NRA Show 2026 — Complete Attendee Guide
The NRA Show (National Restaurant Association — not firearms) is one of the largest foodservice trade shows in the world, drawing 55,000 restaurant owners, chefs, food and beverage directors, and hospitality professionals. From kitchen equipment and food products to restaurant technology and design, this massive expo covers every aspect of running a restaurant. The show also features live culinary demonstrations, tasting pavilions, and education sessions.
Quick Info
In This Guide
Registration
NRA Show (National Restaurant Association) Badge Pickup — Location & Hours
Badge pickup is at the convention center main registration area. Pre-registered attendees use express kiosks. On-site registration is available but lines are long on Day 1. Registration opens the day before the show starts.
Schedule
NRA Show (National Restaurant Association) Show Floor Hours
Education sessions and culinary demos begin before the show floor opens. The Kitchen Innovation Awards showcase is a highlight. Tuesday is a half day.
Transportation
How to Get to NRA Show (National Restaurant Association)
Parking
The LVCC has large surface lots and a parking garage surrounding the complex. Expect to pay $15–25 per day during major shows. Lots fill up fast — arrive before 9 AM or consider rideshare instead.
Public Transit / Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated Convention Center station with direct service to Strip hotels from MGM Grand to the Sahara. A single ride is $5 and a full-day pass is $13. During peak convention hours the monorail is often faster than driving.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have a designated pickup and dropoff area on Convention Center Drive. Surge pricing is common during morning arrivals and evening departures — stagger your schedule to avoid the rush.
Walking from the Strip
The north end of the Las Vegas Strip is about a 15-minute walk from the LVCC. The monorail makes it easy to reach central and south Strip hotels in under 10 minutes.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat During NRA Show (National Restaurant Association)
- In-N-Out Burger — directly across Paradise Rd, walkable in 3 minutes
- Peppermill Restaurant — classic 24-hour Vegas diner, 10-minute walk south on the Strip
- Resorts World — 10-minute walk north with dozens of restaurants including Carversteak and Genting Palace
- Wynn / Encore — 15-minute walk or one monorail stop with world-class dining
- Westgate Las Vegas — connected via skybridge from the LVCC North Hall
- Convention center food courts — available inside the West Hall and Central Hall during major shows
Insider Tips
NRA Show (National Restaurant Association) Tips for First-Timers
- Come hungry. The NRA Show floor is packed with food and beverage samples from exhibitors around the world.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The show floor is massive and you will be walking all day carrying samples and materials.
- The culinary demonstrations are worth scheduling time for. Celebrity chefs and culinary innovators showcase new techniques and products.
- Bring a cooler bag for perishable food samples if you want to take products back to evaluate.
- Education sessions cover everything from labor management to restaurant technology to menu development. They are practical and actionable.
- Network at the evening events. The restaurant industry is relationship-driven and the NRA Show social events are where deals happen.
After the Show
NRA Show (National Restaurant Association) After Dark — Nightlife & After Parties
Restaurant industry professionals appreciate good food and great nightlife, and Vegas delivers both in abundance. After a day of tasting on the show floor, the Strip's world-class restaurants and nightclubs are the perfect continuation. May weather in Vegas is warm and perfect for rooftop and poolside venues.
XS Nightclub
Nightclub
At Wynn Las Vegas. The outdoor pool area in May weather is incredible. The best nightclub in Vegas for a big group night out.
Marquee Nightclub
Nightclub
At The Cosmopolitan. The multi-level layout and rooftop area are perfect for industry groups who want a stylish evening.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Gentlemen's Club
Free limo from your hotel and no cover on our guest list. Restaurant industry groups fill Sapphire during convention weeks.
Hakkasan
Nightclub
Five floors at MGM Grand. The restaurant-quality Asian dining at Hakkasan restaurant before the club opens is the perfect combo for foodies.
NRA Show (National Restaurant Association) — FAQ
Where is the NRA Show 2026?
The National Restaurant Association Show 2026 is at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
What are the NRA Show 2026 dates?
The NRA Show runs Saturday, May 16 through Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Is this the National Restaurant Association or the National Rifle Association?
This is the National Restaurant Association Show — the foodservice industry trade event. It has no relation to the National Rifle Association.
Is the NRA Show open to the public?
The NRA Show is a trade event for qualified food and beverage industry professionals.
What should I wear?
Business casual. This is the food industry — professional but not stuffy. Comfortable shoes are essential.
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All Hotels
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Free Guest List for NRA Show (National Restaurant Association) Attendees
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + complimentary limo from your hotel during NRA Show (National Restaurant Association)