RC Show 2026: Into the Beyond

The RC Show 2026 made a powerful return this year, bringing together Canada’s most influential voices in foodservice and hospitality for three inspiring days of innovation, connection, and forward-thinking ideas. Hosted at the International Centre in Mississauga from March 8–10, the event marked an exciting new chapter for the industry.

With over 25,000 professionals, 1,300+ exhibitors, and 160+ speakers, RC Show 2026 proved once again why it’s Canada’s leading hospitality and foodservice trade event.

Into the Beyond: A Theme Driving Change

This year’s theme, Into the Beyond, challenged operators to move past outdated practices and embrace innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape. From sustainability and AI to guest experience and operational resilience, the programming focused on preparing businesses for long-term success.

“Every single day, 23 million people in Canada make a purchase from a foodservice establishment. This is a $125-billion sector woven into the economic and social fabric of our country, and RC Show is where the industry comes together to shape what comes next,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada.

Opening day also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Doug Ford, highlighting the sector’s importance to Ontario’s economy.

A Bigger, Better Venue

The return to The International Centre signaled significant growth for the show. With over 548,000 square feet of event space, five curated halls, and hundreds of exhibitors, attendees explored the latest in:

Food and beverage innovation
Hospitality technology
Equipment and operations
Sustainable solutions

The expanded venue created a dynamic environment for networking, discovery, and collaboration.

Spotlight on Women in Hospitality: Yes Shef

One of the standout experiences at RC Show 2026 was Yes Shef, a vibrant tasting event hosted by the WORTH Association. Debuting in Ontario, the event celebrated women shaping Canada’s culinary landscape.

Featuring 20 chef-led food and beverage stations, Yes Shef offered attendees a chance to connect directly with the talent behind the dishes. Notable participants included:

Donna Dooher of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
Charlotte Langley of Nice Cans

To date, Yes Shef has raised over $57,000 in support of emerging women in the culinary industry—making it both a celebration and a meaningful initiative.

RCSHOW 2026 Yes Shef

Insightful Programming & Industry Trends

RC Show 2026 delivered a robust lineup of educational sessions across multiple stages, including the Culinary Stage, Bar & Beverage Stage, Coffee Stage, and Business Hub.

Key topics included:

Workforce development and labour challenges
Sustainability and supply chain resilience
Artificial intelligence in hospitality
Consumer trends and profitability strategies

Special themed days—like Women in Hospitality Day and Tech & Innovation Day—offered focused insights for attendees looking to stay ahead of industry shifts.

Inspiring Keynotes

The keynote lineup reflected the show’s forward-looking theme:

Chockie Tom emphasized sustainable and culturally connected hospitality systems
Janet Zuccarini shared insights on scaling businesses with creativity and leadership
Chris Hadfield closed the event with a powerful message on adaptability, resilience, and leadership in times of change:

Culinary Competitions & Rising Talent

From pizza to cocktails, RC Show 2026 showcased top-tier talent through exciting live competitions, including:

Garland Canada Culinary Competition
Restaurants Canada Pizza Competition (Traditional & Creative)
The Great Burger Showdown
Beyond the Rail Cocktail Competition
Canadian Latte Art Championship

These competitions not only highlighted creativity and skill but also gave rising stars a platform to shine.

Networking, Pop-Ups & Industry Recognition

Beyond the show floor, attendees enjoyed curated pop-ups, networking events, and immersive experiences. Highlights included:

Yes Shef tasting experience
Women-focused networking receptions
Interactive bar takeovers

The event wrapped up with the RC Show Booth Awards, recognizing standout exhibitors such as the Embassy of Peru to Canada and innovative brands across categories.

Why RC Show Matters

RC Show continues to be a cornerstone event for Canada’s hospitality industry—bringing together innovation, education, and community under one roof. As the sector evolves, this event plays a vital role in shaping its direction and ensuring businesses stay competitive in a fast-changing world.