The 2010 Hotel and Catering Show has been declared a triumphant success by the catering and hospitality industry.
Despite the tough trading conditions, hoteliers, restaurateurs, contract caterers and chefs all flocked to the Bournemouth International Centre on 16-17 March for a busy two days of networking and to source new products and ideas, as well as meet a host of leading and celebrity chefs.
The show’s programme of culinary demonstrations, provided by top chefs including Brian Turner CBE, Cyrus Todiwala OBE and Mitch Tonks, is backed up by product launches and world-class competitions for chefs and restaurant service professionals, attracted more than 2,800 buyers through the show’s doors, ensuring delight from the 200 exhibiting companies.
Nick Rowe from Qtos Catering Equipment said: “Great show. We generated 40 per cent more leads compared to 2009, and our sales team will be extremely busy over the next few weeks. The show allowed us to speak directly to potential customers and present our products in a professional, business environment. We will definitely be back next year.”
Key features of this year’s show were the UK’s largest culinary competition, the Wessex Salon Culinaire, and the prestigious WorldSkills UK Cooking and Restaurant Services competitions.
Show director Anna Wallis said: “The face-to-face environment of a trade show provides a fantastic opportunity to gain new business during difficult economic times and it is encouraging to hear from exhibitors that the show has succeeded in its goal to help generate contacts and positive sales leads. We listened to feedback and comments from exhibitors and visitors to ensure we were able to create a bustling, exciting atmosphere, with a show which successfully delivered not only what people wanted but also against our key success criteria of attendance, ambience and industry showcase.”
No comments yet