Established in 1986, Hostex celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2011 and will be pulling out all the stops to bring the best-ever hospitality trade exhibition to Gauteng from 13 to 16 March next year.

As the longest-running trade exhibition of its kind in southern Africa, Hostex has become an institution that sees over 11 000 visitors descending on Sandton Convention Centre over four days to source products and services from over 250 exhibitors.

“We recently commissioned an independent research company to provide insights into how we’re doing and whether Hostex is still meeting the needs of both exhibitors and visitors, and are delighted to report that the answer is an overwhelming yes,” says Lynn Chamier, exhibition director of Hostex.

Research conducted by a leading independent marketing research company shows that:
• exhibitors are extremely satisfied with Hostex in its current form
• they value exhibitions as an important medium in their marketing communications mix with certain smaller exhibitors building their marketing plan around the event
• it is valued as a unique showcase for the hospitality and catering industries. This role is enhanced through what exhibitors see as a well-run show at a suitable venue that delivers a quality audience.
• its greatest value to trade visitors is that it facilitates an opportunity to network with other stakeholders in the hospitality industry and enables updating on the latest industry developments.

Far from resting on its laurels, the exhibition will offer more to see and do than ever before, with exciting new features aimed at attracting decision-makers to the show.  The anchor attractions at Hostex Gauteng 2011 include:
• Gauteng’s first-ever Greenstuff Village and Green Boutique Hotel, a showcase of suppliers of green products and services, alongside an exhibit consisting of a series of rooms typically found in a hotel, furnished, equipped, serviced and operated from floor to ceiling with only eco-friendly products listed in the Hotelstuff directory.
• The Hospitality Emporium, a vibrant mix of niche and SME product and service providers.
• Incorporated in the Hospitality Emporium is the Wine Circle, an exclusive exhibit of some of South Africa’s leading wine estates, with wine-tasting and a central seating area to allow for sourcing of wines while networking in a relaxed environment.
• The SA Chefs Village, featuring more non-stop culinary action, demonstrations and competitions aimed at food-lovers and chefs across all levels than ever before.
• The search is on to find the best pizza in South Africa in the third annual Global Pizza Challenge.

All the above is in addition to the real hub of interactive business activity, one-on-one networking and face-to-face marketing in two jam-packed halls showcasing every possible requirement in the hospitality environment. This includes beds and bedding, catering and bakery equipment, cutlery, crockery and glassware, food and beverage products, furniture and furnishings, guest amenities, laundry equipment, packaging and container ware, point of sale, refrigeration, uniforms, vending equipment and more.

“We’re looking forward to our best show ever, both in terms of the quality of exhibitors, number of visitors with decision-making power and bringing features that provide tangible benefits to business owners in providing them with new information, edutainment and the best possible breadth of products and services from which to source,” concludes Chamier.