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Rising Tides Live – Planning For The National Restaurant Show

In This Episode

Interview Takeaways

  • Show Up with a Plan – The scale of NRA can be overwhelming, so having a few key meetings, booths, or sessions in mind helps you stay focused. You do not need to see everything, but you should know what matters most to you going in.
  • Leave Room for the Unexpected – Some of the best opportunities come from unplanned conversations and chance encounters. Stay open, walk the floor, and allow space for those moments that cannot be scheduled.
  • Follow Up is Where the Value Lives – The real ROI of the show happens after it ends. Take notes, capture contacts, and make it a priority to reconnect. Showing up is step one, but following up is what turns conversations into opportunities.

Shawn Walchef led this Rising Tides Live conversation focused on the National Restaurant Association Show, where operators and creators shared how to get the most out of one of the biggest events in hospitality. With so much happening, the group emphasized a simple truth: success at NRA comes down to showing up with intention. From planning key meetings to staying open to unexpected connections, the real value is not just in what you see, but in who you meet and how you follow up. You do not need to do everything. You just need to show up ready to engage and make it count.

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 StreamYard 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

Post that you’re going to the National Restaurant Show, make a short list of 5 people or companies you want to connect with, and schedule at least 2 meetings before you arrive.

Episode Links

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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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