National Restaurant Association announces keynote
Tennis pro Andre Agassi will headline the Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show 2026.
Andre Agassi will headline the keynote discussion at the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show 2026, taking place May 16–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. The keynote, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 1 p.m., will feature Agassi in an interview-style conversation focused on leadership, perseverance, and career evolution.
The annual event brings together more than 50,000 professionals from the global foodservice industry to explore innovation, build connections, and address industry challenges.
“Andre Agassi’s career reflects the kind of resilience and adaptability that resonates across industries,” says Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “His perspective on purpose-driven leadership offers relevant insights for foodservice professionals navigating change.”
Agassi is a former world No. 1 tennis player, eight-time Grand Slam champion, and Olympic gold medalist. He is the first male player to win all four singles majors on three different surfaces. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2011, Agassi also founded the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which has raised more than $120 million for at-risk children in Southern NV and established a K–12 public charter school.
Agassi was recently named captain of Team World in the Laver Cup, scheduled for September in San Francisco, CA. His keynote will address themes of competitive excellence, leadership, and community engagement.
“I’m excited to join the National Restaurant Association Show and share the perspective I’ve gained from a career built on constant growth and change,” says Agassi. “My goal is to leave attendees with ideas they can carry into their own journeys, no matter what challenges they face.”
The keynote will begin with Michelle Korsmo, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, presenting a strategic industry outlook based on the Association’s annual research. Korsmo will then join Agassi for a Q&A discussion covering his career, philanthropic work, and approach to leadership.
“The restaurant and foodservice industry is constantly adapting to meet new challenges and opportunities,” says Korsmo. “Andre Agassi’s journey offers a valuable perspective on resilience and vision, and his keynote will inspire our community as we work to strengthen businesses, support employees, and serve customers in an evolving marketplace.”
Registration for the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show is open, with early bird rates available through Dec. 31, 2025. For details, visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com.
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