CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs
CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs, produced by Nation’s Restaurant News, is the destination for growth-minded restaurateurs ready to take their businesses to the next level. Don’t miss your chance to build meaningful connections, learn from insightful speakers, and experience the most innovative ideas in foodservice firsthand.
Highlights from 2024 CREATE
Nashville, TN

What can you expect?
- Dozens of industry experts sharing best practices and lessons learned
- Inspiring keynote speakers
- Interactive roundtable discussions to discuss your biggest challenges
- TED-style presentations focused on Tech, Finance and Growth solutions
- Networking events showcasing trending food and beverages that your customers crave
- Immersive experiences designed to connect you with your peers outside of the meeting room
Ask the Experts Sessions
Learn from Leaders
Tap into the best and brightest minds in the restaurant industry during these interactive Q&A sessions with leading restaurant executives
Fireside Chats
Insights & Information
Get to know some of the most innovative leaders who are on the cutting edge of the latest ideas and solutions to help you grow your business.
Lightning Keynotes
New Ideas & Solutions
A fast-paced, no fluff "TED style" presentation focused on data, customer case studies or the benefits of a partner solution.
Investment Summit
Accelerating the Emerging Restaurant’s Expansion Journey
This exclusive event is designed to bring together leaders of emerging restaurant brands with the investment community.
Kitchen Hero Cook-Off
Top Chefs Square off in a Fast-Paced Cooking Competition
Chefs from top restaurant brands will compete during the annual Kitchen Hero Cook-Off. These accomplished chefs will compete to create the best dish using a mystery basket of products. The winner will be selected by a panel of expert judges and announced live. CREATE attendees will get a chance to taste the winning dish at the evening's celebration.
Networking Parties
Join us for Cocktails & Conversation
You're invited to enjoy networking meals and parties at CREATE, where sponsors will showcase new products and menu innovations, enhancing your experience; more details to follow.
1:1 Meetings
Get ready for a dynamic experience at the conference!
Spend some quality time in structured 15-minute 1:1 meetings with CREATE's sponsors and investors, where you can make connections, learn about new products and build partnerships for the future.
CREATEFEST
Join us for CREATEFEST, sponsored by Johnsonville Foodservice
CREATEFEST takes place Wednesday, October 15, featuring the delicious dishes from the finalists in our Ultimate Recipe Challenge competition, as well as live entertainment.
Welcome 2024 Sponsors & Exhibitors!
We are so excited that you are joining us at The Media Insights and Engagement Conference 2025!
This page will serve as the single source of up-to-date information on sponsoring at the event. We will also reach out via email to remind you about upcoming due dates or to request any outstanding deliverables. Take a look below at our Sponsor & Exhibitor Checklist and find key information to help you have a successful event.
It is important that every team member reviews the information in the manual, so be sure to share this link with your colleagues so they can be prepared for Media as well. If you have any questions, please reach out to Annie Sides, annie.sides@informa.com.
Sponsor + Exhibitor Checklist
Below is your pre-event TO-DO list, please review carefully as there are mandatory deliverables.
Submit High-Resolution Company Logo
This logo is for onsite signage, Media Insights, and the Media Insights Event App. To submit your logo, please email it to annie.sides@informa.com.
Book Your Hotel Room - SOLD OUT
Our room block is now sold out. Click on the link below to explore other options.
Address: 4925 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Rate: Starting at $379 per night
Phone: 480 945 7666 and mention Media Insights and Engagement Conference for the best rate
Register Your Team
The Deadline to Register is January 20th, 2025. PAST DUE, register ASAP
Ship to Hotel
Receiving begins Friday, January 31st.
Set up your Virtual Booth
You can use our ConnectMe App to create a virtual booth, retrieve leads, view the agenda, and more!
We will open up the ConnectMe platform for you to edit your booth on December 2nd and it will become live to attendees on January 6th.
Review Our Tabletop Booth Regulations - Exhibitors Only
If you are an exhibitor, review everything you need to know by clicking the link below.
Submit Your COI - Exhibitors Only
The Deadline to Submit Your COI is February 2nd, 2025. If you need to purchase insurance, see here.
Place Order With Encore - Exhibitors Only
Browse Encore’s Catalogue for Electrical, Internet, + A/V options. To secure equipment, we recommend ordering by January 13th, however, Encore also accepts onsite orders.
Review the Health & Safety Guidelines - Exhibitors Only
The Deadline to Submit an Exhibitor & Contractor’s Health & Safety Declaration is February 2nd, 2025.
Important Dates + Deadlines
Due by Monday, January 6th
- Submit High-Res Company Logo
- Complete Virtual Booth
Due by Monday, January 13th
- Book Your Hotel Room (EXTENDED to January 17, 2025, or when sold out)
- Order AV/Electric with Encore
Due by Monday, January 20th
- PAST DUE, register ASAP
Due by Friday, February 2nd
- Submit your COI
- Submit your signed Health & Safety agreement