Solutions on the menu at Hotel Australia

MELBOURNE 15th May 2008 - Professionals from the foodservice and hospitality industries are set to converge on this year’s Hotel Australia and Fine Food exhibitions where, according to organisers Diversified Exhibitions Australia, the menu promises solutions and new ideas for your business.

“There’s no doubt times are challenging for the industry at the moment,” said Exhibition Director Timothy Collett. “With an uncertain economic climate, rising fuel costs, interest rate increases and the rising prices of fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder the more savvy in the industry are looking to the event for ways to minimise the influence of these external factors.”

Hotel Australia and Fine Food Australia are Australasia’s largest event for the food service and hospitality industries. Occupying the whole of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for four days from 22 - 25 September, it will feature over 1,000 exhibitors with groups from China, Cyprus, Dubai, France, India, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand and USA.

Hotel Australia is the definitive event for the restaurant, hotel and motel industry, featuring the latest in foodservice and hospitality ideas and equipment. The show runs alongside Fine Food Australia, the defining exhibition for the food, beverage and hospitality industry, highlighting the latest in food, drink and equipment. Visitors will compare the best products and business solutions; tap into fresh ideas for food, hospitality and accommodation; explore the latest in technology, equipment and services and visit over 150 Wine & Spirits exhibitors right alongside the food and equipment within the body of the show.

“The solutions to a myriad of problems will be on show, be it by sourcing new ideas, discovering trends, making new contacts, comparing suppliers or even taking advantage of the rising Australian dollar in dealing with exhibitors from over 20 countries,“ said Mr Collett. "The exhibition is an economic and time efficient opportunity to access thousands of new products and ideas combined with seminars and industry events.”

One of the growth areas in the last few years has been in equipment for catering and hospitality and this year will be no exception. All the big names will be there including Angelo Po, Comcater, FSM, Hobart, Irinox, JL Lennard, Roband, Skope, Stoddart and Woodroffe.

The front of house, guest accommodation and back of house suppliers on show include:

Bedding AH Beard and Sleepmaker; Dining Room Arc International, Australian Fine China, Crown Commercial, Dudson, Longfine Hospitality Supplies, Luus Industries, Top of Table; Laundry/Cleaning Rubbermaid and WR & D Wells; Entertainment JBN Sound Systems; Technology Casio, H & L Australia, Mmcall, Ordermate and Sorento Systems; Clothing Chef Works, Rossi Boots.

Wine & Spirits.
The Wine & Spirits event will feature local and international importers, producers and distributors of wine, beer and spirits. Free seminars, conducted by respected authority Rob Hicks, will educate restaurant and catering staff on the finer points of wine and give them knowledge to impart to customers. “This will be the only true international trade show in Australia for the wine and spirits industry,” Mr Collett said. “It presents a wonderful opportunity for beverage buyers from hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, as they will be able to spend time in the largest food, drink and equipment exhibitions and pick up new ideas from the more than 900 exhibitors all around them,” he added.

Special Industry events
A range of special industry events include The Melbourne Culinary Challenge featuring some of Australia’s finest chefs competing in live kitchens built specially for the show and organised in conjunction with the Australian Culinary Federation. Other events include BakeSkills, Dairyfarmer’s Best of the Best Pizza Challenge and The Great Aussie Pie Competition.

Hotel Australia and Fine Food Australia will be staged at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre 22 - 25 September 2008.
Entry to the show is restricted to members of the food and hospitality industry. To avoid queues on entry, visitors are encouraged to pre-register on www.hotelexpo.com.au