After a spectacular debut in Brisbane last year, Food & Hospitality Queensland returns to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 4-5 August, featuring over 150 exhibitors showing the latest food, drink and equipment ideas.

Event Director Tim Collett says the success of last year’s show demonstrated the need for Queenslanders to have their own industry event. He points out that South East Queensland is a tourist hotspot as well as a growing metropolis.

“The advantage of attending a local show is that visitors are talking to people who understand their business and can supply them straight away,” he explains.

In addition to all the exhibitors, there will be a range of special events including the finals of the Queensland Chef of the Year, workshops at the Brisbane Café School, the Aged Care Catering Summit and a brand new Foodservice Symposium presented by Australian Pork.

The latest in catering equipment will be one of the highlights of the event. Major brands on show include Rational, Stoddart, Unox, Winterhalter, CyberChill, J.L.Lennard, Skope, Thermomix and Majors Group. Local dealer Hospitality Superstore will have a huge stand with an expert team ready to discuss any business’ individual requirements.

At the centre of the show, Queensland Chef of the Year will see professional chefs competing against the clock and each other. In addition to the prestigious title, the winner will take home $2500 and a free trip to Sydney next year to compete in the national titles. It is presented by major sponsors Unox and Australian Pork and entries are open until 18 July at www.foodandhospitality.com.au

In the adjoining conference rooms the new Aged Care Catering Summit will bring together expert operators and suppliers to discuss how to improve the menu for older consumers. Sponsored by Rational, the summit includes a whole day of sessions and a light lunch for just $249 per person.

The Brisbane Café School offers free workshops to help expand your menu and boost your bottom line. Sponsored by Mission Foods and Freedom Foods Group, it will feature free workshops on casual dining, such as how to create wraps for any time of day, make the perfect coffee, create delicious non-dairy smoothies, or serve profitable ice cream treats.

Also on the show floor, the Specialty Producers Pavilion will highlight boutique food, drink and ingredient suppliers from all over Australia. Anyone seeking exciting new products for the foodservice and retail sectors will be inspired and impressed by the variety and quality of products on offer.

Collett says, “if you work in a food, hospitality or tourism business, then make sure you put this event in your diary and come along. There is just no better way to meet new suppliers, discover new techniques and improve your business”.

Visitor registration is now open. Entry is free but strictly trade only – all visitors must be over 16 and work in a food or hospitality business. For more information on exhibiting or visiting go to www.foodandhospitality.com.au or call 03 9999 5460.