Andre Agassi to Headline National Restaurant Association Show 2026 Keynote
CHICAGO (Oct. 15, 2025) – Tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi will headline the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® 2026 Keynote discussion on Sunday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Show, taking place May 16–19, will feature Agassi in an interview-style conversation about leadership, perseverance, and reinvention. As the foodservice industry’s most influential event, the Show annually brings together over 50,000 professionals from across the globe to discover innovations, build connections, and drive the industry forward.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andre Agassi, a true global icon, to the National Restaurant Association Show as our keynote speaker,” said Tom Cindric, President of Exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “Success in the foodservice industry requires immense dedication and the courage to reinvent, and Andre's career is a masterclass in both perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. We are proud to bring his perspective to the Show, offering attendees the chance to learn from a leader who has excelled under pressure and dedicated his life to uplifting others.”
Agassi is one of the most celebrated athletes in history. Ranked world No. 1 for 101 weeks, he is an eight-time Grand Slam champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and the first man to win all four singles majors across three different surfaces. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2011, Agassi also founded the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which has raised over $120 million for at-risk children in Southern Nevada and opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 public charter school.
As the foodservice industry continues to adapt to rapid change, Agassi’s perspective on evolving careers and purposeful leadership provides timely lessons that extend beyond sports. Recently named captain of Team World in the Laver Cup, which will compete this September in San Francisco, Agassi remains a visible leader on a global stage. His insights on competitive excellence and humanitarian vision will empower attendees to address challenges and identify new opportunities in their own careers and communities.
“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,” Agassi said. “My goal is to leave attendees with ideas they can carry into their own journeys, no matter what challenges they face.”
The National Restaurant Association Show keynote will open with Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, delivering a strategic industry outlook based on the Association’s annual research. She will also highlight the Association's work in supporting industry growth and advancement before sitting down with Agassi for an interview-style Q&A. Their discussion will explore his journey, his dedication to philanthropy, and his vision for empowering the next generation.
“Andre Agassi’s story is one of constant evolution, and I’m excited to explore how his journey can inspire our industry to think differently about change and opportunity,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Attendees will gain insights that encourage them to think boldly about their own path forward and the role our industry plays in communities across the country.”
Registration for the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show is now open, with early bird rates available through Dec. 31, 2025. For more information and to register, visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com.
About Informa
Informa is a leading international B2B markets, live and on-demand events and digital services group. They connect businesses and professionals in 30+ industries with the knowledge they need to learn more, know more and do more. Informa has hundreds of global brands, products and services and employs 11,000 employees in ~30 countries worldwide.
Informa Connect is a content-led, live and on-demand experiences business which connects professionals with knowledge, ideas and opportunities. Informa Connect, a community of over 1,000 colleagues globally, offers connection through events, media and research. They service a number of different industries including Foodservice, Finance, Bio Tech and Pharma, Pop Culture, Marketing, Law, Energy, HR, Sustainability, Construction. Visit www.informaconnect.com for more information.