The UK has a very diverse offering of hospitality and catering exhibitions. With so many to choose from you may not know where to start so we have compiled a list of the main events not to miss in 2015. With London being the nation’s capital it makes sense that many events are held there, however if that’s too far for you to travel don’t worry. There are many more trade shows located in other parts of England, Scotland and Ireland so you can find one a little closer to home if you wish.
Top 10 Catering & Hospitality Events in 2015
The catering exhibitions on this page have so much to offer, whether you own an established business that operates within the leisure and hospitality industry, or are new to the industry all together, everyone who attends will benefit in one way or another. You can meet new food suppliers, try out catering equipment, view the latest contract furniture designs and experience high tech, industry specific IT systems. Many trade shows also have guest speakers from celebrity chefs and elite restaurateurs to pioneers of new catering concepts, these are people that have been there and done that, so you really can learn a lot from them.
19th – 21st January 2015 – The Hospitality Show
The Hospitality Show is one of the largest events of its kind, with visitors traveling far and wide to the NEC, Birmingham where it is held annually. Designed to fulfill the needs of hoteliers, restaurateurs, publicans, and catering operators The Hospitality Show has exhibitors in the following categories:
- Food & Drink
- Equipment
- Interiors
- Technology
- Recruitment
- Business Advice
- Training
The show starts at the end of January and lasts for three busy, action packed days. Its free to visit as long as you register first, remember to either print off your ticket at home, or bring the booking reference with you so you can collect your tick on arrival.
4th – 5th February 2015 – The Source Trade Show
Based in the West Country, The Source Trade Show gives catering operators the opportunity to meet food and drink producers at all levels. From small scale local companies to key international suppliers. In 2014 The Source & Taste of the West merged with Expowest Westcountry Catering Trade Show at The Source Trade Show. As a result of the merger between the two already established exhibitions, many more visitors and exhibitors took part in the event this year and the same is expected in 2015.
Whilst you are at the show there will also be the opportunity to experience some of the additional features such as live demos from some of the UK’s leading chefs. Tasting sessions, and also a tourism conference where you listen to and interact with industry experts who will be discussing an array of topics related to the tourism industry.
It’s free to register, please visit the official Source Trade Show website for more details.
17th – 19th February 2015 – Catex
Catex is the main catering event in Ireland, attracting more visitors than any other food service event in the country. The 2015 Catex exhibition is no exception, with 11k visitors and 200+ exhibitors lined up to mark the 50th anniversary of the event, there’s certainly going to be a lot to see and do. Catex lasts for three days and starts in the middle of February, the show is located at The Royal Dublin Society (RDS).
Apart from the obvious food and drink stands, there will also be contract furniture manufacturers, software companies, security solutions and catering equipment suppliers. Registration is free and can be done on the official Catex website.
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4th – 5th March 2015 – ScotHot
ScotHot was established over 40 years ago and is now Scotland’s largest catering and hospitality exhibition. The trade show, which marks the beginning of the Scottish Tourism Week, is held at the SECC, Glasgow at the beginning of March and attracts approximately 8000 MD’s, chefs, managers and buyers from across the UK. There are many exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services at ScotHot, from catering equipment suppliers to contract furniture manufacturers and commercial interior designers. Visitors are given the opportunity to meet these suppliers, have face to face discussions with them and try out their products first hand. The event also gives business owners and managers industry insights that will help them to anticipate future trends.
The Scottish Culinary Championships are held at ScotHot which includes; the Cold Display, Scottish Restaurant Challenge, Chef of the Year and many other live competitions and “cook offs”.
To find out more information or to register please visit the ScotHot website.
11th – 13th March 2015 – IFEX Exhibition
The IFEX Exhibition is held at Kings Hall, Belfast and appeals to restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs and any other business operating in the leisure and hospitality industry. Many directors, managers and other senior members of staff visit the event to experience the latest products and services the exhibitors have to offer so they can keep up to date with the current market trends and stay ahead of competition. Although the show is one of the youngest to be featured on this page, the exhibition is owned and run by a leading hospitality event organiser that is recognised in the industry for proving high quality events that meet the needs of both the visitors and the exhibitors.
IFEX also hosts Salon Culinaire which is a collection of competitions, designed to test the skills of some 220 chefs over the course of the 3 day event. In addition to this there are various live demonstrations taking place from leading chefs. As well as a 20 cover restaurant which holds 3 sittings daily throughout the event. Where you can enjoy the creations of local Northern Irish chefs.
Please visit the IFEX website to find our more information and to book your free tickets.
17th – 18th March 2015 – Northern Restaurant and Bar
One of the best trade shows the North West has to offer, The Northern Restaurant & Bar even attracts thousands of visitors each year. Held at Manchester Central, the former GMEX arena which houses some 23000 square meters of floor space. Many suppliers will be exhibiting their products at the event, below is just a snap shot of some of the supplier categories you would expect to see there:
- Lighting & Sound
- Bar Equipment
- Drinks Machines
- Catering Equipment
- Contract Furniture
- Drinks, Spirits and Liqueurs
- Hygiene, Health and Safety
In addition to the exhibitors, there will be many events taking place across the two days. In 2014 The Tap Room was introduced, which reflects the current Craft ale trend in the market. Visitors can meet small time, artisan brewers and sample the different ales that they have to offer. The Grape & Grain section features tutored tasting sessions of various alcoholic beverages to help you improve your drinks offering to your customers. Alongside this there will be guest speakers from some of the major drinks brands such as Robinsons brewery.
In the main theatre you will find the Chef Live section where celebrity chefs show off their skills to aspiring restaurateurs and chefs from all over the country. There is also a Market Kitchen in a separate theatre which features demos showing the skills and techniques required for handling speciality foods.
Please visit the official Northern Restaurant & Bar website for more details and to register for your free tickets.
17th – 18th March 2015 – Hotel & Catering Show
The Hotel & Catering Show is held in the middle of March at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). The two day event attracts owners and managers of hotels, pubs, bars, clubs, cafes and other catering operators from all over the country. Many companies are exhibiting at the show, below is a list of some of the types of exhibitors that you would expect to see there:
- Food & Drink
- Hygiene & Cleaning Equipment
- Mobile Catering Equipment
- Signage & Display
- Indoor & Outdoor Furniture
- Food Packaging
- Storage & Shelving
But that’s not all there is to see, there are also many live events such as the Grazin’ Kitchen, where live demonstrations and tasting sessions will be held. Or the infamous Liquid bar, with a multi-regional mixology competition. There will also be a number of hospitality talks given by pioneers of the industry. To register for your free entry pass, or to find out more information please visit The Hotel & Catering Show website.
13th – 14th May 2015 – Caffé Culture
Caffé Culture is another catering exhibition that is to be held at Olympia London in 2015, it is the only cafe specific trade show in the whole of the UK. With over 230 exhibitors lined up, the two day event will give you plenty of opportunities to meet new suppliers and try out some of their products.
Take a look at some of the exhibitor types that will be attending below:
- Baking, Biscuits, Cakes
- Cafe Design
- Catering Equipment
- Coffee Suppliers
- Coffee Equipment
- Cafe Furniture
- Beverage Suppliers
There will also be a number of seminars taking place with talks about; growing a cafe business, street food, latest trends in the market and brand management. So whether you are just starting out in the catering industry, or own a chain of established cafes, there are significant benefits to visiting this exhibition.
30th September – 1st October 2015 – Takeaway Expo
The Takeaway Expo is unique in the sense that it is the only exhibition in the UK that is directed towards fast food restaurants and takeaways. The event is relatively new in comparison to some of the others featured in this post but that’s not to say that it’s inferior in any way shape or form. The Takeaway Expo has so much to offer, with 100’s of exhibitors who want to demonstrate or let you try out their new products and services. From food producers to payment gateways, from interior designers to burger van suppliers. If you own a takeaway or fast food business, this event should be high up on your list of priorities for the forthcoming year.
The Takeaway Expo also over 50 guest speakers such as the MD of Just Eat and also a director of KFC. Who will be discussing their experiences within the industry and also offering helpful advice to those visiting the show. In addition to this there will be various workshops taking place giving you useful insights into digital marketing, better business and EPOS technology, as well as giving you the opportunity to get involved.
Finally the show organisers have created a networking area where you can meet new suppliers, potential business partners or associates.
Please visit the official Takeaway Expo website to find out more.
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5th – 7th October 2015 – The Restaurant Show
As the name suggests The Restaurant Show is directly orientated towards chefs and restaurateurs from all over the UK. This two day event takes place at The Olympia in London and starts at the beginning of October 2015. With over 350 suppliers exhibiting their products and services, there is more than enough to occupy visitors throughout the duration of the event. There are also many live talks, demonstrations and competitions taking place in separate theatres at the exhibition.
Exhibitors are travelling far and wide to display their products at the exhibition, below is a list of some of the product categories you will find at the show:
- Wine, Beer, Cider & Spirit Suppliers
- Contract Furniture & Commercial Interior Design
- Food
- Front of House
- Catering Equipment
- Technology
- Tableware
Please visit The Restaurant Show’s official website to register for your tickets and to find our more information.
As you can see from the list above, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to catering and hospitality exhibitions in the UK. Each one of the events listed on this page has a lot to offer and some excel in certain areas more so than others so why not visit a few of them if you have got time. After visiting an event you will always return to your business, whether it is a restaurant, cafe, pub or hotel with a new mind-set and a fresh bunch of ideas in your head, which is important to keep your business moving forward and to stay ahead of your competitors.