New event to showcase Queensland’s booming food and hospitality sector

Media release: 19 June 2018

New event to showcase Queensland’s booming food and hospitality sector

With Queensland delivering the a very successful Commonwealth games earlier this year and huge development across the State there has never been a better time for a new event to showcase the vibrant food and hospitality industry. Food & Hospitality Queensland will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 5-6 August this year. It will feature over 100 exhibitors showing the latest food, drink and equipment ideas for chefs, restaurateurs, café managers, hoteliers, supermarkets and tourism operators.

In addition to all the exhibitors there will be a range of special events to educate, inspire and entertain the professional audience. These include the finals of the Queensland Chef of the Year, free menu workshops in the Brisbane Café School and a new Aged Care Catering Summit which will look at catering to our aging population.

Event Director Tim Collett says it is important for Queenslanders to have their own industry event. He points out that South East Queensland is a tourist hotspot as well as a growing metropolis.

“While some of the larger operators might go to Sydney for a show there are literally thousands of business who need new ideas but don’t have the time to travel or shop around. This event will give them access to the least ideas and suppliers all under one roof.”

“The other advantage of attending a local show is that visitors will be talking to people who understand their business and can supply them straight away. There is no point discovering a product that you cannot get in your home town.”

Tim Collett was responsible for running some the most successful exhibitions in Brisbane through the late nineties and says he is delighted to be back. “Queensland is a huge market that is becoming increasingly sophisticated. There is no doubt that food and hospitality are front and centre of most developments in Brisbane and up the coast. That applies to tourism as well as permanent population growth and retirement living”.

New catering equipment will be one of the highlights of the event. Major brands on show include Rational, Stoddart, Unox, Moffat, Robot Coupe, Winterhalter, Cyberchill and Mackies. Local dealer Hospitality Superstore will have a huge stand where chefs will be using the gear and ready to discuss your individual requirements.

At the centre of the show, Queensland Chef of the Year will see professional chefs competing against the clock and each other. In addition to the prestigious title the winner will take home $2500 and a free trip to Melbourne to compete in the Australian titles. Entries are now open on the show website.

In the adjoining conference rooms the new Aged Care Catering Summit will bring together expert operators and suppliers to discuss how to improve the menu for older consumers. It coincides with the opening of a new 19 story luxury retirement village by Aveo in inner-city Brisbane. John Casey from Aveo will be just one of the speakers.

At the back of the show the Brisbane Café School will feature free workshops on how to build a better breakfast, pour the perfect coffee, flip a gourmet burger and prepare a super sandwich. It will be hosted by super chef Peter Wright who oversaw athlete catering at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Also on the show floor, the Specialty Producers Pavilion will highlight boutique food, drink and ingredient suppliers from all over Australia. Anyone seeking exciting new products for the foodservice and retail sectors will be inspired and impressed by the variety and quality of products on offer.

Collett says “if you work in a cafe, restaurant, hotel, supermarket or resort then make sure you put this event in your diary and come along. There is just no better way to meet new suppliers, discover new techniques and improve your business”. He adds “if you are supplier then give us a call to see if there are any stands still available”.

Visitor registration is now open. Entry is free but strictly trade only – all visitors must be over 16 and work in a food or hospitality business. For more information on exhibiting or visiting go to www.foodandhospitality.com.au or call 03 9999 5460.

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Media Contact:

Kirsty Hunt

T 03 9999 5460

E kirsty@specialisedevents.com.au