What's on at Hotelympia 2016
Billed by its organiser as the 'home of innovation', Hotelympia will see 1,000 exhibitors showcase their products and services alongside a comprehensive line-up of business seminars, cooking demos and competitions.
Kicking off on 29 February and running until 3 March, the biennial tradeshow is aimed at the entirety of the hospitality world – from contract caterers to fine dining restaurants. The companies exhibiting will be equally broad, ranging from food and drink and equipment suppliers through to recruitment companies and waste management experts.
Expert equipment
New for 2016 is the Bespoke Equipment Sourcing Scheme, created in partnership with CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) which will see buyers’ requirements matched to the exhibitor whose equipment best meet their needs. They will then be able to speak directly and confidentially to manufacturers on everything from technical specifications to energy saving benefits. They will also be able to compare and contrast kit and try before they buy.
Michelin-starred speakers
Hotelympia’s The Stage will play host to an eclectic roster of speakers, including The Waterside Inn restaurant manager Diego Masciaga, Chilango CEO Eric Partaker and M Restaurants founder Martin Williams. Some of the country’s most vaunted chefs will be in attendance too. The Craft Guild of Chefs and The Staff Canteen have teamed up to secure the likes of Clare Smyth, Tom Kerridge, Claude Bosi, Simon Rogan and Nathan Outlaw. Each day will see a changing line-up of chefs performing interactive demonstrations on stage in front of a live audience offering recipe guidance, cooking tips and sampling opportunities.
Tech tips
The technology-focused HOSPA CE Hub will offer a number of panel discussions with subjects including distribution; reservations; marketing and loyalty; point-of-sale; up-selling; table management; in-room technology; service automation; supply chain and inventory management. The Hub will welcome a number of experts on to its stage, including Google UK’s head of hospitality Terri Scriven and My Ly, senior marketing manager for YO! Sushi.
Get competitive
The show will also host a collection of cooking competitions run under the International Salon Culinaire banner. Chef director Steve Munkley has introduced a host of programme changes that he says are aimed at ensuring the competition stays fresh and relevant to modern hospitality.
New for 2016 is The Skills Theatre, which will give chefs at the very beginning of their careers – including apprentices and students, and those who have not competed before – the chance to experience a competitive environment, with classes including butchery, fishmongery, pastry and sugar-craft. In another first for the competition, front-of-house staff will also get to demonstrate their skills and put their efforts to the test in a selection of service classes.
Essential info
When: 29 February – 3 March
Where: ExCeL, London
Tickets: Free in advance, to register click here
Web: www.hotelympia.com
