CLEVELAND | The International Hospitality Week (IHW) trade show, being held March 1-4, is the first opportunity in 2009 for the hospitality industry to come together and exchange ideas, products and services at a trade show which represents the restaurant, nightclub & bar and hotel segments. This innovative trade show is the ideal solution for exhibitors and attendees who, while closely watching budgets, also are dedicated to developing new business opportunities and relationships in this challenging economy.

“Attendees and exhibitors to our show are gaining a competitive edge by being at International Hospitality Week, where business will be taking place and defining 2009 initiatives,” said Liza Wylie, Show Director of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and the International Restaurant Show.

“Las Vegas is priced more competitively than it has been in many years and by coming to IHW, attendees can take advantage of one-stop shopping across the many segments of the hospitality industry. It’s a great opportunity for this industry to be at the forefront of the new economy, do business and connect with customers and colleagues,” she added.

The Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show is the country’s pre-eminent beverage event, attracting owners, operators and managers from nightclubs, bars, lounges, pubs, sports bars and more. But times are challenging and businesses across the board are scrutinizing all expenses. This is why producers of the International Hospitality Week feel encouraged that their show could be just the answer industry professionals are looking for to keep their edge, but limit their expenses.

Attendees who register for a conference pass at just one of the three shows will receive access to all of the shows which make up International Hospitality Week. This access gives attendees and exhibitors a clear advantage in navigating the current economy and an opportunity for cross pollination within the industry segments — all for one price.

Conference sessions such as Protecting Ourselves from the Perfect Storm, moderated by Dr. Peter H. Cressy, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, U.S., will explore the implications of this perfect economic storm and explain how the industry can protect itself and its customers by standing together. Another way to stay in the game is to be aware of the trends and what’s hot.

David Adjey of Restaurant Makeover on the Food Network as well as the upcoming series Restaurant 101, and The Thirsty Traveler, Kevin Brauch, have their fingers on the pulse of the industry and will be sharing their findings on what’s working and equally important — what’s not working.

“In the case of IHW, industry professionals traveling to Vegas won’t want what happens in Vegas to stay in Vegas, there will be too much good information to take home,” added Wylie.

From Super Sessions on Managing Costs through Difficult Times, to Award Winning Beverage Programs to Increase Sales, and Beverage Trends: The Future of the Cocktail, attendees will have critical information at their fingertips to be successful in this new, challenging economy.

Attending the educational sessions across segments and visiting the thought provoking exhibitor booths is rounded out by social networking events offered in conjunction with the show. From the opening night cocktail party at The Pearl in the Palms Resort, to Back-of-the-House tours of nightclubs to a wine tasting at VINO in the Mandalay Bay, there’s an opportunity to connect with customers, suppliers, wholesaler partners and industry experts at every turn during the four-day show.

This year, the HotelWorld Expo & Conference introduces a new program, Networking Express, designed to connect industry professionals through a ‘speed dating’ type format. Attendees and exhibitors will have five minutes to exchange business cards, a handshake and elicit a future interest for connecting. Other compelling destinations on the show floor include the International Hospitality Design Center and HOTELWORLD’S Green World, an area dedicated to green products and services for the hospitality industry. Attendees may sign up and see what it’s like behind the action of a blockbuster property through the Back-of-the-House tours which will explore four iconic Las Vegas hotels.

All Nightclub & Bar, HotelWorld and International Restaurant Show registrations also receive the added value of an all-access pass to the hottest nightclubs in Las Vegas to ‘conduct market research’ on their own time.

For information on registration packages and pricing, visit: , or .

About International Hospitality Week | Produced by Questex Media, International Hospitality Week was created in early 2007 and encompasses three specialized events: Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show; International Restaurant Show, Las Vegas and HotelWorld Expo and Conference, which all stage under one roof. This mega hospitality event provides a platform for buyers and sellers to meet, connect and discover new business as it relates to all aspects of the vibrant hospitality industry – food, beverage and lodging.

Phoebe Stein
773-281-5767
Questex

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