Seven leading lights in the food, beverage and hospitality industry – all renowned experts in their respective fields – have put their collective weight behind Hostex 2020, lending their insights, advice and experience to add value to the show through idea generation, endorsement, networking and engagement.
The Hostex 2020 ambassadors include Chef Arnold Tanzer, Owner of Food on the Move and MasterChef SA Producer; Chef James Khoza, President of SA Chefs Association and Sandton Convention Centre Executive Chef; Chef Jackie Cameron of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and author; Chef Franz de Waal, Owner of #HotCaterers; Vinny Maharajh, Head Concierge at Sandton Sun Hotel; Iain Evans, Owner and Publisher of Coffee Magazine; and Dave Walstra, Coffee roaster and wholesaler and Owner of Thirdspace co-working space and coffee shop in Fourways.
At the first think tank with the Hostex 2020 team and the ambassadors, they all agreed that “you can’t be in hospitality without coming to Hostex”. All expressed approval of the show’s return to Sandton Convention Centre – and were keen to be at the frontline of an exciting, professional, relevant show that delivers innovation and opportunity for exhibitors and visitors.
Cameron, known for her ‘hands-on’ philosophy and ‘don’t ever give up’ motto, is enthusiastic about “bringing the sexiness back to Hostex”, sharing her learnings and experience and encouraging a balanced lifestyle in this “crazy but extremely rewarding industry”.
The ambassadors are eager to see what next year’s exhibitors deliver in terms of new ideas, innovative products and services stand that ‘pop’ and ‘wow’ visitors and potential buyers, responses to new trends in the industry, and environmental responsibility. Tanzer encouraged exhibitors to ensure that trained staff who can make decisions man their stands to ensure that when hopeful buyers stop by to shop, deals can be struck on the spot.
Coffee aficionado Evans is confident that Hostex will give the different sub-cultures within food and beverage what they want, and encouraged exhibitors to bring an international coffee guest to the show to attract and engage with visitors and industry as a whole.
Nick Sarnadas, Hostex 2020 Portfolio Director, highlighted the additional services for exhibitors, which include a training seminar on the A to Z of how to be successful on the show. Extensive research is also being put into identifying 400 key buyers in the sector and ensuring their attendance at the show. “We have listened to the industry and we’re making every effort to ensure that Hostex 2020 is bigger and better than ever, with fresh new offerings and innovative features to deliver beyond the expectations of our exhibitors and visitors.”
A brand new feature at Hostex 2020 is the Incubator Hub for selected SMEs to showcase their products and services to the industry. “We’re inviting the industry to nominate suppliers and SMEs that have a product or service that’s fit for the hospitality industry and are ready for expansion. This initiative will give SMES with potential to grow the opportunity to network with industry movers and shakers, gain knowledge and insight, be exposed to 6 500 decision-makers, and sell their products or services.” Nominations for small suppliers and SMES can be made on the Hostex 2020 website on the ‘Exhibiting’ dropdown menu
Adds Sarnadas, “We’re making sure that industry demands and expectations are accommodated throughout the show, which promises to be fresh, with a host of new experiences. It features three jam-packed districts – Tea & Coffee Africa, Contract Furnishing, and Food & Drink – and will deliver visitors from throughout the African continent.”
To book your stand, visit www.hostex.co.za or contact Shalane Vorster, Hostex 2020 Exhibition Manager, on 011 835 1565, or email her on shalanev@specialised.com
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