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.

• 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.

• 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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