There are numerous National and Regional exhibitions and trade shows for restaurant owners and managers every year. Competition is heating up, with Trade Shows getting bigger, better and more frequent than ever. But what are some of the main reasons to attend an industry trade show?
Benefits:
- Sales – Your target audience will be there and there’s no better way to meet them than face to face at an event they attended to further develop their business.
- Networking – Industry events are full of people like you, looking to build relationships and meet other in their industry.
- Market Research – There is no better way to see what’s out there than to attend a trade show. Many businesses pull out all the stops to showcase their latest produce/product.
- Thought Leaders – Most trade shows now also have conferences, talks, workshops and other events that attract the best in the business.
- Suppliers – Trade Shows are a great place to meet potential suppliers, often eager to sign up new business, you should be able to get yourself a great deal.
Check out some of the following Hospitality Industry Trade Shows and remember, times and locations may vary.
UK & Ireland
HRC – Hotels, Restaurants & Catering (formerly Hotelympia)
www.hrc.co.uk
Held every year in February/March at the Excel Centre in London and is one of the biggest of all the UK Restaurant shows – not to be missed.
What they say
“The show has seen a great quality of attendees with a real focused interest – they know what they want and they’ve come here to get it.” – Shane Cuthert, Utopia Tableware Ltd
Lunch
www.lunchshow.co.uk
Lunch is the UK’s multi-award winning trade show for the food-to-go industry, attracting over 6000 trade buyers looking to source the very latest innovative products, keep up with industry developments and network.
What they say
“Lunch 2014 was a terrific event, not only a great opportunity to catch up with current suppliers but to meet some really exciting new suppliers bringing great innovation to the industry.” – Victoria Doherty, Category Procurement Manager
The Restaurant Show
www.therestaurantshow.co.uk
The Restaurant show takes place in Earls Court, London every October. The line-up of live events sees some of the UK’s leading chefs demonstrate new and inspirational ideas. Restaurant Managers share their top tips on how to enhance business and Sommeliers and food experts offer advice on how to create that winning menu.
What they say
“We came to The Restaurant Show because you should never be too complacent, you should always be aware of new innovations, new things to discover and new products and here there is always something you can learn” – Adrian Mills, Owner The Thai Restaurant Group
The Casual Dining Show
www.casualdiningshow.co.uk
Held at the Excel Centre in London The Casual Dining Show is the only UK trade show entirely dedicated to the casual dining sector. Created specifically for branded chain and independent restaurants, pubs and bars.
What they say
“Casual Dining is the only show dedicated to our industry and we completely support this exciting move to ExCeL.” – Alex Reilley Chairman, Loungers
Caffe Culture
www.caffecultureshow.com
The Caffè Culture Show is the nation’s leading gathering place for the café and coffee community, continuing to bring together all those who have a passion for pushing the industry forward. Held in June at the Olympia London.
What they say
“Amazing show. We’ve met loads of fantastic people. It’s the first time we’ve done the show, and we’d definitely like to come back again. We’ve had a brilliant time and had an extremely positive reaction” – Karen & Adam Baker, Cho! Gazpacho
The Source Trade Show
The Source Trade Show provides the perfect mix of passionate producers, alongside the hottest hospitality and catering companies, and the freshest food service. From patisserie to pickles; from fish to frozen; from confectionery to convenience. Show is on in May every year.
What they say
“The best show that I have ever attended! Great exhibitors and all really friendly and helpful.” – Sue Rendell, Aldbourne Stores Ltd
North America
National Restaurant Association Show
www.nationalrestaurantshow.com
The National Restaurant Association runs an annual restaurant and hospitality industry trade show in Chicago, This Grand Daddy of them all takes over virtually the entire city for a week every year in May.
What they say
“I don’t know how you can be in our business and not want to come here and check out what’s going on. It’s fantastic.” – Andrew Zimmern Chef/Owner, AZ Canteen
International Restaurant And Foodservice Show
www.internationalrestaurantny.com
This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the restaurant, foodservice or hospitality industry. This show provides a chance to network with independent restaurant owners, QSR and quick serve establishment operators, caterers, bakers, chefs, and other from across all segments and concepts (bars, nightclubs, hospitals, hotels and commercial foodservice operations).
What they say
“First time attending the event. I totally enjoyed every aspect of the show. Speakers, topics, food. Very impressed.” – Nadine Pitz Palombo Manager at PepsiCo
Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
The EXPO is a must for restaurant owners, managers, buyers, hotel food and beverage directors and many others. It’s the only place in Louisiana to gain valuable industry knowledge and shop hundreds of companies under one roof.
What they say
“I loved the event! My catering business is in Ohio but while in NOLA I attended the show. It offered a great array of food ideas and equipment.”
The Restaurant Show Canada
www.rcshow.com
The Restaurant Show Canada attracts thousands of industry professionals and puts them face to face with exhibitors showcasing all their latest industry products. The show is overflowing with fresh ideas to help promote, grow and manage your business.
What they say
“We sources several promising leads that will no doubt result in sales, and moer relationships within the industry” – Hopkins PEI
Fast Casual Summit
www.fastcasualsummit.com
This exclusive event has been created specifically for C-level executives, VPs, and Directors for restaurant operators in the fast casual and QSR segments.
What they say
“I really enjoyed the summit, got a lot out of it and was glad I made the decision to come.” – Andrew Hubbard, Bob Evans Farms
