Rising Tides Live: Gearing Up For The National Restaurant Association Show

Interview Takeaways

Be Curious, Not Just Strategic – Attendees emphasized the importance of approaching the show floor with curiosity over control. Whether you’re a founder or first-timer, showing up with questions—not just pitches—can lead to the most valuable connections.
Relationships Over Transactions – Industry leaders reminded us that the real ROI of NRA isn’t found in booths or badges—it’s built through intentional moments of connection, vulnerability, and shared learning.
Content Is Hospitality – From podcasts to behind-the-scenes video, several speakers noted that creating and sharing content is a modern form of hospitality. It’s not just storytelling—it’s a way to serve your community before they ever walk through your door.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered ahead of the 2025 National Restaurant Show to share insights, connections, and strategies for making the most of the industry’s biggest event. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, voices across the hospitality space offered practical tips—like walking the floor with intention, leading with curiosity, and always taking the photo—alongside deeper reminders about the power of presence. Whether you’re showing up with a business card or a camera, the takeaway was clear: events like NRA aren’t just about products or platforms. They’re about people—and the small, intentional acts that turn a crowded floor into a thriving community.

Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard

Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

The Big Quote

Homework Assignment

Have fun and enjoy the NRA! Take notes, soak it in and meet new people!

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Episode Links

National Restaurant Association Show: https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/
Restaurant Show App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-show-to-go-2025/id1492482397
Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/
Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/

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About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

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