2026 National Restaurant Association Show

We look forward to connecting with you at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Come visit Technomic, the official insights partner of the National Restaurant Association Show, at Booth 6001 in North Hall, as well as at the following sessions:

1. Crafting Winning Drink Promotions

Sat, May 16 | 11:30-12:15 pm CDT

Presenter: David Henkes, Senior Principal, Technomic, and Julie Heseman, Senior Director, Research & Insights, Technomic

In today’s competitive on-premise landscape, drink promotions are a powerful tool to boost traffic and sales. This session will explore how operators can create promotions that resonate with consumer preferences while showcasing real-world examples of successful strategies across categories. Learn how to implement impactful promotions—beyond just discounts—that protect your margins and drive sustainable growth.

2. 4 Disruptors Driving Menu Trends and Innovation

Tue., May 19 | 10:30-11:15 a.m. CDT

Presenters: Lizzy Freier, Senior Director, Menu Research & Insights, Technomic; Donna Hood Crecca, Senior Principal, Technomic; and Christine Clutter, Senior Research Analyst, Technomic

The foodservice industry continues to rapidly transform, with disruptive forces reshaping current and future menu trends. Curious about how the rise of GLP-1s, the new food pyramid and other emerging factors could impact your menu? Wondering how to stay ahead of fleeting trends while maintaining relevance? Your favorite Technomic menu trends experts are back to take you on a riveting journey, exploring how to design food and beverage menus that meet evolving consumer demands, captivate with bold flavors and innovative experiences, and deliver exceptional value in 2026 and beyond. Come for the trends, leave with innovative ideas ripe for your menu!

3. Featured Session With Technomic—Get It While It’s Hot: Driving Demand With LTOs

Mon, May 18 | 1:00-2:00 pm CDT

Panel hosted by: Joe Pawlak, Managing Principal, Technomic

Panelists: Jennifer Bell, CMO, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants; Samantha Strong, Executive Director, Brand Calendar, IHOP; and Debbie Stroud, President & CEO at Whataburger

Discover secrets to harnessing the power of limited-time offers (LTOs) to transform your business and captivate customers like never before. This must-attend session is designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market. Join us for an electrifying exploration of strategies to identify top-selling LTO trends and seamlessly integrate LTOs into your business model, while keeping costs and execution in focus. You’ll gain actionable insights, including expert tips on planning cycles and real-world success stories that will inspire and empower you.

The highlight? A dynamic session featuring Joseph Pawlak, managing principal at Technomic, alongside leading independent and chain operators who have mastered the art of LTOs. Hear firsthand how they’ve leveraged these powerful tools to boost sales, engage customers and stay ahead of the competition. This is your chance to gain exclusive insider knowledge and unlock the full potential of LTOs for your business. Don’t miss out—this session is your ticket to innovation and success!