NRA Show 2013

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The 94th annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and 6th annual International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB), was recently held at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

I had the opportunity to spend a full three days at the NRA Show this year where many different technology & food were vendors on hand. It was a very busy weekend to say the least and below are my Top 4 Attractions!

#1. Micros Booth stands out at NRA Show

NRA BOOTHWith over 2.6 million square footage of exhibit space at The McCormick Place, it can be somewhat overwhelming trying to take in all the different vendors at the show. Spotlighting the established vendors at each main entrance is a standard practice and Micros is always front and center.

The MICROS technology booth has consistently been placed at the main entrance of the technology exhibit hall. Their international notoriety & industry leader status is what puts them ahead of the pack and why they are spotlighted as the top POS System & Technology company at NRA!

#2. MICROS mTablet & mStation debut at NRA 

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MICROS mTablet & mStation

We all remember last years theme at the NRA Show “Mobile, Mobile, Mobile”.  It appeared as though every POS vendor had an iPad on display as a mobile solution for order taking.

So how does MICROS answer the call for a truly mobile tablet solution?

Unlike consumer devices, such as an iPad, the new mTablet and mStation’s sleek design is ruggedized to better withstand damage from common falls that occur in the restaurant industry. The design of the mTablet has completely separated itself from other 3rd party tablets in the market place with it’s daylight viewable screen and fully integrated mag-card reader for payment processing. Check out the mTablet & mStation Video HERE

#3. Restaurant Manager debuts kiosk at NRA

Restaurant ManagerDCRS is going into it’s first full year as a partner with ASI’s Restaurant Manager Point of Sale. The Restaurant Manager booth was very exciting to check out because of all the great mobile products on display, like the iPod touch and Kiosk stand pictured above! Check out all the great products we have from ASI HERE.

#4. Technology Panel Discussions

“I saw a huge amount of technology and educational resources to help make more nutritious meals.”-Ted Stoner, Director of Strategic Product Development, Qdoba Mexican Grill

NRA ShowThe Technology Panel Discussions were very informative and educational, it was my first time attending these. IT Experts from the Hospitality Industry were on hand to discuss new trends and products available and what they are using in their corporations.

One session included talks on Digital Signage and Digital Menu Boards in Restaurants & Quick Service establishments. There has been a huge increase in this technology in the market over the last 5 years because it has become more affordable, attractive and longer lasting.

craftyDigital Menu Board atDCRS Solutions

Implementing a Digital Menu Board can help increase sales and also save time and money long term by not having to replace entire menu boards when prices/items change.