In the digital age, opportunities for connecting face-to-face have become far more limited, yet all the more important as a means to engage, share knowledge and ensure that you are at the coalface new trends and technologies. Exhibitions such as Hostex offer an annual opportunity to do so and, coupled with the chance to gain insights and advice, tap into new trends, learn from captains of industry and be inspired by the innovators within the field, Hostex – and the free seminars offered at the Host-ED Theatre – make the expo in March an event not to be missed.
After months of planning a seminar programme that will deliver hard-hitting, informative and educational content to a broad cross-section of the hospitality and foodservice industry, Hostex has announced the agenda for its three-day Host-ED Theatre. The Who’s Who of the industry have been secured to present talks on topics that get to the heart of the burning issues facing the industry today.
Kicking off on the second day of Hostex, Monday 16 March, Host-ED presents an opening and keynote address by the Department of Trade & Industry on the DTI’s efforts to support the industry, what the DTI has in store for 2015 and how these operations will benefit the South African food & hospitality industry. Other presentations on the Monday include ‘South African purchasing trends: factors influencing SA consumer demand’; ‘The rise and success of trendy pop-up markets’; ‘2015 trends in food & drink’ by Chef Arnold Tanzer; ‘Sustainable tourism for SMMEs’ by Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) and the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP); and ‘Technology for the Future’ by Samsung.
The lineup on Tuesday 17 March is similarly topical, starting with ‘The magic of food on the move: a fabulous pop-up street food experience’ taking a look at the phenomenon of food trucks. This is followed by ‘The SA foodie revolution: purity at its best’; Thereafter, the line-up includes presentations on ‘Social media with a smile’; ‘Funding for food and hospitality SMEs: accessing working capital that is flexible and convenient’ by Saska Nel of Retail Capital; and ‘Distinguishing SA’s top 10 restaurants’.
On Wednesday 18 March, the final day of the expo, the programme begins with a presentation on ‘The South African hospitality industry outlook for 2014 to 2018’; followed by presentations on ‘The Real Meal Revolution: the Banting phenomenon’; ‘Raising the bar menu – mixology trends’; ‘Catering for kids: the Holiday Inn case study’; ‘Local is lekker: stimulating domestic travel’; and a SASSI update on ‘Trends surrounding consumer awareness and sustainability’.
Seats are available in the Host-ED theatre on a first-come-first-served basis so go to www.hostex.co.za for the full programme and make sure to get there early to secure your spot. Hostex takes place at Sandton Convention Centre from Sunday 15 to Wednesday 18 March, with the Host-ED programme available from Monday to Wednesday. Hostex is a trade expo and no under 18s, babies, toddlers or prams are permitted. For easy access and no entrance fee, pre-register on www.hostex.co.za.
