Even more spectacular than the flowers of May, April planning brings an impactful experience and time in the Windy City for the National Restaurant Association Show! As the largest annual gathering of the restaurant, food service and hospitality industry, the NRA Show boasts of record-breaking crowds, celebrity chefs, and delicious nibbles and bits, like no other. Will you be there?
While the NRA Show 2026 action takes place at McCormick Place, Chicago’s premier convention space and the largest convention center in North America here are seven fun, and exciting things to do for a bit of Windy City color and enjoyment.
1. A WHOLE LOTTA PIE – Who doesn’t love a tasty slice of Chicago’s most iconic deep-dish pizza? Add Lou Malnati’s or Connie’s to your game plan. (As an added bonus, you will find Connie’s right inside McCormick Place, with a larger location nearby)
2. STEP OUTSIDE – If you have a bit of free time and are looking for some fresh air, a little exercise and a nice view, head over to the Prairie Avenue Historic District. PAHC is a great glimpse into turn-of-the-century Chicago.
3. STEP INSIDE – The Field Museum is a perennial favorite. Located on Chicago’s Museum Campus, you can delve deep into the world of Natural History. Step back in time, well before the ROARING ‘20s, through 13,000 years of history.
4. RAISE A GLASS – Word on the street is that Chicago’s beer scene is seemingly unstoppable. A few fan favorites include Band of Bohemia (home of Lime-Leaf Lemongrass Jasmine Wheat Ale!), Corridor Brewery & Provisions (Stainless steel brew house included) and the tasty Bourbon County varietals at the Goose Island Beer Co. Tap Deck.
5. GET YOUR ART ON – As Chicago’s world-class museum (and the second largest in the U.S.), the Art Institute of Chicago houses more than 300,000 works of art. Be inspired, and then some.
6. PARK IT – From Millennium Park to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago is known for some of the finest public spaces and zoos in the country. Check out your reflection in the Cloud Gate, affectionately known as “the Bean,” a stunning reflective steel sculpture inspired by liquid mercury. You can walk around and under Cloud Gate’s 12-foot high arch. Be inspired. 
Even more spectacular than the flowers of May, April planning brings an impactful experience and time in the Windy City for the National Restaurant Association Show! As the largest annual gathering of the restaurant, food service and hospitality industry, the NRA Show boasts of record-breaking crowds, celebrity chefs, and delicious nibbles and bits, like no other. Will you be there?
While the NRA Show 2026 action takes place at McCormick Place, Chicago’s premier convention space and the largest convention center in North America here are seven fun, and exciting things to do for a bit of Windy City color and enjoyment.
1. A WHOLE LOTTA PIE – Who doesn’t love a tasty slice of Chicago’s most iconic deep-dish pizza? Add Lou Malnati’s or Connie’s to your game plan. (As an added bonus, you will find Connie’s right inside McCormick Place, with a larger location nearby)
2. STEP OUTSIDE – If you have a bit of free time and are looking for some fresh air, a little exercise and a nice view, head over to the Prairie Avenue Historic District. PAHC is a great glimpse into turn-of-the-century Chicago.
3. STEP INSIDE – The Field Museum is a perennial favorite. Located on Chicago’s Museum Campus, you can delve deep into the world of Natural History. Step back in time, well before the ROARING ‘20s, through 13,000 years of history.
4. RAISE A GLASS – Word on the street is that Chicago’s beer scene is seemingly unstoppable. A few fan favorites include Band of Bohemia (home of Lime-Leaf Lemongrass Jasmine Wheat Ale!), Corridor Brewery & Provisions (Stainless steel brew house included) and the tasty Bourbon County varietals at the Goose Island Beer Co. Tap Deck.
5. GET YOUR ART ON – As Chicago’s world-class museum (and the second largest in the U.S.), the Art Institute of Chicago houses more than 300,000 works of art. Be inspired, and then some.
6. PARK IT – From Millennium Park to the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago is known for some of the finest public spaces and zoos in the country. Check out your reflection in the Cloud Gate, affectionately known as “the Bean,” a stunning reflective steel sculpture inspired by liquid mercury. You can walk around and under Cloud Gate’s 12-foot high arch. Be inspired. Related News
Other posts that you should not miss
Ask any exhibit house what’s changed most in the last year, and AI comes up fast. Concept renderings that used to take days now show up in an afternoon. Activations that once relied on screens and scripts can now generate something unique for every visitor who walks up. It’s a genuinely exciting moment for this industry. It’s also created a new kind of problem.
At 2020 Exhibits, we recognize that successful exhibit programs demand more than creativity. They require precise execution, strategic planning, and experienced operational management at every stage. Continue reading
Even the best booth design can fall short if it arrives late, is installed incorrectly, or faces logistical issues on-site. As trade shows grow in scale and complexity, operations and logistics have never been more critical to protecting your investment and your brand.
At 2020 Exhibits, we recognize that successful exhibit programs demand more than creativity. They require precise execution, strategic planning, and experienced operational management at every stage. Continue reading
The modern workplace is undergoing an exciting transformation! With the increasing popularity of hybrid work models, evolving employee expectations, and a growing emphasis on the overall experience, corporate interiors have become a crucial strategic business asset.
Today's offices need to do much more than simply accommodate employees; they must truly embody your brand identity, boost productivity, and create dynamic environments that attract and retain top talent. Innovative organizations are actively investing in corporate interiors that not only foster collaboration but also enhance well-being, bringing their unique culture to life.
At 2020 Exhibits, we believe your workspace is an extension of your brand, rich with potential to inspire and engage.
Continue reading