Chicago is one of America’s top cities for food, restaurants, and culinary innovation. It hosts some of the biggest cooking trade shows every year. These events attract chefs, restaurant owners, suppliers, and food lovers from around the world.
If you want to grow your culinary business, find new trends, or simply stay updated, these shows are worth attending. Below, you’ll find the best cooking trade events in Chicago, what they offer, where they happen, and why you should be there.
1. The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of Illinois
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago
When: Every March
Cost: Usually starts at $20 for professionals
Nearby Stays: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Marriott Marquis, and Hilton Chicago
Highlights:
- One of the largest Midwest shows for foodservice
- See new kitchen tools and restaurant products
- Live cooking demos by top chefs
- Seminars on growing your restaurant business
Benefits:
- Meet suppliers and make new contacts
- Discover the latest food trends
- Learn ways to make your business more successful
- Hands-on demos you can try in your kitchen
2. Chicago Gourmet
Venue: Millennium Park & Downtown Chicago
When: September every year
Cost: From $50 for single events, full passes $250+
Nearby Stays: The Langham, The Peninsula, and The Gwen
Highlights:
- Chicago’s biggest food and wine festival
- Top chefs cooking live
- Tastings of unique dishes and rare wines
- Small classes to learn new recipes
Benefits:
- See and taste what’s trending in fine dining
- Talk to chefs and local food makers
- Discover new flavours to use in your restaurant or kitchen
- Relax and enjoy Chicago’s amazing food scene
3. SIAL America
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago
When: Every two years, usually in May
Cost: Starts at $30 for trade visitors
Nearby Stays: Sheraton Grand Chicago, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
Highlights:
- Global food innovation show
- New products from around the world
- Talks on the future of food
- Great for suppliers and food distributors
Benefits:
- Find products not yet on local shelves
- Meet global producers and build connections
- Learn about food trends like sustainability and healthy foods
- Stay ahead in the global food market
4. National Restaurant Association Show
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago
When: Every May year
Cost: Starts at $40 if you register early
Nearby Stays: Hilton Chicago, Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Omni Chicago Hotel
Highlights:
- One of the world’s biggest restaurant and hospitality shows
- Hundreds of exhibitors with the newest kitchen tech
- Competitions and live demos by celebrity chefs
- Keynote talks on how to grow your business
Benefits:
- Huge networking opportunities
- Learn how to make your restaurant more efficient
- See the future of kitchen equipment and foodservice
- Take ideas back to improve your menu and operations
Why You Should Attend
If you work in the food or restaurant business, these shows are a must. Here’s why:
Stay Updated — Learn about new trends, tools, and recipes before they hit the market.
Meet People — Talk with suppliers, chefs, and restaurant owners. Make connections that help your business grow.
Try Before You Buy — Test new products and taste samples before you commit.
Grow Skills — Attend workshops and classes to improve your cooking and management skills.
Get Inspired — Bring back new ideas to wow your customers.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan Ahead: Look at the event schedule and pick the sessions that interest you most.
Bring Cards: Networking is key, so bring business cards.
Wear Comfy Shoes: You’ll walk a lot — these venues are huge.
Book Early: Hotels near McCormick Place fill up fast. Reserve early for better deals.
Enjoy Chicago: Try local restaurants while you’re here — Chicago is a top food city!
Where to Stay
Staying close to the venue makes your visit easy. Here are popular options:
- Luxury: The Langham Chicago, The Peninsula Chicago
- Mid-range: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Hilton Chicago
- Budget: Holiday Inn Chicago Downtown, Best Western River North Hotel
No matter your budget, you’ll find good hotels within a short drive or walk to the main event centres.
Make the Most of Chicago’s Cooking Shows
Attending a cooking trade event in Chicago is more than just a work trip — it’s a chance to get inspired, meet new people, and stay ahead in the culinary world. From new kitchen gear to unique ingredients, you’ll return home with fresh ideas and contacts that can help your business thrive.
So, mark your calendar, pack your bag, and get ready to explore what’s cooking in Chicago this year.