Diversified Communications Australia, organisers of the long running Fine Food Australia Exhibition, has launched Hospitality Unites – an initiative dedicated to supporting the recovery of the Australian foodservice industry following the devastating effects of COVID-19 on our community.
The digital destination and event was inspired by the strength and resilience of the industry and the people that make up the foodservice community.
“We asked ourselves, what can we do to help right now, with the resources and community that we have built over the last 35 years?” Fine Food Product Director, Minnie Constan says of the initiative. “This is not the first time we as an industry have seen adversity and we are certain we will see a stunning return, particularly now that Victoria has a roadmap to recovery. Hospitality Unites is an initiative to nurture and support that recovery, particularly for Victoria.”
The digital hub, launched in June, serves as a meeting place for industry professionals to access information, inspiration and connection to the foodservice community through its website and social media channels. Hospitality Unites invites businesses and individuals to share their story or learnings from their time during the COVID restrictions and re-opening, to help others experiencing similar situations and hardships.
In addition to the hub of news, solutions and inspirational stories, Diversified Communications Australia is also getting set to host all things foodservice recovery at the Hospitality Unites two-day live event which will be held from 14-15 March 2021, when the industry is ready to connect face-to-face and when it is safe to do so. With a recovery now well in sight for early 2021, the event will host Victoria’s food scene as it begins to re-open and re-establish itself back to its former vibrance and glory.
Given the significant impacts the long-term shutdown of hospitality has had on the industry in Melbourne particularly, Hospitality Unites is set to address the many and varied challenges being faced, through free education for the foodservice community via its digital hub and at the live event next year.
“We’ll be facilitating education and thought leadership across all aspects of foodservice recovery – discussions like re-starting your offering, rebuilding your business, managing mental health and operating a venue in a new ‘COVID normal’ – to name just a few at this stage.” says Constan.
After 36 years playing host to the industry through Fine Food Australia, the team behind HU are well aware of the importance of events like this in supporting business and economic growth, and facilitating face-to-face interaction, especially now.
“When the time is right to meet in person in 2021, Hospitality Unites will host important discussions and a showcase of the latest solutions built to make businesses and venues offerings more efficient and competitive, driven by the hunger and dedication of our industry,” says Constan.
“Exhibitor and attendee safety always have been, and always will be, our top priority. Planning is constantly underway to ensure that Hospitality Unites and all our future exhibitions will be delivered in a safe and controlled environment.” she continued.
For many in Victoria, this will be the first opportunity to unite in person at a dedicated exhibition in over 18 months, b*y uniting the community, HU aims to be part of the restoration of the once vibrant and diverse food scene.
Hospitality Unites, an initiative of Fine Food Australia, is set to be held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in March 2021.
For more information visit www.hospitalityunites.com.au or get in touch with the team at hospitalityunites@divcom.net.au.
