Keeping the Hospitality industry on the front foot for the challenges ahead

Getting your team in top condition for the big season ahead has never been easier, with the upcoming Restaurant & Bar Show – a trade show strategically timed to provide information, inspiration and product support in the build up to New Zealand’s biggest ever sporting event.

A co-creation between Brand Events & Festivals and The Restaurant Association of New Zealand, The Restaurant & Bar Show will run alongside the 19th annual New Zealand Culinary Fare, 17 – 19 July, at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland. Organisers are billing it as a must-see for all hospitality businesses, owners, staff and suppliers wanting to maximize the amazing opportunity that the upcoming season promises.

“This is an essential time for the industry to come together and plan for what will be a very busy time” says Brand Events & Festivals, GM, Rob Eliott. “We have some great international speakers coming to the show and well seasoned local experts who will share insights on tournament preparation with our hospitality community.”

“Working hard while having fun doing it is the very basis of our hospitality industry. The Restaurant & Bar Show is a chance for us to get together, celebrate our industry and learn from one another. This show’s goal is to help everyone working in hospitality succeed over this period and promote the new talent coming through,” says Rob.

A comprehensive range of the best and latest products and services from industry suppliers will be on show at the event, alongside a selection of top artisan food producers. A Boutique Wine Showcase will display premium labels from local and international shores and the twelve best bartenders from around the country will compete in the 2011 Bar Masters competition, sponsored by MONIN.

Industry members will also have the opportunity to attend seminars specifically designed to cover the issues that the industry needs to prepare for.

“Hospitality is such an important sector of the economy, especially in 2011 when the eyes of the world are on us” says Restaurant Association of NZ President, Mike Egan. “The industry needs to make sure they are ready by talking and listening to the people who have been there and done it before”.

South African veteran restaurateur, Chef Pete Goffe-Wood, recently faced the intensity of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Pete will be discussing his experience of the event at the Telecom Masterclasses, from the perspective of an industry member who has been there, done that! His insights into what the industry can expect to happen this September and October are crucial for any bar and restaurant seeking to win the custom of some of the 85,000 international visitors and fans expected to be in New Zealand later in the year.

The Match Ready seminars are supported by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development and will feature Leon Grice, the director of NZ2011 Office who will be sharing all the facts about the Rugby World Cup 2011; who is coming, where they are staying and what are they looking for? They will also discuss the REAL New Zealand Festival and how New Zealand's fabulous food and beverage industry can be best showcased.

Further industry experts conducting exclusive workshops include Justin North, Chef and proprietor of acclaimed Sydney restaurants, Head Sommelier at Raffles Hotel, Singapore, Deeraj Bhatia, highly successful and respected business owners Luke Dallow, Keith Stewart - RadioLive talkback host and Food News editor and John Clarke – Editor of Grill and Food Services magazines.

The Restaurant and Bar Show will be the largest industry event in New Zealand this year, making it important for all hospitality workers and businesses to attend. Says Egan, “This is an event put on by the industry, for the industry. I look forward to seeing you there!”

The Restaurant & Bar Show
Sunday July 17th – Tuesday July 19th
ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
Visitors can register at www.randbshow.co.nz

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For more information, contact;
Rob Eliott, General Manager, Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand; RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz; Ph: (021) 677 739

Mike Egan, CEO, the Restaurant Association of NZ; mike@monsoonpoon.co.nz; Ph: (021) 966 677

Paul Blomfield, Public Relations Consultant; paul@paulblomfield.com; Ph: (021) 970 871

About Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand
Brand Events Festivals Ltd is a subsidiary of the UK based Brand Events Ltd, organisers of international festivals such as Top Gear Live and Taste Festivals. More information at www.befestivals.co.nz or contact Robert Eliott on 09 531 5524.

About The Restaurant Association of New Zealand
Restaurant Association of New Zealand covers the length and breadth of the country representing every facet of the restaurant and hospitality industry. More information on the Association and the New Zealand Culinary Fare can be found at www.restaurantnz.co.nz or contact Mike Egan on 021 966 677.