From Cornhusker Cuisine to City-Side Stays: Your Essential Guide to the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show in Omaha!

Imagine stepping into a vibrant exhibition hall, alive with the genuine warmth of Midwestern hospitality, mingled with the irresistible aromas of sizzling Runza, the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee, and the lively buzz of thousands of professionals connecting to shape the future of their businesses. For every dedicated restaurateur, visionary chef, meticulous caterer, ambitious hotelier, and burgeoning food entrepreneur across the magnificent Cornhusker State, there’s one annual event that serves as the essential compass for navigating the ever-evolving world of hospitality: the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show in Omaha. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s the definitive annual gathering, a crucial nexus of innovation, education, and unparalleled networking opportunities, meticulously designed to empower and propel the state’s incredibly diverse foodservice and lodging sectors amidst Nebraska’s rich heritage and booming economy.

Picture yourself on a sprawling exhibition floor, a dynamic marketplace of ideas and innovation. You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of exhibitors showcasing everything from Nebraska-raised beef and locally sourced produce, to cutting-edge kitchen equipment designed for peak efficiency, sophisticated Point-of-Sale (POS) solutions that streamline operations, and vital services that ensure compliance in a rapidly expanding industry. This Expo is a hands-on learning laboratory, a powerful community hub, and a direct pipeline to the products and strategies you need, all expertly curated to cater to the unique needs of Nebraska’s hospitality landscape. It’s where a bustling Old Market eatery discovers innovative new wine selections; where a charming hotel in Lincoln finds unique ways to enhance guest experiences with sustainable practices and localized menu offerings; and where an up-and-coming chef from Kearney gets inspired by the latest culinary trends and techniques, often with a distinctly regional twist. For any professional deeply invested in the success and evolution of their restaurant, hotel, bar, catering company, or institutional kitchen across Nebraska, attending this Expo is not merely an option—it’s an indispensable annual tradition that directly impacts their sourcing, fuels innovation, strengthens their professional network, and ultimately contributes to the flourishing of the entire Nebraska hospitality ecosystem.

Nebraska’s hospitality sector is as vast and vital as its agricultural fields, spanning the urban growth of Omaha and Lincoln, the agricultural heartlands, and the significant tourism drawn by its historical sites, outdoor recreation, and vibrant city life. Operators here navigate unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s sourcing from its abundant farms, managing specific state liquor regulations, attracting a diverse tourism base (from business travelers and convention-goers to families visiting zoos and historical parks), or adapting to its distinct demographic and economic trends. The Nebraska Restaurant Association Show is specifically crafted to address these very issues. It’s where a popular restaurant in downtown Omaha can find tailored solutions from regional distributors who understand the local market, where a large hotel in Grand Island can connect with new linen service providers, and where industry leaders can discuss the latest trends and legislative updates impacting their businesses, often with a focus on sustainable growth, effective workforce solutions, and adapting to a dynamic economic climate. The Expo’s commitment to showcasing local excellence, providing direct engagement, and fostering community building makes it an incredibly efficient platform for businesses of all sizes to thrive. If you’re a restaurateur looking for a competitive edge, a lodging professional aiming to enhance your guest experience, or a supplier keen to expand your market reach within this vital state, attending this Expo offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your business growth and strengthens Nebraska’s thriving hospitality sector.

The Heart of the Heartland: Venue, Time, and Cost

The Nebraska Restaurant Association Show, as the central gathering for the state’s industry, is ideally positioned in Omaha. As the largest city in Nebraska and a major hub for business, education, and a continually evolving culinary scene, Omaha offers unparalleled accessibility for professionals from across Nebraska and surrounding states, making it the perfect host for a statewide industry event.

CHI Health Center Omaha: Where Innovation Takes Center Stage! Major hospitality expos and large-scale events in Omaha are consistently held at the CHI Health Center Omaha, located at 455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA. This expansive, modern, and well-equipped facility in downtown Omaha is a premier choice for large-scale industry events, providing:

• Vast Exhibition Space: The CHI Health Center Omaha offers over 194,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, along with a 30,000 square-foot ballroom and numerous meeting rooms. This extensive space is strategically designed to accommodate hundreds of booths for diverse product categories, areas for live culinary and beverage demonstrations, and multiple seminar rooms. This ensures a dynamic, organized, and easy-to-navigate show floor, allowing attendees to explore thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed.
• Prime Downtown Location: Situated in the vibrant downtown Omaha, the CHI Health Center offers excellent accessibility. It’s nestled near the historic Old Market district, within walking distance or a short ride to numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and TD Ameritrade Park. This location provides ample opportunities for attendees to experience Omaha’s dynamic culture and renowned dining scene.
• Integrated Amenities: The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including robust Wi-Fi, efficient loading docks for exhibitors, modern audio-visual capabilities, and various amenities to ensure a comfortable and productive experience for all participants.
• Convenient Transportation: Easy access to major interstates (I-80, I-29, I-680) and a short drive from Eppley Airfield (OMA) make it highly convenient for both local and out-of-state attendees. Its downtown location also means a variety of transportation options, including ride-sharing and local transit, are readily available.

A Spring Into Success: The Annual Schedule The Nebraska Restaurant Association Show is envisioned as an annual event, strategically timed to allow businesses to explore new solutions and prepare for the busy spring and summer seasons and the coming year.

• When It Happens: While specific dates can vary, major industry events in Nebraska often take place in the spring, typically in March or April. This timing allows operators to explore new products, technologies, and strategies well in advance of the crucial summer tourist season and the peak periods for many establishments, making purchasing and planning more effective.
• Duration: These comprehensive industry events usually run for one to two intensive days, packed with opportunities for discovery, learning, and networking, maximizing efficiency for busy professionals traveling from across the state.
  • Typical Schedule (e.g., Day 1: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM for trade show and specific seminars; Day 2: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for additional sessions and networking): This structure allows for a comprehensive experience, including dedicated time for exhibition viewing, educational seminars, and focused networking opportunities.

Cost of Admission: The Nebraska Restaurant Association aims to make its premier event accessible to industry professionals.

• For NRA Members: Often, pre-registered members of the Nebraska Restaurant Association can attend the Trade Show component and some educational sessions for FREE or at a significantly reduced rate. This is a substantial perk of NRA membership, which provides valuable advocacy and resources year-round.
• For Non-Members: There is typically a nominal fee for non-members to access the trade show floor and educational seminars. Based on similar regional events, this fee is usually quite reasonable, often in the range of $25-$75 for a full event pass. This modest investment provides immense value given the resources available.

The structure of the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum value and engagement:

• Comprehensive Exhibit Hall: The core attraction, featuring diverse product categories from Nebraska’s leading food and beverage producers, as well as suppliers of essential restaurant and lodging services.
• Educational Seminars & Workshops: A robust program of expert-led sessions covering critical topics relevant to Nebraska’s foodservice and hospitality industries, such as navigating specific state liquor laws, optimizing labor management, capitalizing on the state’s growing tourism and convention business, promoting authentic Nebraskan cuisine, and implementing sustainable practices.
• Live Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations: Providing both inspiration and practical application of products and techniques, often featuring renowned Nebraska chefs showcasing the versatility of local ingredients – from high-quality beef and pork to corn and specialty grains – and innovative preparation methods, along with expert craft beverage tastings and mixology sessions inspired by the state’s burgeoning craft scene.
• Networking Events & Awards: Beyond the trade show floor, the Show often includes luncheons, receptions, and prestigious industry awards banquets, providing unparalleled opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential business partners from across the state, fostering collaboration and growth.

This focused and engaging schedule, combined with an affordable entry cost (or free for members), ensures that Nebraska’s foodservice and lodging professionals can efficiently discover new solutions, gain vital industry knowledge, and forge invaluable business relationships within a productive timeframe, all in the vibrant heart of Omaha.

The Cornhusker Kitchen: Key Product Categories

The Nebraska Restaurant Association Show would offer an incredibly comprehensive showcase, presenting virtually every product, service, and technology vital for operating a successful restaurant, lodging establishment, or any foodservice business in Nebraska. It’s truly a one-stop-shop designed to address the diverse needs of the state’s unique hospitality industry, often highlighting the best of what Nebraska has to offer. Key product and service categories you can expect to explore include:

• Nebraska-Sourced Food & Beverage Products: This would be a major highlight, showcasing the state’s agricultural output, ranching prowess, and burgeoning culinary and beverage scenes:
  • Local Meats & Poultry: High-quality beef (Nebraska is renowned for it!), pork, and poultry from local ranches and suppliers, including options for regional specialties.
  • Local Grains & Produce: Emphasis on corn, soybeans, wheat, and specialty crops from Nebraska farms, promoting farm-to-table sourcing and seasonal availability.
  • Dairy & Cheese: Products from local creameries and dairy farms.
  • Specialty & Gourmet Foods: Locally produced honey, jams, sauces, artisanal baked goods, and unique regional items like gourmet popcorn or specialty breads.
  • Craft Beverages: An extensive selection from Nebraska’s growing craft brewery, distillery, and winery scenes. This offers unique opportunities for restaurants and bars to source distinctive local adult beverages, reflecting the state’s changing beverage landscape and specific regulations.
  • Coffee & Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Local coffee roasters and a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic options, essential in the Midwestern market.
• Kitchen Equipment & Supplies:
  • Cooking Equipment: The latest commercial ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, combi ovens, and specialty cooking apparatus designed for efficiency and high performance in high-volume kitchens.
  • Refrigeration & Freezing: Commercial refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, and cold storage solutions to maintain food quality and safety.
  • Food Preparation Equipment: Mixers, blenders, slicers, food processors, and other tools that streamline kitchen operations.
  • Warewashing & Sanitation: Commercial dishwashers, advanced cleaning chemicals, and sanitizing systems suited for high-volume use.
  • Smallwares: A vast selection of pots, pans, utensils, cutting boards, bakeware, and serving tools.
• Technology & POS Systems:
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Cutting-edge POS hardware and software, mobile ordering solutions, online reservation platforms, and table management systems to optimize front-of-house operations.
  • Back-of-House Technology: Inventory management software, recipe costing tools, labor scheduling programs, and kitchen display systems (KDS) to enhance back-end efficiency.
  • Guest Engagement Tools: Digital menu boards, loyalty programs, and customer feedback systems tailored for Nebraska’s diverse patron base.
• Tableware, Serving & Disposables:
  • Plates, glassware, cutlery, serving dishes, and buffetware in various styles to suit different restaurant and hotel concepts.
  • Disposable packaging, to-go containers, and eco-friendly alternatives, especially important for grab-and-go options.
• Business Services & Solutions:
  • Food Distributors: Major national and regional foodservice distributors showcasing their vast product catalogs and logistical capabilities across Nebraska.
  • Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA) Resources: Direct access to association representatives for information on advocacy, legal compliance, training programs (like ServSafe), and valuable membership benefits crucial for navigating Nebraska’s specific business environment.
  • Financial & Insurance Services: Specialized offerings for the hospitality industry, including payment processing, workers’ compensation, and property insurance.
  • Marketing & Digital Solutions: Website design, social media management, online reputation management, and SEO services, often tailored for promoting local attractions, downtown dining, and unique events.
  • Staffing & Training: Recruitment services, culinary schools, hospitality management programs, and food safety certification providers, addressing the region’s workforce needs.
  • Consulting Services: Experts in menu development, operational efficiency, restaurant design, and cost control, particularly for Nebraska’s unique market and regulatory environment.

This comprehensive array ensures that attendees can find solutions for every facet of their operation, from sourcing the freshest Nebraska ingredients to optimizing back-of-house efficiency and enhancing the overall guest experience, all with a strong focus on Nebraska’s unique market needs.

The Steak Capital Shuffle: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The Nebraska Restaurant Association Show in Omaha would consistently draw a significant and highly engaged audience of foodservice and lodging professionals from across the state, along with a robust presence of exhibitors eager to connect with them. Nebraska’s hospitality and tourism industry is a vital component of its economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in revenue annually, ensuring a dedicated attendee base actively seeking ways to enhance their businesses.

• Visitor Count: These types of comprehensive state-level expos and conventions typically attract several thousand qualified industry attendees over their one or two intensive days, often ranging from 2,000 to 4,000+. This highly targeted audience represents the full spectrum of Nebraska’s vibrant hospitality industry, including:
  • Restaurant Owners & Operators: From independent eateries and popular Omaha establishments to fine dining, casual restaurants, and multi-unit chains across Nebraska, including those in major cities like Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney, as well as smaller towns and rural areas.
  • Executive Chefs & Culinary Professionals: Key decision-makers for menu development, sourcing, and kitchen operations.
  • Hotel & Lodging Professionals: Including general managers, F&B directors, and purchasing managers from hotels, motels, resorts, and B&Bs throughout the state, with a strong presence from properties catering to business, leisure, and special event tourism.
  • Catering & Event Managers: Professionals from independent catering companies and event venues, especially those involved in Nebraska’s bustling event scene.
  • Bar & Beverage Managers: Seeking new products, equipment, and trends for bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries, with a keen interest in Nebraska’s unique local beverage offerings.
  • Institutional Foodservice Leaders: From schools, universities, hospitals, and corporate dining facilities.
  • Retail Foodservice Buyers: Individuals from grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty markets with prepared food sections. The strength of these expos lies in their ability to bring together a highly targeted audience of decision-makers and influencers actively looking for solutions to improve their businesses and eager to support Nebraska’s own producers and service providers.
• Exhibitor Count: The show floor at the CHI Health Center Omaha for a major hospitality expo would be consistently robust, featuring hundreds of exhibiting companies, often ranging from 150 to 250+. These exhibitors would comprise a vital mix of national brands with strong Nebraska presence and a significant number of regional and local suppliers:
  • Leading Food & Beverage Manufacturers: Both large, well-known brands and smaller, innovative producers, with a strong focus on Nebraska-based companies (e.g., local meat producers, craft beverage makers, specialty food producers).
  • Major Foodservice Distributors: Core to these events, showcasing their vast product catalogs and logistical capabilities across Nebraska.
  • Kitchen & Bar Equipment Manufacturers & Dealers: Showcasing the latest in commercial cooking, refrigeration, and warewashing technology suited for various operational scales.
  • Technology Providers: Exhibiting cutting-edge POS systems, online ordering platforms, and back-of-house software solutions.
  • Nebraska-Based Producers: A significant presence of local farms, ranches, meat suppliers, craft beverage makers, and specialty food companies, keen to connect with Nebraska buyers.
  • Service Providers: Including financial services, insurance, uniforms, linen services, pest control, and marketing agencies tailored to the hospitality industry.
  • Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA): The association itself would have a prominent presence, offering resources, advocacy information, and membership details crucial for navigating the state’s unique regulations and opportunities.

This concentrated gathering of both suppliers and buyers makes the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show a definitive platform for fostering critical business relationships and driving growth within the dynamic and essential hospitality industry of Nebraska.

Fueling Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show in Omaha offers an invaluable return on investment for any professional in Nebraska’s foodservice and lodging industries, providing a unique blend of practical benefits and inspiring opportunities:

• Direct Product Sourcing & Tasting: Get hands-on with the latest kitchen equipment, sample new menu items, and taste innovative food and beverage products directly from hundreds of suppliers. This direct interaction allows for informed purchasing decisions that can significantly impact your bottom line. Discover fresh, regional ingredients unique to Nebraska, like succulent beef, locally grown produce, or distinctive craft spirits and brews directly from the source.
• Unparalleled Networking Opportunities: Engage face-to-face with thousands of your peers – from independent restaurant owners and executive chefs to hotel general managers and institutional foodservice directors from across Nebraska. Share challenges, exchange best practices, and build a robust professional network within the vibrant Nebraska hospitality community. This is your chance to connect with the people who truly understand the unique Nebraska market and its specific regulatory environment.
• Discover Cutting-Edge Innovations: Be among the first to see and experience the newest products, technologies, and services designed to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and increase profitability in the foodservice and lodging sectors. From advanced kitchen systems to sustainable practices and innovative POS solutions, you’ll find solutions for every aspect of your operation.
• Expert Insights & Education: Leverage a robust educational program with expert-led seminars and workshops. Gain actionable insights from industry experts on crucial topics relevant to Nebraska, such as navigating the state’s specific liquor laws, optimizing labor management in a tight market, capitalizing on the state’s growing tourism and convention business, promoting authentic Nebraskan cuisine (beyond just steak!), and implementing effective marketing strategies for the state’s diverse visitor base.
• Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors leverage the Expo to offer special pricing, discounts, or incentives exclusively for orders placed at the show. This can lead to significant cost savings on equipment, ingredients, and services, directly improving your profitability and giving you a competitive edge.
• Inspiring Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations: Witness continuous live cooking and expert mixology demonstrations by talented chefs and industry professionals. These sessions showcase new techniques, creative menu ideas, and the effective use of equipment and Nebraska-sourced products, providing both inspiration and practical application for your kitchen and bar.
• Problem-Solving Power: Directly interact with vendors and sales representatives to find tailored solutions for your specific operational challenges, whether it’s managing supply chain logistics for locally sourced meats, adapting to unique consumer preferences, or implementing new technologies for improved guest satisfaction.
• Connect with the Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA): Directly engage with the state’s leading industry association. Learn about their advocacy efforts on behalf of hospitality businesses, educational programs (like ServSafe certifications), and valuable resources that can help your business navigate regulations, access support, and stay informed on legislative changes impacting the Nebraska market.
• Experience Omaha’s Big City Charm: The Expo provides a perfect opportunity to combine essential business with a chance to explore Omaha’s dynamic culinary scene, its important cultural attractions (like the Old Market, Joslyn Art Museum), its growing arts and entertainment community, and its genuine Midwestern hospitality.

For any hospitality professional in Nebraska, the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show is not just an event to attend; it’s a strategic investment in your business’s future, offering a direct path to innovation, efficiency, and sustained success in this uniquely vibrant and thriving Great Plains market.

Your Omaha Home Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Omaha, as Nebraska’s largest city and a major convention destination, offers an abundance of excellent hotel options conveniently located near the CHI Health Center Omaha, catering to various budgets and preferences. Its downtown core provides many superb choices within walking distance or a very short ride.

Here are some highly recommended hotels, ranging from full-service to more budget-friendly, all with convenient access to the CHI Health Center Omaha:

• Closest Walking Distance (Downtown / Near CHI Health Center):
  • Hilton Omaha: Directly connected to the CHI Health Center Omaha via a skywalk, offering the ultimate in convenience and full-service amenities.
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market: A popular choice with spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and evening reception, located within easy walking distance or a very short ride to the Convention Center and Old Market.
  • Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District: A modern, upscale option with excellent amenities, also a very short distance from the CHI Health Center.
  • Hyatt Place Omaha/Downtown-Old Market: Offers comfortable, modern rooms and a convenient location between the CHI Health Center and the vibrant Old Market.
  • Cambria Hotel Omaha Downtown: A stylish and contemporary option within easy reach of the convention center and downtown attractions.
  • Holiday Inn Omaha Downtown – Waterpark: A good family-friendly option with an indoor waterpark, close to the convention center.
• Other Convenient Downtown Options (Short Walk/Ride):
  • Magnolia Hotel Omaha: A historic and elegant boutique hotel in downtown, offering a luxurious experience and a short ride to the Convention Center.
  • Hotel Indigo Omaha Downtown: A unique, boutique-style hotel with a focus on local character, also a short distance away.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area: A reliable Marriott option, providing good access to both the Old Market and the Convention Center.

Booking Advice:

• Prioritize the Connected Hotels: The Hilton Omaha is often the most convenient due to its direct connection to the CHI Health Center. Other nearby downtown hotels are also excellent choices for walkability or a very short ride.
• Book Early: Omaha is a popular destination for both business and leisure, especially during major events. Hotels, particularly those closest to the CHI Health Center, can fill up quickly and rates can fluctuate significantly. Booking your accommodation several weeks or even months in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred option and rate.
• Consider Walkability/Transportation: Many downtown hotels offer excellent walkability to the Convention Center, restaurants, and entertainment in the Old Market. Public transport and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
• Look for Official Blocks: The event organizers (the Nebraska Restaurant Association) often offer special room blocks or discounted rates at partner hotels for Show attendees. Always check the official NRA website for any specific hotel recommendations or booking links.

Choosing a convenient and comfortable hotel ensures you can maximize your time at the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show, allowing you to focus on the valuable opportunities it presents for your business and also experience the vibrant atmosphere of Omaha.

Savor Your Success: Plan Your Visit to the Nebraska Restaurant Association Show!

The Nebraska Restaurant Association Show is more than just an event; it’s the annual convergence of innovation, tradition, and community that defines Nebraska’s thriving hospitality industry. It’s where the state’s enduring spirit meets culinary excellence, where crucial connections are forged over shared passions for exceptional quality and service, and where the next unforgettable ingredient or game-changing solution for your establishment is just waiting to be discovered. If you are serious about the success of your restaurant, lodging property, catering business, or any foodservice operation across the magnificent Cornhusker State, then marking your calendar for this Show is an absolute must. Come and immerse yourself in the unique flavors, the invaluable insights, and the thriving community that make Nebraska’s food and lodging scene truly exceptional.

To learn more about upcoming events from the Nebraska Restaurant Association, including their annual show, conventions, and other industry gatherings, and to find registration details, please visit their official website:

nebraskadining.org/events