New Trade Show for Restaurant & Bar Sector

A major new trade show has been announced for the restaurant and bar sector, strategically timed to provide information, inspiration and product support in the build up to the Rugby World Cup 2011.  Brand Events & Festivals has teamed up with the Restaurant Association of New Zealand to create The Restaurant & Bar Show to run alongside the 19th annual New Zealand Culinary Fare, 17 – 19 July, at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland.

“We’re very excited to be staging this event in Auckland at a critical time for the industry,” said Brand Events & Festivals, GM, Rob Eliott.  “The New Zealand Culinary Fare is without doubt one of the most exciting events of its kind in Australasia, and the addition of The Restaurant & Bar Show and associated seminars, makes it a ‘must see’ for the whole industry,” he said.

Alongside exhibitions of product, services, masterclasses and competitions for chefs and bartenders, a series of ‘Match Ready seminars’ will be held, specifically designed to cover the issues that the industry needs to prepare for. The Match Ready seminars are supported by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development and will feature Leon Grice, the director of NZ2011 Office, plus insights from a veteran restaurateur of major sporting tournaments, Chef Pete Goffe-Wood from Cape Town.  Having just faced the intensity of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa, Goffe-Wood’s learnings will be all-important for bars and restaurants seeking to win the custom of the 85,000 international visitors and fans expected to be in New Zealand at that time.

“We have a massive influx of tourists on their way and they are hoping to find an incredible food, drink and entertainment experience, as well as the rugby.” says the Restaurant Association of NZ, CEO, Steve Mackenzie. “But at the same time the competition for those customers will be intense, and how the industry rises to this challenge will likewise have an impact on the how New Zealand is viewed internationally,” he said.

“We spent two years considering the right approach for the industry event and we’re very pleased to be able to partner with Brand Events & Festivals for the inaugural Restaurant & Bar Show,” says Mackenzie. “We believe that Brand Events brings a fresh approach and has a track record for creating spectacular, innovative events around the world,” he said.

This will be the largest industry event in New Zealand this year and suppliers have been quick to get involved – with the likes of Southern Hospitality, Skope and McPhersons presenting the latest equipment solutions. Trade visitors can also expect to discover new wines from over 60 labels including Kahurangi, Mt Riley and Charles Wiffen. And specialty food producers will put their latest and best on display – an opportunity which may see their products on restaurant tables during the tournament period.  The show is also devoted to the Bar sector, with a series of business focused seminars, a bar tender competition and new product showcase.

The Restaurant & Bar Show
Sunday July 17th – Tuesday July 19th
ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

Visitors can register at www.randbshow.co.nz

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For more information, contact;

Rob Eliott, General Manager, Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand; RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz; Ph: (021) 677 739

Steve Mackenzie, CEO, the Restaurant Association of NZ; steve@restaurantnz.co.nz Ph: (09) 638 8403

Paul Blomfield, Public Relations Consultant; paul@paulblomfield.com; Ph: (021) 970 871

About Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand
Brand Events Festivals Ltd is a subsidiary of the UK based Brand Events Ltd, organisers of international festivals such as Top Gear Live and Taste Festivals. More information at www.befestivals.co.nz or contact Robert Eliott on 09 531 5524.

About The Restaurant Association of New Zealand
Restaurant Association of New Zealand covers the length and breadth of the country representing every facet of the restaurant and hospitality industry.  More information on the Association and the New Zealand Culinary Fare can be found at www.restaurantnz.co.nz or contact Steve Mackenzie on 09 638 8403.