CHICAGO — The National Restaurant Association Show, which brings together restaurant and hospitality buyers and equipment manufacturers, is now accepting applications for the 2023 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards.
The awards program annually recognizes the year’s most forward-thinking and cutting-edge kitchen equipment and product innovations that improve foodservice operations. KI awardees are given the opportunity to feature their award-winning equipment and products in a high-profile, dedicated showroom, providing extra industry and media exposure.
The show is May 20-23, 2023, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 7, 2022. To qualify, all equipment innovations must have been introduced within 24 months prior to the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show. Application information is available online.
“For 18 years, the Kitchen Innovations Awards program has recognized new and enhanced technologies that elevate automation, efficiency, safety and sustainability within the foodservice industry,” said Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions, a unit Chicago-based Winsight LLC, parent of CSP. “The 2023 show will mark the newest wave of foodservice innovation as the show continues to lead the way in groundbreaking technology and equipment developments that help solve for challenges including workforce shortages, labor costs and overall operational efficiency.
“This year, we look forward to seeing all the new innovations in the KI Showroom, which is highly regarded as one of the must-see features on the show floor,” he added.
Additional award benefits:
- Recognition in a press release with media and social media coverage leading up to, during and after the show.
- Promotion to show attendees through the show’s website, emails, social media and online planner/mobile app.
- Crystal award and portable standing banner promoting the innovation.
- Turnkey exhibit space in the KI Showroom. Booth space includes installation and dismantling of a booth structure, carpet and utilities (electricity and plumbing) needed to demonstrate the innovation.
- Material handling for the innovation to and from show booth to the KI booth.
- Limited food storage, including frozen and refrigerated storage.
- Five additional exhibitor badges.
- Lead retrieval scanner for lead capture use in the KI booth.
- Use of the 2023 Kitchen Innovations logo with innovation promotions for the life of the product.
“I couldn’t do enough marketing to receive the benefit I get from exhibiting at the National Restaurant Association Show,” said Sally Ray, director of marketing for Hoshizaki and a 2022 Kitchen Innovation Awardee. “We have the best conversations with customers, we show our equipment and we see so many new people.”
The KI Award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of judges comprised of industry leaders and internationally recognized food facility consultants, multi-unit executives and design experts. The 2023 KI judges are:
- Dan Bendall, principal, FoodStrategy Inc.
- Lenny Condenzio, CEO, Ricca Design Studios
- Richard Eisenbarth, FCSI, president, emeritus, Cini-Little International
- Foster F. Frable, Jr., FCSI, associate AIA, founding partner, Clevenger Frable LaVallee
- Cha Nye Farley, vice president of construction and facilities, Smashburger
- Randy Homer, program manager, food and beverage experience development, Disneyland Resort
- Frank Inoa, vice president, design and engineering innovation, Inspire Brands
- Jim Krueger Jr., CMCE, NRAMF, chief, Air Force and U.S. Space Force food and beverage, Air Force Services Center
- Jim Thorpe, senior foodservice designer, Aramark
The National Restaurant Association Show, Hotel-Motel Show is owned and operated by Winsight LLC in partnership with the National Restaurant Association.
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