Food & Hospitality Week

Food & Hospitality Week is a new trade event set to inspire the culinary sector. Held from 18–20 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event will see four shows take place under the one roof including Foodservice Australia, the longest-running trade event for hospitality professions; The Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show; the Commercial Kitchen Show; and the Restaurant Technology Show.

“As Australia’s new culinary epicentre for innovation and inspiration, Food & Hospitality Week will bring together more than 12,000 chefs, owners, operators, and procurement decisionmakers from across the hospitality ecosystem,” says Portfolio Director Food and Beverage Mike Hill from National Media, which recently acquired Foodservice Australia. “Whether you’re a single-unit restaurant or café owner, a QSR brand, part of a large hospitality group, or an F&B manager in an institutional foodservice setting, Food & Hospitality Week is the place to be to develop meaningful industry connections and connect with the right suppliers.” The organisers expect a total of 380 foodservice exhibitors at the event, which is a 40 per cent increase on last year, and more than 12,000 qualified trade visitors attend.

Events will take place across six stages including demonstrations, educational presentations, and inspiring talks from international keynote speakers. The main stage will host celebrity and QSR leaders, while the business and technology stage will see operators share insights on how to excel and thrive. Chefs Johnny Di Francesco, Matt Wilkinson, and more will appear on the demonstrations stage to share techniques and tips. “It’s all about sharing the latest ideas, inspiration, and skills, and our educational program has been designed to suit,” says Hill.

There will also be three stages dedicated to food and beverage including Explore Patisserie, Discover the Source hosted by Straight To The Source, and Bar & Beverage. Competitions will be held throughout the week including the Australian Professional Chef of the Year; the Australian Pizza Championships; Australia’s Best Burger Awards; Bocuse d’Or Golden Knife Australian selection; and the ACF Restaurant Challenge. Here’s what to expect from each show.

Foodservice Australia

The annual trade event returns to deliver the latest innovations in food, beverage, equipment, and technology. Foodservice Australia is a one-stop shop for networking, tastings, and valuable business intel and a must-attend event for all hospitality professionals from small business operators to chefs, front-of-house workers, and restaurateurs. As well as meeting suppliers and discovering new products and services, delegates will also be able to attend free seminars and learn from leading hospitality experts.

foodserviceaustralia.com.au

Restaurant Technology Show

The inaugural event has been tailored to operators looking to enhance customer service, increase efficiency, and boost the overall management of their businesses using cutting-edge technology. The show will offer a range of solutions across categories including POS, digital signage, ordering kiosks, robotics, and inventory and booking management.

Commercial Kitchen Show

The go-to destination for hospitality professionals, the Commercial Kitchen Show will exhibit various equipment ranges to help streamline operations. Everything from refrigeration and warewashing to ventilation, storage solutions, and cooking equipment will be on display. Delegates will be able to meet the suppliers responsible for designing, outfitting, and supplying equipment for back and front of house. The how will also have a VIP Lounge for qualified buyers looking to do business with equipment providers.

commercialkitchenshow.com.au

Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Show

For all things pizza and pasta, stopping by the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show is essential. The new exhibition has been designed with Italian restaurant businesses in mind as well as those looking to incorporate new additions to their food programs. The show will include pizza-making masterclasses as well as exhibits from leading suppliers of ovens, sauces, pizza-making tools, sauces, and more. The Australian Pizza Championships will take place at the show and reveal the top slices in the country, as well as the Gelato Artisan Awards, which will showcase artisan gelaterias.

pizzapastashow.com.au

Find out more about select exhibitors at the links below: