(Chicago, IL) The National Restaurant Association announced today that its 2007 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show has attracted nearly 2,200 exhibiting companies, a record high, and that exhibit space is officially sold out for the second year in a row. The 2007 Show, held May 19-22 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature more than 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, which was expanded from last year by reconfiguring the exhibit floor. It is expected to draw more than 73,000 restaurant-and-hospitality industry professionals from 110 countries to explore the hottest trends—from food and beverage to eco-friendly equipment and cutting edge technology—as well as capitalize on the best opportunity of the year to network, learn from leading experts and meet celebrity chefs and restaurateurs.

“This is an unprecedented year in terms of success for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show,” said William C. Anton, FMP, convention chairman for the 2007 Show, and chairman and founder of Anton Airfood, Inc. “We offer the best business opportunities of the year, as our record number of exhibitors showcase their innovative products and services. In addition, our Show is vital for the city of Chicago, bringing in more than 73,000 attendees who will spend an estimated $114 million over the four days. The economic power of the industry is not only noticeable in Chicago, but reaches from coast to coast as the nation’s 935,000 restaurants and their 12.8 million employees generate $537 billion in sales this year.”

The 2007 Show’s many features and programs include 60+ free education sessions, a world-class culinary competition and demonstration, celebrity book signings, and much more. Attendee registration is still open on the Show Web site, www.restaurant.org/show, and onsite during the Show.

Now in its 88th year, the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals the Western Hemisphere. The 2007 Show will be held May 19-22, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The Show attracts 2,100+ exhibiting companies and 73,000 attendees and visitors from all 50 states and 110 countries. Free, online media registration and more information can be found on the Show Web site at www.restaurant.org/show/media.