Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fine Food and Hotel Australia?

Fine Food and Hotel Australia are annual trade shows that feature products for the retail, foodservice and hospitality industries. This year the shows will run together in Melbourne from 22-25 September 2008.

When is the exhibition open?

Monday 22 September 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 23 September 12pm - 9pm
Wednesday 24 September 10am - 5pm
Thursday 25 September 10am - 5pm

Where is the exhibition being held?

The exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. This modern venue is located in Southbank, which is only a few minutes away from the central business district. Further details on the venue can be found at www.mecc.com.au

How do I get to the venue?

The venue is only a short walk from the city centre. You can catch a taxi, train, tram or bus to the venue. There is parking available at the venue and in nearby car parks. The venue is around 40 minutes by taxi from the airport.

Do you have special travel packages?

Yes. Special hotel rates and domestic airfares are available for visitors and exhibitors. Domestic airfares are discounted and flexible. Unfortunately we cannot assist you with international fares. You can book online or contact the official travel agents
The Lido Group directly on email exhibitions@lido.com.au or telephone 1800 817 339.

How many exhibitors are there?

There will be more than 1000 exhibitors displaying food, drink and equipment at the show. They will come from all parts of Australia and overseas. Click here to see a full list of exhibitors.

Can you tell me if …. is exhibiting?

You should check the exhibitor list. If a company is not shown then they may be sharing a stand or be a recent booking. You might like to contact them directly or check this site again closer to the show.

Will there be any special events?

Yes. There is a range of special events designed to educate and entertain you. They include the Melbourne Culinary Challenge, Free Seminar Theatre, The Great Aussie Pie Competition, Bakeskills Australia, National Best of the Best Pizza Competition and a number of industry dinners and meetings. Further details can be found in the Special Events section.
Click here to view special events page

What sort of products will I see?

You will be able to see and taste thousands of new food and beverage ideas in the Fine Food exhibition, and try out the latest equipment in Hotel Australia. To help you find your way around there are special sections for accommodation, bakery,
confectionery, dairy, drinks, meat & seafood, natural products, hotel supplies, catering equipment, packaging, retail equipment and convenience world.

Can I exhibit at the show?

Yes. There are still stands available, but you will need to book soon. The cost of a 3m x 3m stand is around $4050 plus GST.
You will need to contact our sales department to discuss availability. You can contact them on email food@divexhibitions.com.au or telephone 03 9261 4500.

Who can attend?

Fine Food & Hotel Australia are trade only events. Admission is restricted to professional persons working in the food, drink or equipment industries. Persons not in these categories (including children) will not be admitted at any time. Identification may be required at the door.

Can students attend?

Students enrolled in a hospitality course at a tertiary level or registered apprentices may attend the show if they have the appropriate student identity card. Primary and Secondary school students will not be admitted at any time, regardless of any courses they may be studying.

Can I bring my family?

No. This is a business event and entry is restricted to those people actually working in the industry. The only exception is infants under one year that cannot be separated from their primary caregiver. If you bring an infant we strongly recommend
that you carry them in a pouch instead of a pram, due to crowds.

Are there child-minding facilities?

No. If you are travelling from interstate we suggest you organise a baby-sitter through your hotel or by looking up 'Baby Sitters' in the Yellow Pages or www.yellowpages.com.au

Do I need a Visa for Australia?

Most visitors will require a Visa to enter Australia. Applications need to be made well in advance at the Australian Consulate in your own country or in some cases can be made online. For more information visit the Australian Government Immigration
site at www.immi.gov.au. The application form for a temporary business visa is located at www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/456.pdf

Will I need to bring identification with me?

Yes. Proof of industry involvement may be requested at the registration counters or the entrance. We suggest you bring along a business card, invoice or company documentation along with personal identification such as a drivers licence or passport.

How much does it cost to attend?

Admission is $30. However you can avoid the entry fee by registering online between 1 January and 17 September 2008.
After this date you will have to purchase a ticket at the door.

Can I pre-register?

Yes. You can register online between 1 January and 17 September 2008. If you have been sent a free ticket you will need to register online before 17 September. Entry is $30 at the door if not pre-registered.

What happens when I pre-register?

Your name is entered on the visitor database and a badge is mailed to you. The badge gives you free entry on all show days. Badges will be mailed one week prior to the event. If your badge does not arrive in time you can collect a replacement
badge at the entrance counters upon your arrival at the show.

Can you check my registration?

Yes. You can contact Diversified Exhibitions on 03 9261 4500 or email food@divexhibitions.com.au to check if your registration has successfully been submitted. If in doubt we suggest you simply register again before 17 September 2008.

What if my badge does not arrive in time?

All registrations received by the 17 September cut-off will be mailed out. If you do not receive your badge or forget to bring it with you then you can ask for a replacement badge at any of the entrance counters at the show. If your name is recorded
on the database a new badge will be issued at no cost. If we have no record of your registration you will need to pay the $30 entry fee.

What if my badge is not correct?

If you received your badge in the mail and it needs to be corrected please visit one of the entrance counters when you arrive at the show and they will print a new badge at no cost. We regret we cannot make corrections before the show.

When is the next show?

Fine Food and Hotel Australia run each September and alternate between Sydney and Melbourne. The regional shows Fine Food & Hospitality Queensland run every second March in Brisbane and Fine Food & Hospitality Perth run every second March in Perth

Fine Food / Hospitality Perth	25-27 March 2009
Fine Food Australia / Hotel Australia	7-10 September 2009

Who are the organisers?

The organisers of the event are Diversified Exhibitions Australia, who are one of the leading event organisers in Australia.
For further information visit www.divexhibitions.com.au