From Mountain Resorts to Seacoast Suppers: Your Essential Guide to the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show in Manchester!

Imagine stepping into a vibrant exhibition hall, alive with the undeniable energy of the Granite State, mingled with the irresistible aromas of sizzling local delicacies, 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 state of New Hampshire, there’s one annual event that serves as the essential compass for navigating the ever-evolving world of hospitality: the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show in Manchester. 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, lodging, and tourism sectors amidst New Hampshire’s rich heritage and dynamic 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 New Hampshire’s renowned maple products and craft beverages, 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 Show 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 New Hampshire’s hospitality landscape. It’s where a bustling Manchester eatery discovers innovative new ways to incorporate locally sourced ingredients; where a charming lakeside inn in Meredith finds unique ways to enhance guest experiences with sustainable practices and localized touches; and where an up-and-coming chef from Portsmouth 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 New Hampshire, attending this Show 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 New Hampshire hospitality ecosystem.

New Hampshire’s hospitality sector is as vast and vital as its stunning landscapes, encompassing the urban growth of Manchester and Nashua, the historical charm of its small towns, the pristine beauty of the Lakes Region, the majestic White Mountains (a year-round tourist magnet for skiing, hiking, and fall foliage), and the vibrant Seacoast. Operators here navigate unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s sourcing from its local farms, managing specific state liquor and tourism regulations, attracting a diverse visitor base (from outdoor enthusiasts and leaf-peepers to business travelers and families), or adapting to its distinct demographic and economic trends. The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show is specifically crafted to address these very issues. It’s where a popular restaurant on Elm Street can find tailored solutions from regional distributors who understand the local market, where a large resort in the White Mountains can connect with new technology providers for online bookings, 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 Show’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 Show offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your business growth and strengthens New Hampshire’s thriving hospitality sector.

The Granite State’s Grand Event: Venue, Time, and Cost

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown: Your Destination for Industry Advancement! Major hospitality expos and large-scale events in Manchester are consistently held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, located at 700 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101, USA. This prominent full-service hotel in the heart of downtown Manchester is a premier choice for large-scale industry events, providing:

• Vast Exhibition Space: The DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown offers significant meeting and event space, including flexible ballrooms and exhibit areas, perfectly suited 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 overcrowded.
• Prime Downtown Location: Situated prominently in vibrant downtown Manchester, the DoubleTree is ideally located. It’s within walking distance to numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions, including the SNHU Arena and the Palace Theatre. This central location provides ample opportunities for attendees to experience Manchester’s dynamic culture and growing 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. As a full-service hotel, it also offers integrated lodging solutions for attendees and exhibitors.
• Convenient Transportation: Easy access to major interstates (I-93, I-293) and a short drive from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) 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 or Fall Rendezvous: The Annual Schedule The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show is envisioned as an annual event, strategically timed to allow businesses to explore new solutions and prepare for the coming year’s operations and the next peak seasons.

• When It Happens: The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA) often holds its major annual show in the spring (e.g., April). This timing is strategic, allowing operators to assess the previous year’s performance, learn from the busy winter tourism or holiday season, and plan for the crucial summer and fall tourism periods, making purchasing and strategic planning more effective.
• Duration: These comprehensive industry events usually run for one intensive day, packed with opportunities for discovery, learning, and networking, maximizing efficiency for busy professionals traveling from across the state.
  • Typical Schedule (e.g., 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM): This structure allows for a comprehensive experience, including dedicated time for exhibition viewing, educational seminars, and focused networking opportunities, often with an opening keynote or concluding reception.

Cost of Admission: The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association aims to make its premier event accessible to industry professionals.

• For NHLRA Members: Pre-registered members of the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association often receive significant benefits, including FREE or significantly reduced admission to the Trade Show component and some educational sessions. This is a substantial perk of NHLRA membership, which provides valuable advocacy and resources year-round, including discounts on ServSafe certifications and other training programs.
• 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 New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show is thoughtfully designed to provide maximum value and engagement:

• Comprehensive Exhibit Hall: The core attraction, featuring diverse product categories from New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire’s foodservice and hospitality industries, such as navigating the state’s specific liquor laws (including cannabis implications), optimizing labor management in a seasonal environment, capitalizing on the state’s significant tourism (skiing, hiking, lakes, seacoast), promoting authentic New Hampshire cuisine and local sourcing, and implementing sustainable practices. The NHLRA also supports initiatives like the ProStart program, fostering future talent.
• Live Culinary & Beverage Demonstrations: Providing both inspiration and practical application of products and techniques, often featuring renowned New Hampshire chefs showcasing the versatility of local ingredients – from high-quality produce and dairy to specialty items like maple and wild berries – and innovative preparation methods, along with expert craft beverage tastings and mixology sessions inspired by the state’s burgeoning craft beer, wine, and spirits scene.
• Networking Events & Awards: Beyond the trade show floor, the Show often includes luncheons, receptions, and prestigious industry awards, 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 New Hampshire’s foodservice and hospitality 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 Manchester.

New Hampshire’s Plate: Key Product Categories

The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant 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 New Hampshire. 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 the “Granite State” has to offer. Key product and service categories you can expect to explore include:

• New Hampshire-Sourced Food & Beverage Products: This would be a major highlight, showcasing the state’s agricultural output, local specialties, and craft beverage scene:
  • Maple Products: Everything from pure New Hampshire maple syrup to candies, creams, and infused products.
  • Local Produce & Dairy: Emphasis on seasonal fruits and vegetables from New Hampshire farms, artisanal cheeses, and high-quality dairy products, promoting farm-to-table sourcing.
  • Specialty & Gourmet Foods: Locally produced honey, jams, sauces, baked goods, and unique regional items.
  • Craft Beverages: An extensive selection from New Hampshire’s growing craft brewery, distillery, and winery scenes, offering unique opportunities for restaurants and bars to source distinctive local adult beverages.
  • Coffee & Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Local coffee roasters and a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic options.
• Kitchen & Foodservice Equipment & Supplies:
  • Cooking Equipment: The latest commercial ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, combi ovens, and specialty cooking apparatus designed for efficiency and high performance.
  • Refrigeration & Freezing: Commercial refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, and cold storage solutions crucial for food quality and safety, especially important for seasonal businesses.
  • 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.
• Lodging & Guest Services:
  • Linens & Laundry Services: High-quality linens, towels, and specialized laundry solutions for hotels, resorts, and B&Bs.
  • Amenities & Guest Supplies: Toiletries, in-room coffee, and other items that enhance the guest experience, often with a focus on locally sourced or environmentally friendly products.
  • Property Management Systems (PMS): Software solutions for reservations, check-in/out, billing, and housekeeping, crucial for managing diverse lodging types from resorts to small inns.
  • Furnishings & Fixtures: Options for rooms, lobbies, and common areas, reflecting various styles from classic New England to modern designs.
• Technology & POS Systems:
  • Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Cutting-edge POS hardware and software, mobile ordering solutions, online reservation platforms, and table/room management systems.
  • Online Travel Agency (OTA) Integration & Marketing: Solutions to manage bookings across various platforms and enhance online visibility, crucial for New Hampshire’s tourism-driven economy.
  • Back-of-House Technology: Inventory management software, recipe costing tools, labor scheduling programs, and kitchen display systems (KDS).
• Business Services & Solutions:
  • Food & Beverage Distributors: Major national and regional foodservice distributors showcasing their vast product catalogs and logistical capabilities across New Hampshire.
  • New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA) Resources: Direct access to association representatives for information on advocacy, legal compliance, training programs (like ServSafe), and valuable membership benefits crucial for navigating New Hampshire’s specific business environment.
  • Financial & Insurance Services: Specialized offerings for the hospitality industry, including payment processing, workers’ compensation, and property insurance, with considerations for the state’s unique economic drivers (e.g., seasonal tourism, outdoor activities).
  • Marketing & Tourism Promotion: Website design, social media management, online reputation management, and SEO services, often tailored for promoting the state’s natural beauty, distinct attractions, and local businesses.
  • Staffing & Training: Recruitment services, culinary schools, hospitality management programs, and food safety certification providers, addressing the region’s workforce needs, particularly for seasonal demands.
  • Consulting Services: Experts in menu development, operational efficiency, restaurant/hotel design, and cost control, particularly for New Hampshire’s unique market and regulatory environment.
  • Sustainability Solutions: Exhibitors focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, local sourcing programs, and other environmentally conscious practices increasingly important to New Hampshire consumers and businesses.

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

Live Free and Prosper: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show in Manchester would consistently draw a significant and highly engaged audience of foodservice, lodging, and tourism professionals from across the state, along with a robust presence of exhibitors eager to connect with them. New Hampshire’s hospitality and tourism industry is a vital and growing component of its economy, generating billions in visitor spending and supporting tens of thousands of jobs 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 intensive day, often ranging from 1,500 to 3,000+. This highly targeted audience represents the full spectrum of New Hampshire’s vibrant hospitality and tourism industry, including:
  • Restaurant Owners & Operators: From independent eateries and popular Manchester establishments to fine dining, casual restaurants, and multi-unit chains across New Hampshire, including those in major cities like Nashua and Concord, as well as the bustling Lakes Region, Seacoast, and White Mountain towns.
  • Executive Chefs & Culinary Professionals: Key decision-makers for menu development, sourcing, and kitchen operations, often with a strong interest in local and regional products.
  • Hotel & Lodging Professionals: Including general managers, F&B directors, and purchasing managers from hotels, motels, resorts (like ski resorts and lakeside lodges), B&Bs, and vacation rentals throughout the state, with a strong presence from properties catering to leisure, business, and outdoor adventure tourism.
  • Catering & Event Managers: Professionals from independent catering companies and event venues, especially those involved in New Hampshire’s active event and wedding scene.
  • Bar & Beverage Managers: Seeking new products, equipment, and trends for bars, distilleries, breweries, and wineries, with a keen interest in New Hampshire’s unique craft beverage offerings.
  • Tourism Operators & Attraction Managers: Representatives from ski resorts, state parks, museums, historical sites, tour companies, and other attractions actively looking to enhance visitor experiences.
  • Institutional Foodservice Leaders: From schools, universities, hospitals, and corporate dining facilities. 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 New Hampshire’s own producers and service providers.
• Exhibitor Count: The show floor at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown for a major hospitality expo would be consistently robust, featuring hundreds of exhibiting companies, often ranging from 100 to 200+. These exhibitors would comprise a vital mix of national brands with strong New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire-based companies (e.g., local dairy farms, craft beverage makers, maple producers, specialty food producers).
  • Major Foodservice & Lodging Distributors: Core to these events, showcasing their vast product catalogs and logistical capabilities across New Hampshire.
  • Kitchen & Bar Equipment Manufacturers & Dealers: Showcasing the latest in commercial cooking, refrigeration, and warewashing technology.
  • Technology Providers: Exhibiting cutting-edge POS systems, online booking platforms, property management software, and back-of-house solutions.
  • New Hampshire-Based Producers & Artisans: A significant presence of local farms, ranches, craft beverage makers, specialty food companies, and artisans, keen to connect with New Hampshire buyers and tourism operators.
  • Service Providers: Including financial services, insurance, uniforms, linen services, pest control, and marketing agencies tailored to the hospitality and tourism industry.
  • New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA): 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 New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show a definitive platform for fostering critical business relationships and driving growth within the dynamic and essential hospitality and tourism industry of New Hampshire.

Your Path to Prosperity: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show in Manchester offers an invaluable return on investment for any professional in New Hampshire’s foodservice, lodging, and tourism 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 New Hampshire, like authentic maple products, locally raised meats, 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, ski resort operators, and tourism directors from across New Hampshire. Share challenges, exchange best practices, and build a robust professional network within the vibrant New Hampshire hospitality and tourism community. This is your chance to connect with the people who truly understand the unique New Hampshire 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, lodging, and travel sectors. From advanced kitchen systems to sustainable tourism practices and innovative booking solutions, you’ll find solutions for every aspect of your operation, with a focus on environmentally conscious practices.
• 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 New Hampshire, such as promoting the state’s outdoor adventure tourism, navigating specific state liquor laws, optimizing labor management in a seasonal and rural market, capitalizing on the “Buy Local” movement, promoting authentic New Hampshire cuisine and local sourcing, and understanding new legislative impacts.
• Exclusive Show-Only Deals: Many exhibitors leverage the Show 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 New Hampshire-sourced products, providing both inspiration and practical application for your kitchen, bar, or unique guest experiences.
• 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 remote locations, adapting to unique visitor preferences (e.g., skiers, hikers, lake visitors), or implementing new technologies for improved guest satisfaction.
• Connect with the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA): Directly engage with the state’s leading industry association. Learn about their advocacy efforts on behalf of hospitality and tourism businesses, educational programs (like ServSafe certifications and ProStart initiatives), and valuable resources that can help your business navigate regulations, access support, and stay informed on legislative changes impacting the New Hampshire market.
• Experience Manchester’s Urban Charm: The Show provides a perfect opportunity to combine essential business with a chance to explore Manchester’s dynamic culinary scene, its important cultural attractions (like the Currier Museum of Art), its thriving arts and entertainment community, and its genuine New England hospitality.

For any hospitality or tourism professional in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant 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 truly “Live Free or Die” market.

Your Manchester Welcome: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Manchester, as New Hampshire’s largest city and a major convention hub, offers a variety of excellent hotel options conveniently located near the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, 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 DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown:

• On-Site / Closest Walking Distance:
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown: The likely venue itself, offering maximum convenience. Booking a room here puts you steps away from the Show floor and often includes amenities like a restaurant, bar, and pool.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown: Located nearby, overlooking the baseball stadium, this hotel is a short walk from the DoubleTree and offers comfortable accommodations with its own restaurant and amenities.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Manchester Downtown: An all-suite, extended-stay hotel also conveniently located downtown, offering full kitchens and a complimentary breakfast, ideal for longer visits and a short walk to the venue.
  • Tru by Hilton Manchester Downtown: A stylish and contemporary option in downtown Manchester, offering modern comforts and a great location within easy walking distance.
• Within a Short Drive (Downtown / Airport Area):
  • Hampton Inn Manchester Downtown: Located on the banks of the Merrimack River in the historic Millyard District, a short drive from the DoubleTree, offering complimentary breakfast.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Manchester/Airport: Located closer to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, but still a short drive to downtown and the Expo, offering spacious suites with kitchens.
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manchester-Airport: Provides a comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast, conveniently located for airport access and a short drive to downtown.

Booking Advice:

• Prioritize Proximity: If staying at the DoubleTree is an option, it offers the ultimate convenience. Otherwise, hotels directly in downtown Manchester provide excellent walkability and easy access.
• Book Early: Manchester is a popular destination for both business and leisure. Hotels, particularly those closest to the DoubleTree, can fill up quickly and rates can fluctuate significantly, especially during major events. Booking your accommodation several weeks or even months in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred option and rate.
• Consider Transportation: Downtown Manchester is highly walkable. Public transit and ride-sharing services are also readily available. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is also very convenient, typically a 10-15 minute drive from downtown.
• Look for Official Blocks: The event organizers (the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association) often offer special room blocks or discounted rates at partner hotels for Show attendees. Always check their official website for any specific hotel recommendations or booking links.

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

Ignite Your New Hampshire Hospitality: Plan Your Visit to the Show!

The New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Show is more than just an event; it’s the annual convergence of innovation, tradition, and community that defines New Hampshire’s thriving hospitality and tourism industry. It’s where the state’s independent spirit meets culinary excellence and outdoor adventure, where crucial connections are forged over shared passions for exceptional quality and service, and where the next unforgettable experience 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, tourism attraction, or any hospitality-related operation across the magnificent Granite 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 New Hampshire’s food and hospitality scene truly exceptional.

To learn more about upcoming events from the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association, including their annual Show and other industry gatherings, and to find registration details, please visit their official website:

nhlra.com