LRA announces 2014 Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO theme

If you’ve exhibited in, sponsored or attended the Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO, you are aware of all the exciting opportunities that exist those three days on the show floor. The projected growth in Louisiana’s hospitality industry is attributed to the mix of the number of new restaurants opening, increased visitors to the state and emerging companies.

The 2014 EXPO theme, “Opportunities Abound” captures the momentum of the industry’s growth AND your potential as an exhibitor, sponsor or attendee. 

Exhibitors in the 2013 EXPO had a 100 percent satisfaction rating, according to the 2013  post-event survey and 76.5 percent of respondents indicated that they were planning to exhibit in 2014. The number one reason they exhibit in the EXPO is to attract new customers, followed by meeting with current customers, company exposure and to showcase a new product. 

“If you exhibit or attend, you know how helpful the EXPO is to your business,” said Stan Harris, President/CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association. “As a former restaurateur for nearly 30 years, a time-saving event like this is invaluable and convenient to a company or an attendee.” 

Attendees shared their feedback in their own post-2013 EXPO survey and ranked the opportunity to meet with so many companies face-to-face and in one place as the number one benefit of the EXPO. Trying new food products, learning about new services and informative discussions about restaurant operations best practices were just a few comments given indicating that attending the EXPO was time well spent. 

The 61^st Annual Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO will be held August 2-4, 2014 in New Orleans. Visit the LRA EXPO website to find out what you need to know about exhibiting, sponsoring or attending.

 

La. Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO kicks off Saturday with "A Toast to Talent"

The Louisiana RestaurantAssociation (LRA)’s premier foodservice event, the Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO, will turn 60 this weekend, August 3-5, 2013 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Halls I-J, with an estimated 11,000 attendees. The EXPO is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, the EXPO is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The EXPO, themed “A Toast to Talent,” is the largest, most comprehensive industry event in the Gulf South region and this year will be no exception. Companies will be exhibiting in more than 400 booths, featuring a wide range of industry products and services. The EXPO will feature an environment where attendees can network and promote their businesses.

The EXPO’s exhibit space has been sold out for nearly two weeks, with more than 80 new exhibiting companies.

2013 NRA Chair
Phil Hickey

The Opening Ceremony, Saturday morning at 10:45 a.m., will feature special guest, National Restaurant Association Chair Phil Hickey, and a “toast” to more than half a century of bringing together restaurateurs and suppliers for the ultimate shopping and educational experience.

A much-lauded feature of last year’s EXPO will return—the IDEA ZONE, where express presentations will be made all three days of the EXPO, will cover emerging trends, best business practices and professional development. Timely sessions of note include “Healthcare Reform: What You Need to Know and Do,” Saturday, August 3 at 1:45 p.m.; “Top 5 Things Restaurants Should Know About Gluten-Free Menus,” Sunday, August 4 at 11:30 a.m. and interactive fun during “Sparkling Wines- Not Just for Celebrations,” Sunday, August 4 at 3:45 p.m. and “Bayou Rum Revives Tradition of Louisiana Rum,” Monday, August 5 at 12:45 p.m.

“The EXPO is a must for restaurant owners, managers, buyers, hotel food and beverage directors and many others. It’s the only place in Louisiana to gain valuable industry knowledge and shop hundreds of companies under one roof,” said Stan Harris, president & CEO of the LRA.

The 2013 EXPO will once again be the venue for the Gulf Coast Seafood Pavilion and the Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO), both celebrating its 10^th year and hosted by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board (LSPMB) and sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). On August 3, 16 chefs from across the nation will compete, using domestic seafood from their home states.

The Great American Seafood Cookoff
celebrates 10 years, August 3 in conjuction
with the Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO!
GASCO is sponsored by NOAA.

 
In May, Chef Cody Carroll of Hot Tails Restaurant in New Roads, with assistance from his wife, Chef Samantha Carroll, was crowned King Louisiana Seafood during the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off. He won the right to represent the state in the national competition. This year’s emcees will be Cory Bahr, executive chef and winner of the 2011 Louisiana Seafood Cook Off; Martie Duncan, chef /“Food Network Star” finalist and “Martie Knows Parties;” and Ewell Smith, executive director of the LSPMB.

The GASCO is open to the public and tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at the two New Orleans area Whole Foods locations—Veterans and Arabella Station—and Whole Foods Baton Rouge. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. and closing ceremonies will be at 4:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: While the GASCO is open to the public, the Louisiana Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO is for foodservice industry professionals, at least 18 years of age, only. Security personnel will be onsite to monitor event barriers. Registered EXPO attendees will be allowed access to both events.