Hospitality Show 2015 preview

The show - running from 19-21 January 2015 - is Britain’s largest hospitality event, attracting over 300 exhibitors showcasing the cutting edge of food & drink, technology, catering equipment, interiors and tableware.

As always, there will also be an exciting programme of speakers, competitions and business workshops giving advice and inspiration to operators across hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafés and delis.

“We’re tremendously excited to welcome people from all corners of the UK to our doors, to yet again to help kickstart the business year into life,” said Toby Wand, managing director at Fresh Montgomery.

“In 2015 our core focus is around the best of British – a launch pad for everything new and great in British hospitality.

“I urge anyone looking for that spark of inspiration to take time out, and experience the most relevant, business-focused trade show in the hospitality calendar.”

The Hospitality Show 2015 highlights

Business Mentors​

The hugely popular Business Mentor scheme will return to The Hospitality Show in 2015, offering visitors the chance to book free 15-minute one-to-one sessions with some of the most varied and respected players in hospitality.

The 2015 lineup includes:

•             Karen Fewell - social media guru and Digital Blonde

•             Neville Moon - head of innovation for Coup de Pates

•             Jack Sharkey - chairman of CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributers Association) and managing director of Vision Commercial Kitchens

•             Frank Webster - senior investment associate at Seedrs, Europe’s most-active online platform for investing in start-ups

•             Gordon Anderson - hotel procurement expert

•             Stuart Rosenblat - drinks industry legend

•             Steve Cash - owner and founder of bar restaurant consultancy service Yuzu Hospitality

•             Niccola Boyd-Stevenson – managing director of Panache Consultancy and one of the top 100 most influential women in Britain’s hospitality, transport, travel and tourism sectors

•             Stephen McManus - hospitality consultant

•             Peter Hales - hotel profitability guru

•             Peter Ducker - chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality

•             Martin Williams - the outgoing managing director for the Gaucho group

•             David Campbell  - financial advisor

•             John Hunt - hotel management recruitment specialist

•             James Dilley, head of the hotel, hospitality and interior design at Jestico + Whiles.

Visitors looking to benefit from 15 minutes with a Business Mentor can now book online at www.hospitalityshow.co.uk​​. Late appointments can also be taken at the show but advanced booking is advised.

Simon Rogan takes to the stage​

At 1pm on the 21st January, day three of the show, culinary heavyweight Simon Rogan will take to the Business Briefing Stage for a look back on his 25 years at the pass.

During his not-to-be missed live interview, the chef will discuss his multi-award-winning L'Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, as well as new openings The French and Mr Cooper’s House & Garden in Manchester’s Midland Hotel and Fera at Claridge’s in London.

He will also touch on his unique culinary philosophy, which relies heavily upon the influence of nature and highly seasonal ingredients.

“What a great way to kick off 2015 – The Hospitality Show is a phenomenal annual gathering of industry professionals as well as those starting their careers in catering. I look forward to my day in Birmingham and checking out the show,” said Rogan.

Star Product Awards scheme 

The Star Product Awards  – new for 2015 – will crown the industry’s ten most groundbreaking new products. The awards are open to all exhibitors and will shine a spotlight on the latest and greatest new arrivals.

All entries will be judged at the show, with the ten winners unveiled on the first day of the show, Monday 19 January at 4pm on the Business Briefing Stage. Show visitors will have the chance to vote via Twitter for the People’s Choice accolade, which will be announced after the show.

The Business Briefing Stage​

Throughout the three-day show (19-21 January, NEC Birmingham) the Business Briefing Stage will play host to a programme of hot topic seminars and one-on-one interviews.

Topics to be covered include crowdfunding; keeping pace with a burgeoning high street; smarter menu planning; profiting from savvy design; breeding staff loyalty; forgotten foods; craft beer and competing with the casuals.

Speakers will include:

• Adam Tyler, chief executive of of NACFB (National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers)

• Martin Williams, former Gaucho MD

• Mike Williams, director of people development for De Vere Hotels and Village Urban Resorts

• David Loewi, chairman of The Restaurant Association

• Marcus Kilvington, founder of Food Profits

Salon Culinaire​

The international cooking competition Salon Culinaire will return to the Hospitality Show with live theatre classes, a fine dining experience and La Parade des Chefs.

Following feedback from a panel of chefs, the 2015 competition will feature a new format – including an online entry system, iPads used for food photography and two award ceremonies each day.

The Laverstoke Park Farm Taste Experience​

Laverstoke Park Farm – the Hampshire-based organic and biodynamic farm belonging to F1 world champion-turned-farmer Jody Scheckter – is set to relocate to the Hospitality Show floor for three days.

Visitors will be able to sample some of the unique produce crafted on the farm, including their renowned mozzarella made from fresh buffalo milk, buffalo fillet steaks, award-winning lamb, tasty black pudding and their new buffalo gouda.

Equipment innovation ​

An array of international catering equipment suppliers will take centre stage at the Hospitality Show 2015, providing visitors with an overview of industry trends, technical developments and product innovations.

In addition to displays by catering equipment suppliers, the CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) Innovation Zone will be a one-stop shop for the most relevant and up-to-date products the industry has on offer. 

The Catering Equipment Networking Dinner will be held at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole on Tuesday 20 January, with a menu overseen by UK Bocuse d’Or representative Adam Bennett and food prepared by the Junior British Culinary Team.

Technology Hub ​

As always, ground-breaking technology will play an integral part at The Hospitality Show. Leading exhibitors such as Aircharge by Ergo and EPOS specialists Acorn Hospitality Systems will demonstrate some of the latest industry innovations, while the HOSPACE Hub will offer an informative seminar programme encompassing the latest trends and insight, including sessions on increasing efficiency and winning loyalty through technology.

For more information or to register for a free ticket to the show, visit www.hospitalityshow.co.uk​​