As the economic downturn continues to be challenging, it is important that hospitality professionals continue to look for ways to maintain and grow their business warns the organisers of the Hotel and Catering Show. Taking place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Tuesday 15 (10am to 6pm) and Wednesday 16 March (10am to 4pm), the 2011 Show will provide the ideal platform for professionals in the industry to find out about the latest products, services and trends, taste the latest food and drink produce as well as network with other industry professionals.
The Show will be officially opened by leading hotelier Andrew Stembridge, managing director of the five-AA-star Chewton Glen hotel in the New Forest, Hampshire, on 15 March. Andrew says: “I am honoured to be officially opening the Show. At Chewton Glen we are constantly trying to innovate to ensure that we continue to exceed the expectations of our guests and remain at the forefront of the hotel industry. Such shows undoubtedly help make this process easier, not to mention the invaluable networking opportunities that are enjoyed by those who make time to attend.”
With a variety of exhibitors all boasting the latest industry products and services, the exhibitor list reads like a who’s who of the catering and hospitality world including Nestlé Professional®, Molson Coors, Unilever Ice Cream, Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems, Johnson Diversey, Coastline Produce, Purbeck Ice Cream, DCA Equipment, Ringwood Brewery, New Forest Spring Water, Essential Cuisine, Wrights Dairies and many more. Many exhibitors will also be providing product and cooking demonstrations and tastings as well as offering the latest advice to inspire visitors with ideas on how to grow their businesses and cope with current economic challenges.
Show features include the UK’s largest young chef and waiting competition, the Wessex Salon Culinaire.
This exciting competition will expose aspiring chefs and restaurant service personnel and will provide hoteliers and restaurateurs with the perfect opportunity to talent spot for all those potential employees.
Among the highlights of the Wessex Salon Culinaire is the unique cook and serve competition Taste of Toque, which takes place on Tuesday 15 March, and the aim of this event is to provide a taste of the future and what it would be like to participate in Nestlé Toque d’Or®.
An unbeatable line-up of leading chefs will also be on-hand to share culinary secrets and provide lively on-stage cookery demonstrations within the Masterclass Theatre. Sponsored by Nestlé Professional® brand CHEF®, Bournemouth and Poole College and Robot Coupe, chefs include television chef James Tanner, Michelin-starred chef, Simon Hulstone, Cyrus Todiwala OBE, as well as BBC Two’s Masterchef: The Professionals’ semi-finalist, Alice Churchill. Alice is currently working with Gordon Ramsay’s team at Michelin-starred restaurant, Maze, in London’s Mayfair following her success on Masterchef.
To coincide with the two-day Show, a Show Dinner with BBC celebrity chef James Martin will take place at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel on 15 March. James will be joining forces with Luke Matthews, executive chef at Chewton Glen and the executive chef at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott, Clyde Hollett, to create a menu and treat guests to a four-course gourmet dinner.
Show organiser, Anna Wallis, adds: “When economic conditions remain challenging, businesses have to become inventive to set themselves apart from competitors and offer something more to meet customers’ changing demands. Therefore, there has never been a better time to visit the Hotel and Catering Show as attendees will be able to see the very best in products and business solutions, tap into fresh ideas for food, hospitality and accommodation and explore the latest in technology, equipment and services. Anyone with an interest in the food and hospitality industries should mark the Show on the calendar as a not to be missed event.”
To attend the Show, visitors can pre-register at www.hotel-expo.co.uk or call 01425 485040.
Follow the Show on Twitter http://twitter.com/HotelExpoShow
Join the Facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/HotelandCateringShow.