SHOW REPORT: Worldwide Welcome

Take a bite of the Big Apple’s abundant opportunities when you attend the 97th Annual Int’l. Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show in New York, Nov. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The 25,000 people expected to attend will make the convention live up to its theme: “Hospitality’s Show of Shows.” Hoteliers and restaurateurs throughout the world adapting to changing economies and potential expansion markets will be your business prospects. More than 700 industry suppliers will exhibit, along with another 250 hospitality design products that co-mingle as part of the Boutique Design New York show.

Because this is one of the country’s largest hospitality conventions, attendees will include owners and operators of leading hotel and restaurant chains, foodservice consultants, owner groups, dealers and purchasing companies.

You’ll get the best bang for your buck by planning before the event to connect with suppliers. Using the A-to-Z listing of exhibitors on the show’s home page, visitors can make a hotlist of the company booths they would like to visit and plot their paths. Plus, we’ve hit the highlights of programs that will be particularly beneficial for equipment enthusiasts.

Hospitality Leadership Forum Illuminates
It’s the perfect chance to understand what’s important to executive customers. Content at the full-day forum is targeted at senior-level management and will kick off with the keynote CEO Leadership Panel and U.S. Lodging Industry Summit Panel. The session, “From Social Network to Social Business: Tales from the B2B ‘Social Marketplace,’” will help you enter the digital realm to communicate with customers more effectively. You also will benefit when you learn what hotel planners need to prove about sustainability to win business and see how your equipment could fit in the session, “Reporting Your Hotel Carbon Metrics, Responding to Green RFPs.” HLF registration fee is $139 per person and includes admission to the IH/MRS. Register at ihrms.com.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

FCSI Ask The Experts Debuts
For the first time, FCSI-The Americas consulting society will offer free services at IH/MRS at its Ask the Experts pavilion. Operator attendees should take advantage of this bargain with a certified design or management advisory services consultant who can expertly advise on operational, energy or aesthetic issues in the front- or back-of-the-house.

Guests can bring nothing, formal blueprints or even a sketch on the back of a napkin. The 30-minute consult in a semi-private booth is a rare way to get immediate guidance on how to proceed with projects before attendees roam the floor. FCSI expects to advise about 126 operators gratis over the last three days of the show. Appointments can be booked online through ihmrs.com and are prescreened to make the best match between consultant and client. Walk-ins are welcome if there is an opening.
Sunday, Nov. 11, through Tuesday, Nov. 13

Tried-And-True Special Areas Return
These special-interest areas drew rave reviews in the past for their displays and interactive opportunities showcasing cutting-edge solutions and products. This year, they will be on the exhibit floor again and are sure to spark ideas. A visit would be prudent.
Sunday, Nov. 11, through Tuesday, Nov. 1

• The i.Menu Expo will run live demonstrations of the latest Android and iPad tablet apps that will make restaurant operations more efficient. i.Business Magazine sponsors the Expo.
• The Hotel F&B Zone will display the latest products to wow guests and streamline costs at casinos, hotels, resorts and other venues. Barware and food equipment will be in the spotlight.
• The New York Marketplace, sponsored by M.Tucker, a division of Singer NY, will bring the latest in foodservice equipment, design and supply trends from makers like Cambro, CaptiveAire, Cardinal, Libbey, Oneida and others.
• The Culinary Arts Salon, organized by the Société Culinaire Philanthropique, will host varied cooking demonstrations and competitions from an array of culinary professionals, including master chefs, butchers and pastry chefs. More than 300 food displays also will impress.

Educational Sessions Enhance Skills
Don’t just walk the show, take some lessons home to refine your R&D and find new outlets for retail operations. These seminars zero in on important trends that equipment experts should catch up on.

Creating a Food Truck Strategy for Your Brick and Mortar
Hop in the driver’s seat and join the growing mobile marketplace craze, either as a stand-alone operation or a supplement to existing retail sites. Going where the customers are has paid off for many operators who think out their strategy beforehand. The session will give you a good plan for what’s involved, from design to build to licensing. Panelists include Gary Koppelman from Mobile Food News, David Weber from the NYC Food Truck Association and Joe Denardo from Riese Restaurants.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 11:15 a.m.-noon

Designing Hotel Bars and Restaurants for the Guest Experience
Do you know the difference between designing for the guest experience vs. traditional design? In this session, you will see how the proliferation of technology and popularity of mixology are impacting bar design. You also will understand how design differs between freestanding bars and restaurants and other outlets in hotels. A lively discussion is sure to ensue among panelists Ned Barker, Grill Ventures Consulting; Robert Polacek, Puccini Group; and Steve Trowbridge, Rhetroactive.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 3-4:30 p.m.

Catering Concepts
Perhaps no one does it better than New Yorkers when it comes to making great events come off without a hitch. From equipment to everything else that enables great presentation, these experts will dish about the on- and off-premises requirements that enable upscale parties, and what hosts and guests expect. Panelists are: Debbie Barnes, Party Rental; Liz Neumark, Great Performances; Olivier Cheng (CQ), Olivier Cheng Catering and Events; and Jim Kirsch, Abigail Kirsch.
Monday, Nov. 12, 11:15 a.m.-noon

SHOW DETAILS:

Nov. 10-13, 2012
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Hospitality Leadership Forum

Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012         9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Exhibit Hall

Nov. 11           10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 12           10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Nov. 13           10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Register Now
Guarantee your spot by going to the show’s website, ihmrs.com, and start making plans about whom you’re meeting up with and how you will improve your knowledge of industry requirements and trends. Online browsing for exhibitors, seminars and special events help you optimize your time.