2026 SHFM National Conference

2026 SHFM National Conference
SAVE-THE-DATE!
October 6-8, 2026 | Chicago
Get ready to experience Chicago at its most inspiring—inside the legendary Palmer House. We’re bringing big ideas to a storied setting in the heart of downtown, where timeless glamour meets modern momentum. From energizing speakers to high-impact networking, every moment is designed to spark connection and turn insight into action!
Save-The-Date for Chicago and be part of shaping the future of workplace hospitality!
When
October 6-8, 2026
Where
Palmer House
A Hilton Hotel
17 East Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Interested in Sponsorship?
Download the 2026 National Conference Sponsorship Program and return your completed form to Michelle Romero, Executive Vice President, at mromero@hqtrs.com.
Book Your Hotel
Reserve your room at the iconic Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel! Book online or call (877) 865-5321 and reference the Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management National Conference to access exclusive rates starting at $299/night + tax. The conference group rate is available through Monday, September 14, 2026 — or while rooms last. We encourage attendees to book early!
Get Your Attendance Approved
Need help getting approval to attend the SHFM National Conference? The SHFM NC Justification Toolkit makes it easy to build your case by highlighting the business value, educational impact, networking opportunities and return on investment of attending conference. Customize the materials to fit your role and organization, and confidently communicate why attending SHFM NC is a smart investment for both you and your company.
Questions or need additional support? Contact SHFM Headquarters at SHFM@hqtrs.com.
Agenda At-a-Glance*
Tuesday | October 6
| 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Foundation Golf Tournament |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | AM Activity |
| 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Registration Opens |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Client Liaison, Self-Operator & Integrated Facility Manager Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Rising Star Lunch & Meeting |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Innovation Showcase Exhibitor Set-Up |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Supplier Session |
| 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Client Liaison & Self-Operator Session |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Jumpstarter Session (open to all attendees) |
| 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | New Member First-Time Attendee Event |
| 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | OPENING RECEPTION: Industry Networking Event |
Wednesday | October 7
| 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Innovation Showcase Exhibitor Set Up |
| 8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Keynote General Session |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Innovation Showcase / Networking Tables |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | President’s Luncheon |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | General Session |
| 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Hunger Games |
| 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Experience Chicago – Curate Your Evening |
| 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Dessert Lounge & Nightcap |
Thursday | October 8
| 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | General Session |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Innovation Showcase / Networking Tables |
| 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Closing General Session |
| 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Committee Meetings & Work Catch-Up Break |
| 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | PRESIDENT’S EVENING |
*Subject to Change
Thank You to Our 2026 National Conference Sponsors!
As of 5/7/2026
DIAMOND
Aramark
The Coca-Cola Company
Compass Group
Dynamify
Hoshizaki Alliance
PepsiCo
Sodexo
PLATINUM
Advanced Natural Group
Infuse Hospitality LLC
GOLD
Bevi
CFS Brands
David Rio Chai and Tea
Ecolab
elite|studio e
FoodSpace
Guckenheimer
Instawork
ITW Food Equipment Group
Kitchens To Go by Mobile Modular
Lavazza North America
MEIKO USA
Middleby
Mr Bing Foods
National Food Group
Nestle Professional Solutions
Nestle Waters & Premium Beverages
Nutrislice
RC Fine Foods
VendiBean
Vivreau
SILVER
Follett Products, LLC
Food Service Solutions USA
Kanpla
Leanpath
MedVantage
Metafoodx
NGAssociates Foodservice Consultants, Inc.
Steelite International
UNOX
Welbilt, an Ali Group Company
SILVER MEDIA
A LA CARTE
Coaqua (Survival Grab-N-Go Station)
Orange by Fooda (App)