April 30, 2025

Rising Tides Live: Planning for the National Restaurant Show

49 minutes

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the group dives into how to maximize the experience of attending the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Whether it’s your first time walking the floor, your tenth time exhibiting, or your chance to finally meet longtime digital connections in real life, this event is packed with opportunities. More than just a massive trade show, NRA is a place to build relationships, discover innovations, and strengthen your brand presence. From setting up booth meetings to joining Rising Tides community meetups and documenting your journey through social media, this episode is full of tips from leaders who are learning how to make the most of every conversation, every connection, and every step of the show floor.

Interview Takeaways:

Plan With Purpose – The NRA Show is massive! Successful attendees build a flexible plan before arriving, identifying must-see booths, events, and people they want to meet, while leaving room for organic discovery.

Treat Every Interaction Like It Matters – From shuttle rides to coffee lines, every encounter is a chance to build a relationship. Leading with curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to connect can open unexpected doors.

Document and Share the Journey – Smartphone storytelling is key. Capturing photos, videos, and quick reflections each day not only preserves your experience, but also amplifies your presence and impact far beyond the show floor.

Episode Links:

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/

Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/

Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

National Restaurant Show: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/

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