaurant and food service industry.

Organizers are anticipating tens of thousands of attendees from more than 100 countries. Those attending can expect plenty of opportunities to network and learn. In addition, another 2,200+ vendors & exhibitors representing all areas of food service are signed up.

Among the show's many presentations and education sessions -- will be a keynote address by José Andrés, a noted chef, restaurateur, and humanitarian. He'll discuss his journey as a chef and how it's intersected with philanthropic efforts.

Throughout the rest of the show, there will be plenty of new things for showgoers to enjoy. From organizers:

• Expo + Education Badge
  Discover innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and future-forward ideas through operator-led education. Available exclusively for Expo + Education badge holders, the Show’s newly revamped education provides a focused learning experience for growth-minded attendees.
• Fresh On-Floor Programming Find new speakers, new content and new ideas in our On-Floor Programming. From supplier-led sessions, to live culinary demos with celebrated chefs, to beverage sessions and demos with top mixologists and experts, you’ll walk away with new tools and solutions to boost your business.
• Startup Alley: Features companies new to the food service industry with a sneak peek at new food and beverage items, new equipment and supplies, new technology and much more!
• New Exhibitors: Hundreds of new exhibitors in more than 900 product categories – from food, beverage, equipment, technology, tableware, sanitation and everything in between -- are slated to attend.
• New Products: Get an up-close look at the latest trends and must-have products for the restaurant industry, all in one place

Have You Secured Your Tickets?

Weber Knapp at The 2024 National Restaurant Association Show

Both Jody Osgood and Brennan Webb will be attending this year’s show from our team. 

And while we won’t have a booth at the show, both Jody and Brennan look forward to connecting with existing and new clients. They’re also eager to see what will be on display at the show and explore the latest trends in the restaurant industry. And the food samples are a plus, too. 

Of note, they look forward to talking about all of our products that make big upgrades in the food service industry, especially: 

• SI.1 Refrigerator Hinge
• SI.2 Wine Cooler Hinge
• Over-Easy Retrofit Hinge
• Lift Gate Assistant
• Vectis DYO 
  
  

Overview: NeoCon 2024

Started in 1969, NeoCon is a premier event in the commercial design industry, established in 1969. It serves as a major platform for showcasing innovations and new products in various categories such as

• Furniture
• Textiles
• Flooring
• Technology
• & more 

Held annually, NeoCon attracts design professionals from sectors like healthcare, hospitality, education, and government, providing them with opportunities to connect, learn, and conduct business.

This year's show is slated for June 10-12 THE MART in Chicago.  More than 400 exhibitors are expected to attend.

Just like the National Restaurant Association Show, NeoCon boasts a full schedule of seminars and workshops. Among this year's speakers are keynote addresses by:

• Bob Weis, Global Co-Leader, Founder Entertainment PracticeGlobal Co-Leade at Gensler and a former Disney Imagineer. He'll speak on storytelling in commercial design
• Yinka Ilor, a British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer. Ilor will present on how he harnesses diverse mediums of design as a catalyst to tell stories
• Ruth E. Carter, an Academy Award-winning costume designer. Her presentation is:
  Designing Afrofuturism: The Art of Storytelling in Costume Design
  
  

Weber Knapp at NeoCon

The story is much the same for NeoCon as it is for the restaurant show. 

We’ll be sending both Jody and Brennan as attendees, meaning we won’t have a booth as we do at other shows.

And just like the restaurant show, they’re eager to connect with familiar faces and potential new customers. 

At the top of the list of topics for discussion, Jody and Brennan are excited to speak with fellow attendees about how our motion control solutions bring improved form and function to many products In particular, they’re looking forward to talking about our ergonomic products that have a place in almost every industry – from the manufacturing floor to the office or medical setting.  

The #1 Thing We’re Excited About for Both Shows

That’s easy. 

Connecting up with you!

If you’re planning to be at either show, reach out to us ahead of time and we’ll find a way to cross paths with you.