The National Restaurant Association Show 2027 is scheduled for 22 to 25 May 2027 at McCormick Place in Chicago, United States. Organised by the National Restaurant Association, it is one of the largest food-service events in the US, covering food and beverage products, kitchen equipment, tabletop and design, and restaurant technology.
Indian professionals travelling to attend need a valid US visa. Business visitors apply for a B-1 (business visitor) visa: complete the DS-160, pay the fee and attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. Interview wait times vary, so start early.
The event
About National Restaurant Association Show 2027
The NRA Show is where the US restaurant and food-service industry meets suppliers — food and beverage manufacturers, equipment and smallware makers, technology providers and design companies — alongside a large education programme and product-innovation awards.
For Indian food and ingredient exporters, the show is a route to US food-service buyers, importers and distributors. For Indian equipment and technology companies, it is a way to benchmark against the US market and meet distribution partners.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Confirm the exact halls and daily opening hours on the official National Restaurant Association Show website before booking travel.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Food & beverage products
Ingredients, packaged foods, beverages and specialty ranges for food service.
Kitchen equipment & smallwares
Cooking, refrigeration, warewashing and kitchen technology.
Tabletop & front of house
Tableware, furniture, design and guest-experience products.
Technology & operations
Point-of-sale, ordering, delivery and back-office software.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Meet US food-service buyers, importers and distributors face-to-face, present products and capability, and hold sourcing and distribution conversations that are hard to progress remotely.
The NRA Show also gives Indian food and equipment businesses a first-hand read on the US food-service market — menu trends, packaging, equipment and the technology used across the industry.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official NRA Show website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
US B-1 Business Visitor Visa for National Restaurant Association Show 2027
The United States requires Indian passport holders to hold a valid US visa. Business visitors attending a trade show apply for a B-1 (business visitor) visa: complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and book a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. Interview wait times vary, so start the process well in advance.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa appointment confirmation and fee receipt
- Expo registration or invitation confirmation
- Indian employer’s covering letter stating the purpose of travel
- Company registration and financial documents
- Evidence of ties to India and funds for the trip
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the US authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend the NRA Show from India?+
Indian professionals attending for business apply for a US B-1 (business visitor) visa, unless they already hold a valid US visa that permits business activity.
Can the organiser provide a visa invitation letter?+
The organiser commonly provides an invitation or registration letter to confirmed international attendees and exhibitors. Check the current process on the official National Restaurant Association Show website.
Is the NRA Show open to the general public?+
No. It is a trade-only event for food-service industry professionals.
Does expo registration guarantee visa approval?+
No. Registration and an invitation letter support the application, but the US authorities make the final decision.
How early should I apply?+
As early as possible. B-1 visa interview wait times at US posts in India can be long, so begin the DS-160 process well ahead of the show.
