DAY OF JUDGMEMT: Cooking contests at NRA. Photo: National Restaurant Association

Let's hope your schedule is flexible. It's always worth attending the NRA Show in Chicago, which is why many operators have the third week in May circled on their calendars. So be aware that the National Restaurant Association has announced that the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will take place two weeks earlier than the previously announced date of May 19-22. The NRA Show is now set for Chicago's McCormick Place on May 5-8, 2012. Given the many allied events that revolve around the traditional NRA date — the last weekend in May prior to Memorial Day weekend — we're reminding RH readers that some schedule-juggling and travel-plan rethinking may be required this year. What's behind the switch? The Global G8 and NATO Summits are scheduled for Chicago from May 15-22, 2012. That event's heavy security and logistical requirements would have made it tough for NRA attendees to move around Chicago during the show. NRA's companion beverage show, the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event, moves to May 6-7 (www.restaurant.org/show).