It is evident that HOTELEX has been on the right track; its transition from a purchasing platform to an event of substance with the incorporation of experiential elements such as world-level onsite events, business-oriented match-making opportunities and tailor-made programs. The 2014 edition will be abuzz in 12 indoor halls and 2 temporary outdoor halls at Shanghai New International Expo Center playing home to brands of Catering Equipment & Supply, Bakery & Ice cream, Tableware, Textile, Appliance & Amenities, IT & Security, Fitness & Leisure, Coffee & Tea, Food & Beverage, Wine & Spirits.
Where food is concerned, two new sectors have been added and they are Bakery & Ice Cream and That’s Spirits Live Show. The former is boosted by the first nationwide Gelato Championship while bakery professionals prepare to demonstrate food safety and business sustainability with equipment. There is also the China Master Bartender Competition to bring together uprising and experienced bartending professionals, bar and restaurant owners and liquor distributors. Other skills that professionals can challenge themselves in include China Barista Championship, China Latte Art Championship and the Shanghai Pizza Master Competition. Bringing style into the fore is the 2014 Hotel Uniforms Show Competition; showcasing that outlook is just as important as expertise.
HOTELEX enjoys the support from the Shanghai Tourism Bureau and China Tourism Hotel Association and collaborates with many industry associations including Shanghai Tourism Industry Association Hotels Branch, Zhejiang Hotel Association, Shanghai Drinks Association, Shanghai Food Association Bakery Committee, Shanghai Fisheries Trade Association, Shanghai Chain Enterprises Association, Shanghai Chef Club and FCSI. To improve the convenience and more customised experience for its professional buyers, a series of VIP services has been set up like the VIP LOUNGE, FREE WIFI, catering services as well as match-making services. Understanding the increasingly connected world, this year’s show sees added effort into the online realm such as online campaigns, teaming up with Starwood Hotel Group to start up an online library system for Starwood global professional buyers to access detailed product information.
The voice of industry experts are also getting ready to gather at the “Foodservice in the 21st Century Forum” where focus falls on informing and sharing ideas to navigate the issues that are present in China’s foodservice industry and is organised by HOTELEX and FCSI and Foodservice Equipment Report magazine. www.hotelex.cn
