The Concession & Hospitality Expo

The 2019 Concession & Hospitality Expo will be held in Chicago on July 30- August 2 at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park Hotel during our 75th Anniversary year! Visit often for information on an evolving Agenda, Sponsorships and Trade Show. Registration will open in late 2018.

To review the 2018 Concession & Hospitality Expo CLICK HERE.

Links to Photos from 2018 Expo.

2018 Expo Membership & Board Meetings Album
2018 NAC Expo Social Events Album
2018 NAC Expo General Sessions Album
2018 NAC Expo Certification Classes Album
2018 NAC Expo – Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction Album
2018 NAC Expo Venue Tours Album
2018 NAC Expo Trade Show Album
2018 NAC Expo Bike Build 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.

This is an example of the Educational Sessions for the 2018 Expo. Check back often as the 2019 Expo Evolves.

Wednesday, August 8

9:00 – 10:15 AM

NAC 2018 EXPO Keynote Address- Our Disrupted Concession & Hospitality Industry

featuring:
Chris Bigelow – The Bigelow Company
Steve Cahoon – Centerplate
Denise de Zutter – AMC Theatres
Bruce Irving -Smart Pizza Marketing
Daniel Loria – Box Office
Shelly Olesen – C. Cretors & Company
Krista Schulte – The Coca-Cola Company
Ken Whiting – Whiting’s Food Concessions

Thursday, August 9

9:00 – 10:00 AM

The Arena –  Author Rafi Kohan

Author Rafi Kohan has written a humorous and entertaining book about where our sports teams play and why we can’t get enough of them. Enjoy his new book and start thinking about questions you might want to ask him when he addresses the 2018 NAC Concession & Hospitality EXPO in New Orleans on Thursday, August 9 at 9:00 AM. Kohan is the author of The Arena: Inside the Tailgating, Ticket-Scalping, Mascot-Racing, Dubiously Funded, and Possibly Haunted Monuments of American Sport. He has written for GQ, Men’s Journal, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, L.A. Times, Rolling Stone, Town & Country, and more. Formerly, he served as deputy editor at New York Observer. Currently, he works at The Atlantic as the head of editorial for Re:think, the magazine’s branded content studio.

10:30 – 12:30 PM  

Shop Talk – (10 Minute Presentations followed by brief discussion on topic)

1) Food Marketing – Bruce Irving
2) Government Relations Update – Gina Di Santo, NAC; Belinda Judson, NATO.
3) Cinema/Sports & Entertainment Analytics- Survey Me
4) Millennial Marketing – Jacquilyn Davis, Justin Kovitz and Fuze Viewer.
5) Trends in Labor Law – Scott Fanning, Fisher & Phillips
6) Selecting a Movie Theater: What is Important to a Movie-goer – Dr. Radesh Palakurthi, University of Memphis

4:00 – 5:00 PM

A Taste of Bourbon

Tim Knittel is a former Kentucky bourbon industry insider with over 10 years experience in bourbon education and event design. He is also a certified Stave & Thief Society Executive Bourbon Steward (often compared to a Bourbon Sommelier) which is the highest classification available for a professional bourbon educator. Sample and educate your palette with Tim and your NAC EXPO friends.

Friday, August 10

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Presentation – Stories That Will Keep You Up At Night.

Panel discussion to feature Brian McMillin, ECM, The Lexington Center Corporation; Dave Guepfer, La Crosse Center and Jon Muscalo, Legends Hospitality Management.

Tuesday, August 7

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Opening Night Reception & Joe Chabot Memorial Silent Auction

Wednesday, August 8

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Brunch @ The Movies – Cinebarre Canal Place 9

In conjunction with Regal Entertainment the Wednesday morning brunch and screening will take place at the Cinebarre Canal Place 9 just 2 blocks from the the host property for the NAC EXPO. This new EXPO feature will highlight new food and beverage offerings at the cinema as well as an exciting movie screening.

CRAZY RICH ASIANS – NAC is proud to present the internationally acclaimed Warner Bros. production of the bestselling book Crazy Rich Asians a week prior to its US debut. Filmed entirely in Shanghai and Malaysia.Thanks to the support of Regal Entertainment and concession promotion items from RCM Media and Cinema Scene/ Vision Media we look forward to an exciting networking event at the NAC EXPO. FULL EXPO Registration is necessary to attend this event.

6:00 PM

National World War II Museum Tour and Dinner

Ranked by TripAdvisor as the #1 Attraction in New Orleans, named by USA Today as the #1 Best Place to Learn U.S. Military History, and designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II, The National WWII Museum features a rich collection of artifacts that bring history to life. Discover the most impactful event of the 20th century and the legacy of the greatest generation in thought-provoking exhibits—including our newest exhibit, The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George Brown Salute to the Home Front—and explore the American experience in the war that changed the world. From D-Day galleries to the 4D cinematic experience, Beyond All Boundaries, from the soaring US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center to the groundbreaking Campaigns of Courage, this world-renowned history museum is designed to inspire visitors of all ages in the lessons of World War II and the stories of heroism, tragedy, and liberation.

Thursday, August 9

6:00 PM

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House

The Brennan Family is synonymous with quality and spectacular food and beverages in New Orleans. NAC EXPO attendees will be able to experience a piece of MARDI GRAS at the Bourbon House on the world famous Bourbon Street. Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House is all about local seafood. If it’s not in season, you won’t find it on the menu. Enjoy authentic New Orleans dishes at New Orleans’ premier oyster bar and seafood restaurant. Bourbon House boasts a lively atmosphere with huge picture windows overlooking Bourbon Street. The dining rooms of this famous French Quarter restaurant are indicative of New Orleans’ European heritage, with handcrafted wrought iron and custom millwork.

Friday, August 10

9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Venue Tours

The Orpheum Theatre – The Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans is a beautifully appointed 100 year old masterpiece that was dark for nearly a decade after Katrina. After a $13 million investment, the Orpheum returned to life in August of 2015. The Orpheum’s spacious orchestra, loges, balcony, and gallery offer newly-installed upholstered seats and comfortable accommodation for 1460 guests. The Orpheum easily transforms from an intimate concert venue to corporate meeting and convention space with perfect sight lines from each of its seats. An adjustable orchestra floor and customizable floor seating plan accommodate banquets, weddings, luncheons and receptions.

The New Orleans City Park is more than 1,300 acres of green space; it is an Amusement Park, Botanical Gardens, a Golf Course, a miniature Golf Course,2 Football Stadiums, Sculpture Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Join us for a very special tour of a very special place in the city.

The Mercedes Benz Superdome is established as a premier destination for every type of event, and the grand structure builds on that legacy continually. From the biggest, most elaborate productions that thrill thousands to memorable intimate gatherings, the Superdome adapts and captivates. Located in the heart of the New Orleans Central Business District, the Superdome is among the most enviable venues in the nation. And with a stunning spot on the New Orleans skyline and its iconic design, the Superdome is one of America’s most recognizable landmarks. If you need to get to the airport, we will bus you there too.

Trade Show

The 2019 Trade Show will be held on Wednesday, July 31 (3:30 p.m. – 6:00 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.

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!

Booth #	Company	Booth #	Company	Booth #	Company
100	Gold Medal Products Company	210	UNO Foods	400	Weaver Popcorn
101	The Hershey Company	211	Preferred Popcorn	401
102	Coca-Cola	214	Packaging Concepts, Inc.	402	White Castle
103	Tequesitos USA, LLC	216	Proctor Company	403	Pepsi
104	Hershey Ice Cream	218		404
105		219		405	New Belgium Brewing
106		220		406
107		221		407	Survey Me
108 -110	Ben' Pretzels	222		408
109		223		409	Casablanca Ventures
111	Tyson Foods	300	C. Cretors & Company	410	Emmi Roth Cheese
111		301	Dible Dough, LLC	411	Will Rogers Motion Picture Foundation
114		302	Mars/Wrigley Confectionary	413
115	Ferrara Candy Company	303	Churchill Container	414	Gehl Foods
116		304	Mars Ice Cream	415
117		305	Vivian Company	416
119		306	Nuts.com	417
120		307		418
121		308	Gilchrist Bag Manufacturing	419
123		309	Market Square Foods	420
200	Promotion in Motion Companies	310	Ventura/Odell’s	421
201	Iowa Rotocast Plastics (IRP Inc.)	311	Mennel Popcorn	422
202	Vistar	315	TEZ	423
203	Home Market Foods/Eisenberg	317		500
204	American Licorice	318	Great Western Products	501
205	Ricos Products	319		502
206	Texas Tito’s Inc.	320		503
207	Cawley Company	321		504
208		322		505
209	Tootsie Roll Industries	323		506
				507
				508

Trade Show Hours
Wednesday, July 31 (3:30 p.m. – 6:00 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.

Sponsorships

This is an example of the Sponsorships for the 2018 Expo. Check back often as the 2019 Expo Evolves.

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.

Sponsorship Benefits

Platinum Level ($10,000 and above)
Logo recognition as a platinum sponsor and major prominence on every convention page on the NAC web site throughout the year;
Recognition as a platinum sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a platinum sponsor in pre- and post-convention 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 20;
Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, July 23.

Gold Level ($5,000 to $9,999)
Logo recognition as a gold sponsor and major prominence on every convention page on the NAC web site throughout the year;
Recognition as a gold sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a gold sponsor in pre- and post-convention press releases;
Signage at event;
Invitation for two to invitation-only board/sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 20;
Seated on dais and recognized as major sponsor at NAC Membership Luncheon on Thursday, July 23.

Silver Level ($2,500 to $4,999)
Logo recognition as a silver sponsor and major prominence on every convention page on the NAC web site throughout the year;
Recognition as a silver sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a silver sponsor in pre- and post-convention press releases;
Signage at event;
Invitation for two to invitation-only board/sponsor VIP party on Monday, July 20;

Bronze Level ($1,000 to $2,499)
Recognition as a bronze sponsor on the NAC web site;
Recognition as a silver sponsor in all pre-convention marketing, both in print and via email;
Company name and logo noted in day’s events in program;
Recognition as a bronze sponsor in pre- and post-convention 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.