The National Restaurant Association announced that it is accepting proposals for education sessions for its 2010 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB). Industry leaders and trendsetters are encouraged to share their expertise and best practices on industry hot topics that will help the tens of thousands of foodservice industry professionals in attendance to grow their business. NRA Show 2010 will be held May 22-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago; IWSB will be held in conjunction with the NRA Show May 23-24.

“Education sessions are an important and exciting part of NRA Show and IWSB programming, and each year we strive to provide attendees with a wide range of topics and speakers to help them improve their business now and into the future,” says David Gilbert, chief operating officer of the National Restaurant Association. “We welcome proposals from individuals and companies, large and small, to share insights and expertise into the hot topics of today, as well as what may lie ahead.”

NRA Show 2010 and IWSB education session proposals may be submitted in five categories: jobs and careers, profitability and entrepreneurship, food and healthy living, sustainability and corporate responsibility, and technology.

Ideal proposals should focus on current trends and solutions to help restaurant and foodservice operators succeed while positioning themselves for long-term growth, without highlighting specific products or services. Speakers sharing best practices and recognized expertise are preferred.

Proposals may be submitted for a single speaker or interactive panel discussions. Companies exhibiting at NRA Show 2010 are not eligible to present in the categories of jobs/careers, profitability/entrepreneurship, food/healthy living, or sustainability. In the technology category, sessions must be in panel discussion form and be presented by 2010 technology exhibitors, focusing on the foodservice operator perspective.

IWSB education session proposals may be submitted by operators, associations, consultants, and beverage alcohol industry experts as a single speaker or a panel discussion, but must focus on trends, marketing, responsible service, profitability, and business solutions specific to beverage alcohol and bar programs.