Overview
Restaurants Canada’s RC Show is far more than a trade show. It is the largest hospitality and foodservice event in Canada, a three-day experience packed with education, networking, and inspiration. In 2025, the show celebrated its 80th anniversary and its most ambitious event yet, record-breaking attendance, and a renewed focus on innovation and accessibility.
At the center of it all was Lerna G., CEM, whose team oversaw the execution of a program that welcomed over 27,000 industry professionals.
The Challenge
Planning the RC Show takes a full year. After 18 years downtown at the Enercare Centre, the organization chose to relocate to The International Centre, where it would have access to more space and improved accessibility.
“It was a very tough and complex decision to move our show from downtown Toronto after so many successful years,” said Lerna. “But the hospitality we received from the new venue, combined with its alignment with our strategic goals, won over the leadership team. Located by the airport, this move supports our vision to grow the event into a true destination.” The new venue provides over 500,000 square feet of space, supporting the continued growth of a show that has become a centerpiece of the industry’s calendar.
A2Z Events’ Role
A2Z Events has been a long-standing technology partner for RC Show, providing core operational tools to manage the exhibitor experience and streamline internal processes. Lerna and her team used A2Z Events for floor plan management, online applications, invoicing, and exhibitor communications.
“We use A2Z Events for our online application process, our invoicing, and all our communication notices,” said Lerna. “Even though we didn’t have a floor plan ready at the time of launch, A2Z Events allowed us to still move forward. It gave us the flexibility to get exhibitors used to the online application process while we worked out the internal logistics.”
Lerna also emphasized the usability of the platform.
“It’s fairly easy to pick up. Even new team members can learn it quickly. I personally love the platform. It’s user-friendly and efficient.”
Beyond the exhibitor-facing tools, A2Z Events also supported a custom points-based system that helped the team manage priority placement for returning exhibitors.
The Results
The 2025 RC Show saw significant gains:
- Attendance grew to 27,000, up from 24,500 the year before
- Exhibitor participation remained strong, with over 600 companies and 1,300 booths
- Exhibitor return rates hit 70 to 75 percent, indicating consistent value year over year
- New pavilion features, including a booming tech pavilion, reflected the show’s commitment to innovation
- Programming expanded, with more than 150 speakers and 11 feature areas
“The RC Show has really become all-encompassing,” said Lerna. “It’s not just a trade show. It’s the event of the year for our industry. People come to make connections, discover new solutions, and engage with everything from automation to culinary competitions.”
The move to early March, along with a Sunday to Tuesday format, aims to support a stronger attendance from independent operators. “We shifted our dates to better align with buying cycles. Early feedback from exhibitors has been positive, with many expressing their support for returning to this time of year,” she added.
A Look Ahead
Restaurants Canada is not slowing down. This September, the organization is launching a brand-new standalone awards celebration. “This marks our first time hosting an industry recognition event separate from the main Show, allowing us to shine a dedicated spotlight on leadership and excellence in the industry,” said Lerna. “It will be three hours long, but it’s taking an incredible amount of planning. We are excited to create something meaningful for our community.” In the long term, Lerna has a vision for the RC Show to become automatic for attendees.
“I want it to be something people add to their calendar without a second thought,” she said. “We are a member-based organization, and I would love to see more of our attendees becoming members because they believe in what we do. That kind of growth, of attendance, engagement, and purpose, is where we want to go.”
Final Thoughts
For more than a decade, A2Z Events has helped the RC Show scale its systems and support its growth. The relationship has been built on trust, access, and consistent support. “We’ve always had great service,” said Lerna. “Jordan, our project manager, has been incredibly helpful and available. A2Z Events has been part of our journey as we turned the RC Show into something truly special.”
