ORLANDO, FL, July 28, 2011 – Since 1971 thousands of restaurant and foodservice industry professionals have attended The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show. To celebrate the event's 40th anniversary, there will be dozens of exciting special events and educational programs plus hundreds of companies showcasing news products at this trade show and conference taking place Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from September 8-10, 2011. Highlights include:
- Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum The conference program features industry leaders delivering applicable business lessons, the latest information on trends and best practices in the market, and solutions to grow a business.
- PMQ's Orlando Pizza Show is the premier showcase for pizza-related products and services. It will spotlight the latest products, services & technologies; such as dough, cheese, cookware, POS systems, and more. It will also host the U.S. Pizza Team Trial Competitions where dough spinning pizza acrobats will compete for the chance to compete on the U.S. Pizza Team in the World Pizza Championships in Salsomaggiore, Italy.
- Ultimate Barista Challenge USA brings professional barista to the Expo to face challengers all preparing their signature espresso beverages for a panel of judges. There will be a showdown of three flights of espresso frappe, espresso cocktails and beautiful café latte art.
- World Class Culinary Competitions managed and organized by the American Culinary Federation (ACF)/Central Florida Chapter (CFC). Chefs will compete in the Student Florida State Champion Team Skills Competition, 3 Signature Recipe Competitions, the USA Culinary Cup Team Competition, and the Pastry Challenge. Many of the award winning meals will be served during the Chef's Table Luncheons, a four-course surprise lunch prepared by the participating chefs.
- The Foodservice Council for Women and Networking Event provides a community for women to develop and advance their business knowledge, contacts & careers and to connect, exchange, and discuss relevant topics in foodservice. Presented by Kathleen Wood of Kathleen Wood Partners, Ferdinand Metz, and Reed Exhibitions.
- Healthy Afternoon: Experts in nutrition, marketing & menu analysis will share the research data, the trends in a line-up of educational sessions on the important initiative of healthy dining choices in
restaurants.
- The BIG Black & White Party: Tropicana Style: The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association will host the Show's hottest party taking place on Friday, September 9 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. A Black and White themed party; guests will be entertained with professional salsa dancers, live guitar players, a Latin DJ and a cigar roller. Tickets are $50 each and available by contacting Susan Aronson at Susana@frla.org or 850-224-2250 x 226
WHEN:
Thursday, September 8, 2011 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, September 9, 2011 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, September 10, 2011 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL