Young Professionals Scholarship Program

With 60 percent  of the restaurant and foodservice workforce under the age of 35*, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is reinforcing its workforce-development commitment with the return of the Young Professionals Scholarship Program. This initiative supports early-career operators through education access and a curated onsite experience at the 2026 Show, taking place May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Applications are now open and close March 13.

“Building long-term career paths is critical for retention in foodservice,” said Lydia Warco, Director, Sponsorships and Special Projects, Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “By providing a clear path for emerging leaders, the Show is helping develop and retain the next generation of talent.”

The scholarship program returns after its first year, supported by feedback from the 2025 class that highlighted the value of education access and opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders. It is designed to help recipients navigate the Show with a clear plan for education and connections. For 2026, the program also introduces a peer-connection component, inviting previous applicants to serve as informal mentors and points of contact for new recipients.

“Attending the Show as a scholarship recipient gave me a clearer direction and helped me connect with people I would not have met otherwise,” said Casey Rotert, a 2025 scholarship recipient and sous chef at the University of Missouri. “The education access and the curated plan made it easier to focus on what mattered most and bring ideas back to work.”

Scholarship recipients will receive:

• Complimentary upgraded Expo + Education access (valued at $500)
• Complimentary hotel accommodations (up to four nights) within the Show’s room block
• Reserved seating for the keynote session with award-winning tennis player and entrepreneur Andre Agassi (Sunday, May 17, 1 p.m. CST)
• Guided show floor tour
• Curated onsite agenda with suggested sessions, activities and exhibitors to visit

The Young Professionals Scholarship Program is open to eligible applicants ages 21–35 who are employed in foodservice operations, including operators and culinary professionals. Applicants must reside in the United States and be willing and able to travel to Chicago for the 2026 Show. The program is not open to exhibiting companies or non-exhibiting suppliers.

Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CT on Friday, March 13, 2026. The application includes written responses to career-related questions, a written referral from a foodservice colleague and a brief video submission. Recipients will be notified by the end of March. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded.

For more information or to begin the application process, visit the Young Professionals Scholarship Program webpage. Learn more about the National Restaurant Association Show at nationalrestaurantshow.com.