Dubai World Trade Centre serves up four shows in three days with new dedicated zones to amplify business opportunities.
With a triumphant 2017 launch under its belt, GulfHost, the hospitality equipment sourcing expo for the Middle East, Africa and Asia returns this October in twice the size with new dedicated zones for Gelato & Bakery, Café & Bar and HORECA.
International, regional and local suppliers will be part of the GulfHost action after the show’s debut last year turned a searing spotlight on seemingly insatiable regional demand. The 2018 edition, which runs at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 30 October to 1 November will feature 2,500 brands and over 8,000 products across six core sectors and is set to draw more than 25,000 buyers.
“GulfHost quickly established credentials as the home for hospitality equipment in an expanded region which takes in some of the world’s fastest-growing hotel, restaurant, general and specialist catering and F&B segments,” Mark Napier, exhibition director, GulfHost said.
“Its runaway success is largely due to the vibrancy of the wider regional market and also Dubai’s ability to serve a region which takes in the world’s biggest populations with dynamic air, transport, and logistics links enabling simple and seamless travel, supply, and distribution. GulfHost is now the destination of choice for Middle Eastern, African, and Asian buyers looking to connect with the world’s biggest hospitality equipment suppliers.”
GulfHost 2018 will build on the success of its headline sectors of front of house, back of house, and tableware to unlock a slew of opportunities through its new zones which are key to driving a multi-billion-dollar combined hospitality market.
“The new zones will mirror swiftly changing consumer landscapes in the wider region,” explained Napier.
“Whether its technology-driven coffee shops, new artisan gelato and bakery products responding to a health and diet-conscious consumer base or demand for ready-to-go bakery snacks, innovation, change, and competitiveness are spurring transformational concepts. The show will be something of a microscope to these trends enabling show-goers to fine-tune their plans and go-to market strategies while seeking out the latest equipment enablers.”
Running alongside GulfHost will be DWTC’s trio of targeted food product trade shows, The Speciality Food Festival, yummex Middle East, and SEAFEX Middle East.
“The co-location of these shows mean hospitality professionals can get a wide breadth of opportunity, knowledge, and networking opportunities in one visit,” added Napier.
Show floor opportunities will be augmented by a full schedule of on-site features and training initiatives supported by major culinary associations. A focal point will be the GulfHost Restaurant Development Conference, powered by the International Centre for Culinary Arts in Dubai and the Middle East Food Forum.
“This conference is an open door, transformative learning platform hosted by the shining stars of regions F&B professionals,” explained Napier. “Over three days, more than 60 high profile speakers will take to the floor to share proven methods for navigating the latest food service shifts. It’s a valuable opportunity for local and regional professionals to gain insights which will enable them to keep abreast, if not move ahead, of dynamic industry changes.”
Another major draw will be the ICCA Electrolux World Chefs Education Theatre hosted in partnership with the World Association of Chefs Societies and the Emirates Culinary Guild. This on-site workspace will serve up certified training to executive chefs seeking next level culinary development. Utilising custom built, cutting-edge kitchen technology on the theatre floor, participants will be guided through workshops covering food preparation techniques and trends, ingredient cost management, food waste reduction, and productivity output. The comprehensive agenda also includes the World Coffee Events certified National Barista & Latte Art Championship, as well as the second GulfHost Innovation Awards which will recognise progressive technologies shaping the future of hospitality equipment solutions across the MENA region.
“The programme’s depth ensures that this platform will be a chance to source restaurant equipment and cosmopolitan F&B options, making it a rare opportunity to remain at the cutting edge of food service preparation for the year ahead,” said Napier.
For the full list of features, showcases and industry trends visit https://www.gulfhost.ae/
