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23 Feb 2010
Hotelympia bigger and better than ever
Hotelympia is almost upon us. I’ve lost count how many shows I’ve visited but the first was when I was at college when it was staged at Olympia in west London. Now, it’s at ExCel in east London and it’s much bigger and better than it was forty years ago – and it was pretty big then. It’s always been a real showcase for one of the country’s most dynamic industries.
But do we take it for granted? What’s the purpose of an exhibition like this?
Firstly, it enables the industry to catch up with all the latest equipment. That’s important at a time when there’s such pressure on operators to reduce energy consumption and to keep up with technological developments. Replacing old equipment gives businesses the opportunity to introduce new, more efficient ways of working, with the potential of saving them money and increasing bottom line profit. Hotelympia brings all these important developments together in one vast arena.
Indeed, there have probably been more advances in technology since the last show in 2008 than in all the previous 20 years combined. So an exhibition that highlights them, and shows how they can benefit hospitality businesses, becomes more important every passing year. Outside the United States, Hotelympia remains one the greatest shop windows for new ideas, new equipment and new developments.
Secondly, it’s not only equipment that needs updating. The opportunity it gives to increase knowledge and understanding is also vital.
That’s why the seminar programme provides such an excellent opportunity for operators to catch up on the new legislation that affects them, as well as enabling them to keep up-to-date with all the other developments that can have an impact on the running of a business.
I’m particularly looking forward to my own question and answer session with the tourism minister, Margaret Hodge MP – the first time, I believe, this has been arranged. We have so many concerns about the government’s tourism policies – or lack of them - and it’ll be good to hear what the Minister has to say on whether the government really does take tourism seriously.. There are plenty of other sessions, too, that visitors will find stimulating.
And thirdly, it’s also a great place for networking. You can meet so many people, many of whom you might not have met for years. Meeting people is one of the most endearing aspects of the show.
So Hotelympia remains perhaps the top must-visit event in the industry’s calendar. It’s a place for new ideas. It’s a place for admiring culinary skills. It’s a market place. It’s a meeting place. See you there!
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| FORTHCOMING EVENTS |
| 12 Sep 2010 |
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Hospitaly Action - Polo Day
Beaufort Polo Club,
On Sunday 12th September Beaufort Polo Club will host Hospitality Action’s first ever polo day. The money raised will go directly to those in the hospitality industry who have fallen upon hard times. more>> |
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| 17-18 Sep 2010 |
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Discover Zadar - An Adriatic Odyssey
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Hosted by the City of Zadar, UK Trade & Investment team Croatia, the British Embassy Croatia, the Ministry of Sea, transport and infrastructure, and last,
but not least the Garden Festival team this 2 day business event will highlight all the opportunities in the wider Zadar region. more>> |
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| 19-21 Sep 2010 |
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Food and Drink Journalism
Hertford College,
Food and Drink Journalism is a two-day residential course run by Guy Dimond, Food Editor of Time Out
and Susan Low, Deputy Editor of Delicious. more>> |
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