The Concession & Hospitality Expo
Join the top food and beverage leaders at THE International Concessions and Hospitality Marketplace.
The 2019 Concession & Hospitality Expo was held in Chicago on July 30- August 2 at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel and celebrated our 75th Anniversary year! The 2020 edition will be at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista on July 28-31, 2020. Visit often for information on an evolving Agenda, Sponsorships and Trade Show.
Links to Photos from 2019 Expo.
2019 NAC Expo Board and Annual Meetings Album
2019 NAC Expo General Sessions Album
2019 NAC Expo Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction Album
2019 NAC Expo Social Events Album
2019 NAC Expo Trade Show and Kindness Initiative Album
2019 NAC Expo Venue Tours Album
About
The National Association of Concessionaires will bring together the top food and beverage concession leaders in the recreation and leisure-time industry at The Concession & Hospitality Expo. The Expo committee is planning terrific educational sessions, great social functions and exciting events. Check back often as the 2019 program comes together.
Formerly known as the NAC Annual Convention & Trade Show, the event is an educational conference in its 37th year covering a wide range of concessions and foodservice topics. The business sessions are practical and focused on the concessions industry, and provide interaction between all types of operations. In addition, exciting social functions allow for attendees to network in a less formal setting. Your full convention registration fee includes all educational sessions, food functions, social events, venue tours and the trade show.
As part of the Expo, NAC will host its own trade show specifically for the recreation and leisure-time foodservice industry. The trade show will feature companies that provide products and services to all types of recreation, leisure-time and public assembly facilities. For more information on the trade show and how you can participate, click on the Trade Show tab on this page.
Make plans now to attend the 2019 Expo in Chicago.
| Date | Event | Room | Session Materials | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, July 29 | ||||
| All Day | NAC Registration | Imperial Office | ||
| 9:00 PM | NAC Late Night Lounge | Fairmont Suite - Room 3712 | ||
| Tuesday, July 30 | ||||
| All Day | NAC Registration | Imperial Foyer | ||
| 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Continental Breakfast | Imperial Foyer | ||
| 9:30 AM-10:45 AM | Education Committee | Regal | ||
| 9:30 AM-10:45 AM | Communication Committee | Regent | ||
| 9:30 AM-10:45 AM | Membership Marketing Committee | Royal | ||
| 10:45AM - 12:00 Noon | Government Relations Committee | Regal | ||
| 10:45AM - 12:00 Noon | Outreach Committee | Regent | ||
| 10:45AM - 12:00 Noon | Future Leaders Committee | Royal | ||
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | NAC BOD Committee Buffet Lunch | Millennium Restaurant - Lobby Level | ||
| 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Executive Committee | Royal | ||
| 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM | NAC BOD Meeting | Regent | ||
| 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Opening Night Reception & Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction | Rouge | ||
| 9:00 PM - Midnight | NAC Late Night Lounge | Fairmont Suite - Room 3712 | ||
| Wednesday, July 31 | ||||
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Fun Run/Walk | Gather in Lobby | ||
| 8:00:00 AM | Continental breakfast | Rouge | ||
| 9:00 – 10:30 AM | Keynote Address – The Future of Cinema: The Changing and Diverse Audience | Rouge | Download Slides | Richard Roeper and Rolando Rodriguez of Marcus Theatres |
| 10:30 AM - 11:15 PM | General Session - The Growing Hospitality Marketplace | Rouge | Download Slides | Jerry Jacobs, Jr. of Delaware North |
| 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Wrigley Field Tour and Lunch | Gather B2 Autolobby | ||
| 2:30 - 5:00 PM | NAC Expo Trade Show | Imperial Ballroom | ||
| 4:00 PM -5:00 PM | Mickey Warner Reception on Trade Show Floor | Imperial Ballroom | ||
| 7:00 – 10:00 PM | Wednesday Evening Event- NAC 75th Anniversary Celebration - Crystal Gardens of Navy Pier | Gather B2 Autolobby | Great food and beverage, great friends and conversation, great music and even a fireworks display will make this evening one to remember. | |
| 10:00 PM - Midnight | NAC Late Night Lounge | Fairmont Suite - Room 3712 | ||
| Thursday, August 1 | ||||
| 8:00 - 8:45 AM | Breakfast Presentation: – Cinema Research Update | Rouge | Dr. Radesh Palakurthi – University of Memphis | |
| 9:00 – 10:15 AM | General Session - Trends and Changes in Concession & Hospitality | Rouge | Download Green Slides Download Dominguez Slides | Justin Green of Levy – Fiserv Forum and Michael Dominguez of MGM Resorts International |
| 10:15 AM - 10:30AM | Networking Break | Rouge | ||
| 10:30 AM - 12:15 AM | General Session - Shop Talks, A series of 15 minute sessions. | Rouge | Download Slides | Andrew Cretors, Charlie Cretors, Tony Liberto, Michael Rosenberg, Bruce Taffet, Gina Di Santo – 75 Years of Concession Leadership (30 min.) Wynn Salisch - It’s a Hacker’s World: Protecting Your Data in 2019 Daniel Loria, Box Office – The Changing World of Cinema Joel Rice, Fisher Phillips – Trends in Labor Law and Practices Chris Johnson - How to Run a Successful Family Business Tony Suma , Compass – Evolving Food Service Practices in Sports Venues |
| 12:30 - 1:45 PM | NAC Luncheon and Annual Membership Meeting | Mid-American Club 80th Floor of AON Building | Mid America Club 80th Floor of Aon Building | |
| 2:00 – 4:00 PM | NAC Expo Trade Show | Imperial Ballroom | ||
| 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Thursday Evening Event - Buddy Guy’s Legends and City Tour | Gather B2 Autolobby | ||
| 9:00 PM - Midnight | NAC Late Night Lounge | Fairmont Suite - Room 3712 | ||
| Friday, August 2 | ||||
| 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM | Breakfast On-the-Go for Venue Tours | Imperial Foyer | ||
| 7:45 AM | Depart Fairmont for Venue Tours and Transportation to Airport | Gather B2 Autolobby | ||
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | AMC Block 37 Dine In Theatre Tour | |||
| 9:30 - 10:15 AM | Guaranteed Rate Field | |||
| 11:00 - 12:00 PM | United Center Tour | |||
| 1:00 - 2:30 PM | C. Cretors & Company Tour and Lunch | |||
| 3:00 PM | Airport Drop-off (O'Hare only) | |||
| 4:30 PM | Arrive back at Fairmont | |||
Check back often for additions and updates for the 2019 NAC Expo.
Wednesday, July 31
Keynote Address – The Future of Cinema: The Changing and Diverse Audience
Richard Roeper
Roeper; Chicago Sun-Times movie critic and author of 7 books on culture, theatre and even his love of baseball; will discuss his lengthy career as a movie critic, tv and radio host, his perspective on modern and classic movies and his experiences in the movie theatre. He will also interview Marcus Theatre’s President & CEO Rolando Rodriguez during the address.
Roeper worked closely in the 90’s and into the 2000’s with movie critic icons Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert on their syndicated tv shows and replaced them both after their deaths. He has also appeared on Reelz, Starz and numerous network and cable shows featuring movies.
Rolando Rodriguez
General Session – The Growing Hospitality Marketplace
Jerry Jacobs, Jr., Co-Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North will address the attendees of the 2019 NAC Concession & Hospitality Expo on Wednesday, July 31 at 10:30 AM during a general session at the Fairmont Chicago. The Expo is scheduled for July 30 through August 2, 2019.
Jacobs, a graduate of Georgetown and The Wharton School provides stewardship to the more than 100 year old Delaware North and its operating subsidiaries, which include industry leaders in food and retail operations at airports and sports venues, sports facility ownership and management, operation of parks and major tourist attractions, hotel ownership and management, and gaming operations.
Jerry Jacobs, Jr
Thursday, August 1
Breakfast Presentation – Cinema Research Update
Dr. Radesh Palakurthi and Larry Etter – University of Memphis updates research presented during CinemaCon 2019.
General Session – Trends and Changes in Concession & Hospitality
Justin Green, Vice President of Hospitality at Levy and the brand new Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee will discuss the magnificent new Milwaukee Buck’s arena – Fiserv Forum and the revolutionary aspects of the facility, the evolutionary importance to the Milwaukee downtown community and the remarkable food and beverage offerings. As Levy’s operational leader at the venue and a member of the Bucks’ executive committee, Justin led
Justin Green
Michael Dominguez, The current CEO & President of ALHI (Associated Luxury Hotels International). Formerly Senior Vice-President and Chief Sales Officer for MGM Resorts International where he was responsible for the global sales of 42,000 hotel rooms, 3 Million square feet of meeting space and all sales efforts in both group sales and leisure sales. MGM Resorts is the largest Casino hotel company in the world. Michael is currently Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Former Chair of Meeting Planners International. Dominguez will join Green to address: The Changes and Trends in Concessions and Hospitality.
Michael Dominguez
Shop Talk – A series of 15 minute sessions
Andrew Cretors, Charlie Cretors, Tony Liberto, Michael Rosenberg, Bruce Taffet, Gina Di Santo – 75 Years of Concession Leadership (30 min.)
Wynn Salisch – It’s a Hacker’s World: Protecting Your Data in 2019
Daniel Loria, Box Office – The Changing World of Cinema
Joel Rice, Fisher Phillips – Trends in Labor Law and Practices
Chris Johnson – How to Run a Successful Family Business
Tony Suma , Compass – Evolving Food Service Practices in Sports Venues
Tuesday, July 30
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Opening Night Reception & Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction
Wednesday, July 31
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Wrigley Field Tour and Lunch
A trip to Chicago during our 75th Anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a tour of Wrigley Field – the home of the Chicago Cubs. The tour will take place on Wednesday, July 31 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM during the 2019 NAC Concession & Hospitality Expo.
Lunch will also be served at this once in a lifetime experience.
7:00 – 10:00 PM
NAC 75th Anniversary Celebration
The National Association of Concessionaires was founded in Chicago in 1944 and 75 years later NAC returns to celebrate its Diamond Anniversary where it all began at the Crystal Gardens of Navy Pier. Great food and beverage, great friends and conversation, great music and even a fireworks display will make this evening one to remember.
Thursday, August 1
6:00 PM
Buddy Guy’s Legends and City Tour
Buddy Guy’s Legends -the premiere blues club in the world will host an evening of great music, food, drink and community. Since its opening in June of ’89, Buddy Guy’s Legends has built a reputation as the premiere blues club in the world. Backed by Mr. Guy’s personal reputation as the crowned king of Chicago’s electric blues scene and his 50+ years in the music business, Legends is distinguished for its innovative scheduling of local, national, and international blues acts.
Friday, August 2
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue Tours
The AMC Block 37 Dine In Theatres on State Street in downtown Chicago features all the latest cinema technology and spectacular food and beverage choices on this exclusive Venue Tour. “At AMC DINE-IN, we’ve upped the movie going experience by bringing you the best of both worlds – a restaurant and movie theatre rolled into one. Enjoy handcrafted food and drinks with premium sight, sound and seating. Forget about restaurant reservations. Simply order your movie tickets, sit back and enjoy” – AMC DINE-IN Block 37.
Guaranteed Rate Field is a baseball park located in Chicago, Illinois, that serves as the home ballpark for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball. The facility is owned by the state of Illinois through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, and is operated by the White Sox. The park opened for the 1991 season, after the White Sox had spent 81 years at the original Comiskey Park. It also opened with the name Comiskey Park but was renamed U.S. Cellular Field in 2003 after U.S. Cellular bought the naming rights at $68 million over 20 years.[8] The current name was announced on October 31, 2016, after Guaranteed Rate, a private residential mortgage company located in Chicago, purchased the naming rights to the ballpark in a 13-year deal.
The United Center, home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, is the largest arena in the United States. Construction was begun in April of 1992, with the ribbon cutting ceremony being held on August 18, 1994. Since opening, the United Center has hosted over 200 events each year. Some of the events the United Center has been proud to host include the 1996 Democratic National Convention, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Paul McCartney, U2, The Who, The 3 Tenors, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Great Eight Classic, Illinois College Basketball, and Champions on Ice. The United Center has hosted over forty million guests since its opening in 1994.
The last stop on the tour will be at C. Cretors & Company for a tour and Lunch. Long considered the cornerstone in the industry, C. Cretors & Company designs and manufacturers equipment that provides solutions. The Foodservice Equipment division, established in 1885, introduced the first patented steam driven popcorn machine that popped corn in oil. The Foodservice Equipment Division has expanded to include cotton candy, warmers, dispensing systems and other specialty equipment. A wide selection of caramel and savory coated popcorn and roasting equipment has been developed and is quickly expanding into gourmet retail popcorn shops and other specialty food outlets. The Food Processing Systems division, established in 1967, patented and introduced a continuous production line featuring a hot air fluidized bed oven for high-volume popcorn production. The production line has been adapted to produce other snack foods, cereals, and specialty products.
Airport drop off (O’Hare Only) is estimated to be at 3:30 PM with buses returning to the Fairmont at 4:30 PM.
Trade Show
EXHIBITORS KIT NOW AVAILABLE HERE!
The 2019 Trade Show will be held on Wednesday, July 31 (2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and Thursday, August 1 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel and is open to full and tabletop displays.
All OF OUR AVAILABLE TRADE SHOW BOOTHS ARE NOW TAKEN, WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE BOOTH RESERVATIONS AND PLACE ON A WAITING LIST. WE ENCOURAGE ALL BUYERS TO REGISTER AND ATTEND TO EXPERIENCE THIS INCREDIBLE COLLECTION OF VENDORS.
Check the graphic below for available booths. You can contact Dan Borschke at the NAC office, 312.236.3858, or email dborschke@NAConline.org to reserve your booth
OR
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BOOTH RESERVATION FORM.
Trade Show Hours
Wednesday, July 31 (2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Thursday, August 1 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
The trade show will feature products and services such as:
soft drinks • beer • iced tea • nachos • menu boards • pizza • hot dogs • soft pretzels • peanuts • pressure fryers • cotton candy • sno kones • frozen yogurt • ice cream • churros • egg rolls • condiment dispensers • mobile food carts • food warmers • holding ovens • candy • grills • BBQ• popcorn poppers • concession stands • containers & trays • architectural planning & concession design• souvenir cups/mugs • beverage dispensers • paper products • popcorn toppings & oils • point-of-sale equipment and MORE!
Don’t miss the chance to put your company in front of the leading buyers in the industry!
HOTEL
The 2019 Expo will take place at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel.
Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel
200 North Columbus Drive
Chicago, Illinois, 60601
312-565-8000
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM FOR THE 2019 NAC EXPO IN CHICAGO!
The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park has sophisticated after a multi-million dollar refresh of its 687 guestrooms and suites. Anchored by 400+ acres of protected park space in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Hotel enjoys pristine views of Lake Michigan, Millennium and Grant Parks and the famous Chicago Skyline.
687 Guestrooms and Suites – Including our hypoallergenic, allergy-friendly Fairmont PURE rooms, our guestrooms feature stunning views of Grant, Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks as well as Lake Michigan and the legendary Chicago skyline.
Columbus Tap – A quintessential Windy City tap house experience and a fresh Midwest-focused menu that flirts with seasonal and regional ingredients, created to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s unique and extensive beer selection.
Millennium Room – Indulge in traditional buffet breakfast items or enjoy the classics from our a la carte menu.
THE BAR – Smooth and sophisticated. Located in the lobby, THE BAR is the perfect gathering place for a cocktail or an after dinner drink.
mySpa – an urban sanctuary featuring 8 treatment rooms designed to inspire the perfect balance of mind, body and soul.
Fitness Studio – Available 24 hours daily and features state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, circuit training and free weights by Technogym and Precor.
Unsolicited Chicago Room Phone Call Scam
NAC members and exhibitors may receive unsolicited phone calls from companies stating that they can provide you cheaper rooms than we can in Chicago for The Concession & Hospitality Expo. Please be aware that these individuals and companies are known to scam clients by getting credit card numbers and pertinent information that can be used in nefarious ways. You are receiving the most affordable rate at Fairmont Chicago Hotel while also supporting your association at NAC. DO NOT PROVIDE THESE CALLERS ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION AND PLEASE REPORT THEM TO US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE THEM A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER ASAP.
2019 Expo Sponsors
Platinum:
Coca-Cola
Creative Realities
Ferrara Candy Company
Fuze Viewer
Gold:
C. Cretors and Company
Gold Medal Products
Hershey
Load King
Mars Wrigley Confectionery
PepsiCo
Ricos Products Company
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor
Vistar
Weaver Popcorn
Silver:
ConAgra Foodservice
Kernel Season’s
Oak Ridge Financial
Packaging Concepts, Inc.
The Promotion In Motion Companies, Inc.
ReactorNet
Royal Corporation
Bronze:
American Licorice
Cinema Scene/Vision Media
Dynamic Drinkware
Gehl Foods
Great Western Products
Home Market Foods/Eisenberg
Mennel Popcorn
Odell’s
Preferred Popcorn
RCM Media, Inc.
Scribner & Associates
Ventura Foods
Wetzel’s Pretzels
White Castle
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are now available for the 2019 Expo!
The Concession & Hospitality Expo provides your company with opportunities to put your products, services and brand in front of buyers for all types of recreation and leisure-time food and beverage operations. Sponsorships are available at every level and extend well past the convention itself, and benefits for each level are detailed below. Many of our sponsors also choose to extend their opportunities by registering for the full NAC convention, allowing them access to buyers at all educational sessions and social functions.
For more information on how to become a sponsor contact Dan Borschke at the NAC office, 312.236.3858, dborschke@NAConline.org.
OR
On-line Sponsorship Registration
DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP RESERVATION FORM HERE
Sponsorship Benefits
Platinum Level ($10,000 and above)
-Logo recognition and major prominence on every Expo page on the NAC web site throughout the year.
-Recognition in all pre-Expo marketing, both in print and via email.
-Complimentary 8×10 trade show booth valued at $1,500.
-Complimentary Full EXPO Registration valued at $595.
-Complimentary Full Page Ad in Expo Program valued at $350.
-Company name and logo noted in Expo program.
-Recognition in pre- and post-Expo press releases.
-Signage at event.
-Thank you announcement and invitation to address attendees at event.
-Invitation for two to invitation-only board/ sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 29th.
-Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, August 1st.
Gold Level ($5,000 to $9,999)
-Logo recognition and major prominence on every Expo page on the NAC web site throughout the year.
-Recognition in all pre-Expo marketing, both in print and via email.
-Complimentary Full Page Ad in Expo Program valued at $350.
-Company name and logo noted in Expo program.
-Recognition in pre- and post-Expo press releases.
-Invitation for two to invitation-only board/ sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 29th.
-Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, August 1st.
Silver Level ($2,500 to $4,999)
-Logo recognition and major prominence on every Expo page on the NAC web site throughout the year.
-Recognition in all pre-Expo marketing, both in print and via email.
-Company name and logo noted in Expo program.
-Recognition in pre- and post-Expo press releases.
-Signage at event.
-Invitation for two to invitation-only board/ sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 29th.
Bronze Level ($1,000 to $2,499)
-Recognition in all pre-Expo marketing, both in print and via email.
-Company name and logo noted in Expo program.
-Recognition in pre- and post-Expo press releases.
-Signage at event.
Contributing Sponsors (under $1,000)
-Recognition as a educational session prize sponsor in signage.
-Recognition in program as an educational session prize program sponsor.
-Recognition in post-convention materials.
