Hospitality NZ has announced it is joining with the NZChefs’ Association to host their first Hospitality Summit and trade show, in September this year.
Julie White, Hospitality NZ CEO says the summit is an opportunity for the industry to connect and for both organisations to showcase not only the best of what they have to offer and key lessons from a tough 18 months, but more importantly what the future of hospitality could look like.
The three-day summit is scheduled to be held in Auckland at the Trusts Arena in Henderson from 7-9 September, and will feature educational seminars; a trade show displaying the latest innovation in the industry, a demonstration kitchen, networking lounge, and the NZ Hospitality Championships featuring both cookery and a range of service elements.
The prestigious Hospitality NZ Awards of Excellence will be announced at an awards dinner at which the best in the industry will be recognised and celebrated. The organisers say the menu promises to take guests on a cultural and culinary journey.
The first keynote speaker confirmed is Danny Meyers from the multi-award winning Union Square Hospitality Group, who will share insights from creating and operating some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Julie White says the summit will represent the best of the industry, from industry leaders to smaller, artisan suppliers.
“We want to showcase the industry after such a challenging year, and there’s no better way to do that than to throw the doors open so the public can see the best of what member businesses usually offer in the background,” she says.
“Hospitality providers and chefs are, by their very nature, both skilled and welcoming, and they want to show they’ve lost none of that manaakitanga during COVID-19 and the lockdowns and, in fact, are pushing on more determined than ever to provide and nourish the needs of people and communities which is at the heart of what we do.”
“We love working with NZChefs, so when the idea of the summit was floated, they were the natural fit to work together as industry leaders.
NZChefs Executive Officer Janine Quaid says partnering with Hospitality NZ offers networking and knowledge sharing occasions, bringing together the business and management expertise with the operational teams and showcasing skill and talent.
“Reviving the NZ Hospitality Championships after a two-year hiatus provides an opportunity to include a range of other events and activities.
“This will be a veritable one-stop shop. We are truly excited at the prospect of our organisations working together in this space and what this collaboration can mean for our members.”
It’s hoped the summit will become an annual event.
