Behind the Scenes at Canada’s Leading Foodservice & Hospitality Event

RC Show is Canada’s largest and most influential foodservice and hospitality conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals, exhibitors and thought leaders from across the globe. This massive event, which spans over 400,000 square feet of exhibition space, is the result of a year-long planning cycle — a true labour of love by a dedicated team focused on driving growth, innovation, and connection in the industry.

We sit down with Lerna G., Director of National Events for Restaurants Canada and a CEM-certified member of the Canadian Association of Exhibition Management. With her extensive expertise in organizing large-scale industry events, Lerna has overseen the growth and development of RC Show for a decade and has become a key figure in the Canadian expositions and large-scale event landscape. From curating impactful experiences to navigating the latest event trends and managing all the details and logistics, she shares her unique perspective on what it takes to create dynamic gatherings that drive innovation and collaboration across the sector. Today, she offers a glimpse into her approach, her passion for event management, and what’s next for RC Show 2025.

When did you start working on RC Show?

LG: I was hired as a Business Development Coordinator in the summer of 2013. My first Show edition was the 2014 CRFA Show. The following year, the company name was changed from the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association to Restaurants Canada. Over the years, my position transitioned to a more active role focusing on operations including all the event aspects supporting the strategy, registration, marketing, sponsorships, production and execution.

Looking back over the past 80 years, how has RC Show evolved to meet the changing needs of Canada’s foodservice industry, and what are some of the key milestones that stand out to you?

LG: Initially, this industry trade show was a relatively modest gathering focused primarily on being a platform for buyers and sellers to connect. Over time, the event expanded beyond traditional food and beverage brands to include a broader range of products like equipment, alcohol, supplies, services and technology. The expansion of technology companies has been a significant milestone. Early Show editions featured basic equipment and products, but the most recent editions showcase cutting-edge innovations that provide efficiencies beyond imagination.

Most recently, there has been a stronger emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. RC Show includes exhibits within an ECO Pavilion, sessions and discussions centered on eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and sourcing sustainable ingredients. The Show has also expanded the programming schedule to present a more diverse offering including educational sessions, workshops, demonstrations, competitions and world-class speakers to help address a broader range of interests and challenges faced by current foodservice professionals.

Additionally, RC Show has grown in prominence on the global stage, attracting international exhibitors and speakers. This global perspective enriches the experience by providing Canadian attendees with insights and innovations from around the world.

These milestones reflect RC Show’s ability to adapt and grow with the industry, meeting the changing needs of Canada’s foodservice sector while staying relevant and forward-thinking.

What are you personally most proud of?

LG: RC Show has made significant progress in fostering connections within the industry. It has evolved from a simpleexhibition to a comprehensive networking platform where suppliers, chefs, restaurateurs and industry experts can collaborate and share insights. This evolution has facilitated valuable partnerships and collaborations that benefit the entire foodservice ecosystem.

The Show aims to spotlight emerging trends before they become mainstream. The expansion of our conference-style programming offers a wide range of sessions that address various aspects of the foodservice industry. This commitment to education helps attendees enhance their skills, stay informed about best practices, and tackle industry challenges effectively.

Overall, RC Show’s growth to a dynamic and influential event offering a blend of innovation, education and connection makes it such an amazing event to be a part of.

Can you share your top highlights or memories?

LG: That would be the longest list! Over the years, RC Show has delivered many memorable moments that have left a lasting impression on attendees and on me personally. Some standout highlights include the debut of cutting-edge technologies and equipment that were so disruptive at the time, but have gone on to transform the industry. We’ve hosted so many inspiring speakers over the years, like industry leaders from top foodservice companies including RBI, Recipe Unlimited and Gusto 54, Dan Akroyd, Tony Chapman, and Dragons Jim Treliving and Manjit Minhas, whose insights and experiences have made a significant impact.

The showcase of diverse culinary traditions, ingredients, products and innovations from around the globe has always been a cornerstone of the event, while the excitement of watching industry talent shine in live competitions and demonstrations has launched so many careers and created unforgettable experiences.

Maybe what I’m most proud of is how RC Show has also shown resilience, adapting not only to year over year changes in the industry, but also unforeseen events. We had to pivot to a virtual format during the pandemic in 2021, and we hosted our first (and only) hybrid event in 2022. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that…

Additionally, the growing presence of international exhibitors and speakers has enhanced the show’s global influence, and the team has always aimed to enhance the attendee experience with thoughtful “surprise and delight” activities that make each event truly unique. We try and add new experiences every year to keep it fresh and reflect the creativity of the industry.

In the context of the ongoing digital transformation within the foodservice industry, how is RC Show integrating new technologies and innovations into its programming to stay ahead of industry trends?

LG: RC Show has embraced integrating new technologies and innovations into its programming to not only keep pace, but to stay ahead of industry trends.

Our Show floor offers a TECH Pavilion featuring technology-focused exhibitors. This category-specific area showcases the latest advancements in foodservice technology, including digital ordering systems, kitchen automation and data analytics tools. By providing a platform for tech companies to demonstrate their innovations, the Show helps attendees stay informed about cutting-edge solutions that can enhance their operations.

Our educational programming includes sessions highlighting digital transformation in foodservice and emerging food tech solutions. These sessions are presented through panel discussions and expert talks, offering attendees practical insights into how these technologies can be applied to improve efficiency and customer experience.

The team also leverages Restaurants Canada’s government relations efforts paired with analyzing attendee feedback to tailor its content and programming. That way, we are offering personalized recommendations, addressing specific industry challenges, and highlighting trends that are most relevant to businesses. This data-driven approach ensures that the event remains aligned with current industry needs.

Social media integration and the RC Show mobile app provide real-time engagement during the Show. Attendees can participate in live polls, share their experiences and engage in discussions through digital platforms. This real-time interaction keeps the event dynamic and responsive to attendee interests.

As you look ahead to the next decade, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee for RC Show, and how are you planning to ensure the event remains a vital resource for the industry?

LG: RC Show, like many industry events, faces a dynamic set of challenges, from digital transformation and evolving attendee expectations to sustainability, economic shifts, and growing global competition.

To stay ahead of the innovation curve and deliver what’s new and next to attendees, we will continue to grow and reimagine the event, perhaps leveraging technologies like VR, AR, and AI to create immersive experiences, reach new audiences and showcase products in groundbreaking ways.  At its core, RC Show must remain a place where the industry comes together to gather, learn and grow — making space to elevate visionary leaders, bold entrepreneurs, and vibrant industry communities.

Personalizing the attendee experience through tailored content, curated networking, and interactive features will be key to ensuring the event stays relevant and appealing and reflects what’s happening on the technology front.

Sustainability is a key area of industry focus, and a priority at RC Show. We have and will continue to put a lot of effort into ensuring RC Show is a forward-thinking, responsible event that resonates with attendees and helps showcase solutions and opportunities within that space.

Restaurants Canada has strong engagement with members and the RC Show team is always looking for feedback from our community of attendees, exhibitors, and partners to keep us aligned with the industry’s needs and expectations to drive continual improvement. I’m sure that by embracing these challenges and opportunities, RC Show will continue to be the premier gathering place for Canada’s foodservice industry to learn, connect, and thrive, and I’m here for that.