Newsletter February 2012

Dear Visitor/Exhibitor,

The new year has started with a bang for the Foodservice Australia show, with dozens of new companies signing up to exhibit. These include big names such as Kraft, Nespresso, Sanitarium and Fonterra.

Exhibition Director Tim Collett says the response to the new show has been tremendous. He says "companies like the focus on foodservice, which means they are talking to genuine buyers".

Big names in the equipment world will also be on show. They include Stoddart, Unox, Winterhalter, Luus, Hobart and Comcater - who will be demonstrating their new range of Rational ovens.

Collett says the show is ideally timed for the Sydney market. He says "the economy is tough and foodservice operators are looking for new ideas and new suppliers. That means the show is more important than ever".

Combined with the range of special events taking place the show is starting to look like a sell-out. Companies looking to exhibit should contact the organisers soon to secure their place.

 Information on visiting
 Information on exhibiting

Entries are now open for Chef of the Year. This exciting event will see top chefs from around Australia compete for $10,000 cash. They will be given a black box of ingredients and one hour to prepare three tapas style meals for the judges. Visitors can watch all the action live on the show floor.

This prestigious event is presented by Luus Commercial Cooking Equipment and William Angliss Institute. It is supported by Meat & LIvestock Australia, Independent Fisheries and Simon George & Sons.

 More on Chef of the Year
 Entry form

Did you know that live events like Foodservice Australia can provide a huge boost to your online presence? They generate online chatter, drive visitors to your website and create backlinks that will improve your Google rankings. Here are some tips:

• Put a show logo and link to the registration page on your website. Visitors will appreciate it.
   
• Tweet about the show. Write a blog. Put up some photos. It shows customers how active you are
   
• 'Like' the show on Facebook and 'follow' the show on Twitter. The organisers will follow you in return
   
• Open your exhibitor manual and fill out the catalogue forms. Your online entry will go live as soon as you submit the form.
   
• Watch out for any online discussions on the show and join in with a helpful comment

 More exhibit tips...

If you work in the food or hospitality industry then you know that regulations are increasing all the time. These include the need for a 'Responsible Service of Alcohol' certificate if you serve drinks and 'Food Safety Supervisor' certificate for anyone in charge of a food outlet.

The easiest way to deal with these is to simply do the courses. They are generally quick, easy and interesting. We recommend William Angliss Institute who run short courses for professionals at their Melbourne and new Sydney campus. An RSA will take around four hours and cost $60. An FSS will take around 6 hours and cost $149.

 More on William Angliss short courses

Exhibitors in Foodservice Australia will receive an exhibitor manual this week to help them prepare for the show. It has been totally rewritten to make it easier and more helpful. It includes a handy checklist, timeline, information section and order forms for all the essential services.

New this year are 'how to exhibit' seminars. These half day sessions will be staged in Melbourne and Sydney in March. They are free for exhibitors and $99 for anyone else interested. Watch the next newsletter for details.

 Online exhibitor manual

Today it has been announced the Global Pizza Challenge will be staged at Foodservice Australia.

This international event will see the best pizza makers in Australia compete with the best from around the world to choose a global champion. Visitors to the expo will be able to watch and learn new ideas for their own business.

This is the first time the global finals have been held in Australia and they are expected to attract huge interest. Watch the website and the next newsletter for more details.

 More on Global Pizza Challenge

Organisers say there is still time to book a stand for the Foodservice show. But companies need to act quickly to secure a good space and start planning for the new business.

Exhibition Director Tim Collett says "this is a great chance to generate to generate sales in our biggest foodservice market. Why wouldn't you want to be there with your customers - especially when they are looking for new ideas?" 

More on exhibiting

If you are looking for new ideas for your restaurant, bakery or foodservice outlet then make sure you come to Foodservice Australia.

The show runs from 27-29 May at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, Sydney. This premium venue offers easy access and two hours free parking.

Click here for
free registration

As well as meeting all the exhibitors at the show you can attend free workshops and demonstrations...

Chef 2012

Apprentice 2012

Restaurant Theatre

Bakery Master Classes

World Chocolate Masters

Global Pizza Challenge

Foodservice Conference

Gala Dinner