Media Test Kitchen

Rising Tides Live - Takeaways From NRA 2026

Episode Summary

Shawn Walchef hosted this Rising Tides Live conversation recapping the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, where operators, creators, and founders shared the biggest lessons and moments from the industry’s largest event.

Episode Notes

Shawn Walchef hosted this Rising Tides Live conversation recapping the 2026  National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, where operators, creators, and founders shared the biggest lessons and moments from the industry’s largest event. The discussion explored storytelling, networking, AI, hospitality leadership, and why the real value of NRA comes from showing up, building relationships, and being ready when opportunity finds you. From escalator pitches to late-night networking and unexpected introductions, the episode highlighted how small moments and consistent effort can create long-term impact.

• Storytelling Creates Opportunity – Attendees shared how practicing their story, creating content, and showing up consistently led to unexpected introductions, business conversations, and real-world opportunities throughout the show.
• Relationships Matter More Than the Booths – While technology, AI, and innovation were everywhere at NRA, many of the biggest takeaways came from the connections built through meetups, dinners, after-hours events, and spontaneous conversations across the show floor.
• Small Moments Can Have Long-Term Impact – From quick escalator pitches to chance encounters and late-night networking, the episode highlighted how being open, prepared, and willing to engage can turn ordinary moments into meaningful opportunities.

Episode Links

• 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/