May 2026

Chicago and the National Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show

NHM 468

The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest conference in the Western Hemisphere taking place in the Windy City and is a must for anyone who desires to explore foodservice innovation and inspiration.

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6 days travel at
$1,600 plus tuition

NHM 468
3 Credit Hours

Instructed by
Dr. James Taylor

Priority Deadline
March 6, 2026

Travel Overview

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Do

Students can explore the city during free time and visit notable Chicago sites like:

What You'll Learn

Students will spend six days in Chicago attending National Restaurant Association Show.

  • Visit exhibitors at the National Restaurant Association Show and discover ground-breaking trends in the restaurant industry
  • Tour and dine at a variety of Chicago’s most popular restaurants
  • Learn about the many aspects of restaurant operations and factors that influence restaurant conceptualization
  • Select from more than 60 educational sessions at the NRA Show
  • Network with industry leaders and establish professional contacts in the hospitality and restaurant business

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

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Meet Your Instructor

All Study USA courses are designed and led by Ole Miss faculty. Your instructor(s) will be your first point of contact during your travels and lead you through all the class experiences. 

Dr. James Taylor

Associate Professor of Nutrition and Hospitality Management
Nutrition and Hospitality Management, Applied Sciences
jtaylor@olemiss.edu

Jim Taylor has over three decades of foodservice management experience and has consulted for restaurants, conference centers, and resorts. He has led multiple Study USA courses to the NRA show in Chicago, The Hotel Show in New York, A course touring the resorts in Las Vegas, and even a cruise course.

“The NRA show is a showcase of every facet of the foodservice industry with an abundance of educational opportunities for academia, operators, and industry leaders.”

– Dr. James Taylor

Program Details

Open to students in all majors.

The course is open to all students of any major that is interested in a career involving any aspect of the food service industry from operations and sales to marketing and finance.

Prior to Departure

In Person Class Meetings: dates TBD

Two meetings TBD during the Spring Semester during the last two weeks of the semester

During Travel

Travel: May 15-20, 2026

  • Students will make their own travel arrangements to and from Chicago.
  • Shared accommodations will be provided at a hotel near McCormick Place.
  • Your instructor will share exact meeting times and locations before travel and will be available to you leading up to the course through Blackboard or other communications.
  • Students may have their airfare billed to their bursar account. You’ll receive details upon course enrollment.

At Program End

The course uses learning contracts that enable the student to identify two to three learning goals that they will achieve from the conference through educational seminars (over 70 to choose from), booth visits (2000+), and networking opportunities. The contracts must be completed and approved during the two pre-travel meetings and will identify:

  1. Two to three learning objectives determined by the student;
  2. How the objective will be accomplished (seminars, booth visits, interviews, etc.);
  3. Evidence that the learning took place (final portfolio project explaining what was learned.

Cost of Program

$1,600
Plus Tuition

What’s Included

  • Lodging/Accommodation during travel
  • Select group meals
  • Group tours listed on the itinerary
  • Conference registration fee

What’s Not Included

  • Tuition
  • Airfare to and from destination
  • Most meals at travel site
  • Personal spending money

Ready to start your academic adventure?

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