Culinary Star Carla Hall Set to Take Center Stage at National Restaurant Association Show® 2025
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CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2024 ~ The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® has announced that renowned chef, author, and television host Carla Hall will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Show. The event, which is considered the premier event for the foodservice industry, will take place from May 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Hall's inspiring journey from accountant to acclaimed chef and TV personality will be the focus of her keynote address. She will share how her passion for 'cooking with love' and 'living with joy' has been the driving force behind her success. Known for her approachable and joyful personality, Hall's keynote is expected to be a highlight of the Show.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to share special moments, uplifting stories, and some of my own industry insights with all the amazing foodservice professionals at the Restaurant Show," said Hall about her participation in the event.

The keynote session featuring Hall will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 1 p.m. She will delve into her extraordinary journey from accounting to becoming a beloved TV host and culinary icon. Her speech will focus on the bold decisions that have shaped her success and her commitment to infusing joy and passion into everything she does.

In addition to reflecting on her own career, Hall will also explore how the foodservice industry is evolving and how chefs can lead this transformation. She will challenge attendees to think outside traditional paths in their careers and embrace individuality and purpose. Hall will also share her vision for the future of food where creativity, inclusivity, and community are essential ingredients for success.

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Tom Cindric, President of Exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice expressed his excitement about having Hall as a keynote speaker. "We are honored to welcome Carla Hall as our keynote speaker for the 2025 Show," he said. "Carla's career and commitment to empowering the next generation of chefs and foodservice professionals align perfectly with the spirit of our event. Her positive energy and passion for food will undoubtedly inspire and engage our attendees, making this year's keynote a highlight of the Show."

The session will be opened by Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, who will provide a strategic industry outlook. Korsmo will then engage Hall in a lively interview-style Q&A, delving deeper into Hall's passion for mentoring emerging talent and advocating for children's well-being.

"Carla Hall's personal and professional journey embodies the essence of the restaurant industry – connecting people through food and making a difference in our communities," said Korsmo. "Her energy and enthusiasm for this work is electric, and it will be a joy for attendees of the National Restaurant Association Show to learn from a culinary icon whose career is marked by the outsized impact she has had on others, both within and beyond the kitchen."

Hall first gained national attention as a fan-favorite on Bravo's "Top Chef" and "Top Chef: All Stars," where she shared her philosophy to always cook with love. She spent seven years co-hosting ABC's Emmy Award-winning series "The Chew" and is currently featured on Food Network shows such as "BakeAway Camp" (judge), "Thanksgiving, Holiday, and Halloween Baking Championships" (judge), and "Best Baker in America" (host). As an accomplished author, Hall's cookbook Carla Hall's Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration has received critical acclaim, while her debut picture book, Carla and the Christmas Cornbread, has become a beloved holiday favorite.

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Aside from her professional success, Hall is also known for her dedication to advocating for the well-being of others. She supports various industry causes such as No Kid Hungry, DC Central Kitchen, Feeding America, and the James Beard Foundation. Her transition from accounting to culinary arts, combined with her work in professional kitchens in Washington, DC, highlights her versatility and joyful approach to food, making her a role model for future chefs and foodservice leaders.

Registration for the 2025 Show is now open, with discounted early bird rates available until November 18. For more information, visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com. Stay updated on the event by following the Show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is owned and operated by Informa Connect in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. For media inquiries or further information about the event, please contact Julie Franks at [email address].

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