International Hospitality Week returns to Las Vegas

The International Hospitality Week trade show held from March 1^st to 4^th at the Las Vegas Convention Center will provide a great opportunity for the hospitality industry to team up and exchange different points of view, products and services at the biggest trade show representing the restaurant, nightclub & bar and hotel business. This original convention and exhibition was created in early 2007 and encompasses three events staged under one roof: Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show; International Restaurant Show, Las Vegas and HotelWorld Expo and Conference. The event will open with a cocktail party at The Pearl in the Palms Resort, and will include activities such as tours to the hottest Las Vegas nightclubs, food tastings, a wine testing at VINO in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and several meetings, conferences and social network events created to connect exhibitors with customers, suppliers, potential partners and industry experts.

The International Hospitality Week will feature several conference sessions covering topics such as “Managing Costs through Difficult Times”, “Award Winning Beverage Programs to increase sales” and “Protecting Ourselves from the Perfect Storm”, a conference moderated by Dr. Peter H. Cressy, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, U.S., who will talk about the repercussions of the economic storm and how the industry can protect itself by standing together. David Adjey of Food Network ‘s Restaurant Makeover as well as the upcoming series Restaurant 101, and The Thirsty Traveler, Kevin Brauch, will be sharing their experience and knowledge with participants in areas such as what products are worth working during the economic crisis.

“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, 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.” said Liza Wylie, Show Director of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show and the International Restaurant Show.

The HotelWorld Expo & Conference will also introduce the “Networking Express”, a new program designed to connect industry professionals through a ‘speed dating’ type format in where attendees and exhibitors will have five minutes to exchange business cards, talk about their businesses and set up the necessary connections. The show floor will also include the Hotel’s World 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 of the most iconic and successful Las Vegas hotels.

All Nightclub & Bar, HotelWorld and International Restaurant Show registered exhibitors will also receive an all-access pass to some of the most popular nightclubs to ‘conduct market research’ on the Las Vegas nightlife during their free time. Attendees who register for a conference pass at one of the three shows will receive access to all of the shows, giving them the chance to examine and catch up with all the industry’s segments, all for one price.