SHOW REPORT: NAFEM 2013

Don’t miss the foodservice equipment event, The NAFEM Show, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Thurs., Feb. 7-Sat., Feb. 9. You’ll find the newest products the industry has to offer on the show floor and you’ll want to take time to hit a seminar or two. The educational program is packed with presentations to help you keep your business running successfully. After work, it’s time to play; Jimmy Buffett will serve up his legendary Cheeseburger in Paradise just the way you like it during the All Industry Celebration, Sat., Feb. 9.

The conference begins with an opening party, Wed., Feb. 6—the Global Networking Event at the Hilton Orlando. It’s open to attendees from outside the U.S. and to all exhibitors. It offers a sure way to connect manufacturers and customers before the busy show floor opens.

New this year, the Show Floor Reception will run from 4-6 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 7. It’s a chance for suppliers and buyers to meet and network over cocktails and hors d’oeuvre before heading off to dinner.

Always a hit, the What’s Hot! What’s Cool! pavilion will be a show floor draw again in 2013. Selected products showcased in the pavilion are proven to show benefits in labor savings, life-cycle costs, sanitation and/or operational improvement. The pavilion will be divided into six product groups: prep and warewashing; refrigeration and ice; smallwares, tabletop and serving; display, transportation and storage; primary cooking; and technology.

Recognition For Industry’s Best

Debuting at the show on Feb. 8, Foodservice Equipment Reports will honor the industry’s best with an awards reception at the luxurious Peabody Hotel Orlando adjacent to the convention center. It will be a memorable evening as multi-unit experts and out-of-the-box thinkers will be lauded for their contributions to the industry.

FER will present the Management Excellence Awards, Young Lion Awards, and Industry Service Awards to innovators who shine.

Get CFP Certified, Learn LEED

The show will feature two education sessions to help attendees earn a critical certification and understand what it takes to go green.

ServSafe will run its food-safety training course at the convention center, followed by the CFP exam. Certification is good for five years and is recognized internationally. A certified instructor from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association will lead participants through the course in two segments Feb. 6-7, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each day.

Struggling with green building in a foodservice environment? Rob Hink, principal of the The Spinnaker Group, Weston, Fla., and board member of the U.S. Green Building Council South Florida Chapter, will show how credits in the LEED for Retail rating system apply in restaurants and foodservice. The program will be taught Feb. 6, 1-5 p.m. in the convention center.

Get a full briefing of all the education sessions set for the show and additional exhibit information at thenafemshow.org.

Be sure to save your energy for the last night of the show, Sat., Feb. 9, when A-lister Jimmy Buffett takes you to Margaritaville with a live performance at the All-Industry Celebration. Pack your Hawaiian shirts and leis and get ready for a great party.

We would love to see you and talk about what your business is doing, so stop by FER’s booth 1663!

SIDEBARS:

The 2013 NAFEM Show: Essential Info

Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Fla.

Attendees: 20,000+
Exhibitors: 500+

Educational Opportunities:

• ServSafe Food Safety Training, Feb. 6-7, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., $200
• LEED Basics for Foodservice, Feb. 6, 1-5 p.m., $200

Events:

• Global Networking Event for exhibitors and non-U.S. attendees, Feb. 6, 7-9:30 p.m., Hilton Orlando, $75 for exhibitors, free to non-U.S. attendees
• Show Floor Reception, Feb. 7, 4-6 p.m. No fee
• Foodservice Equipment Reports Management Excellence Awards, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m., Peabody Hotel, Orlando, $299 FER customers; $399 noncustomers
• All-Industry Celebration, Feb. 9, 7-10 p.m. featuring Jimmy Buffett, Orange County Convention Center, $175 per person, $1,750 table of 10

Registration: $30 before Jan. 5 for main floor; $60 after
Register for all programs at www.thenafemshow.org

Don’t Miss Foodservice Equipment Report’s Industry Excellence Awards Event!

Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.
Peabody Hotel Orlando
Tickets: $299 FER customers; $399 noncustomers.

• Management Excellence Awards for multi-unit operators, dealers, consultants
• Young Lion Awards honoring rising stars under 40
• Industry Service Awards for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the E&S industry

Go to fermag.com/event-calendar/fer-industry-awards-2013.html for more information
Contact Robin Ashton: 800/986-9616, rashton@fermag.com or Christine Palmer: 847/336-2049, cpalmer@fermag.org