Food for Thought – hot topics covered at free seminars
Restaurateurs, caterers, café owners and chefs grappling with the fast pace of change in hospitality can benefit from expert panels discussing the latest trends and issues at free sessions to be held at Foodservice Australia.
The industry-only trade show, to be held 2-4 June at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, will host the Restaurant Theatre – a series of free workshops and seminars covering topics as diverse as franchising, special diets, marketing, function catering and profitability.
“Keeping abreast or at least being aware of the changing dynamics that present challenges and opportunities in the constantly-evolving foodservice world is imperative for every foodservice professional,” says MC and industry insider Stewart White.
“New products and equipment, new technologies and strategies, changing tastes and customer and staff expectations influence and shape the way we cook, do business and attract new customers.”
White says the topics covered will reflect doing business in the 21st century, for example, “the rise and rise of social media in positioning and promoting your business, will go hand in hand with the session on the growing and very real angst of how to deal with online food reviews”.
With a high calibre of experts assembled, “No one… no one – can help but pick up some very useful tips and learnings that can be put to effective use in their business,” he adds.
The Restaurant Theatre joins other must-see events at Foodservice Australia. “We offer a show that is more than exhibition stands,” explains Exhibition Director Timothy Collett.
“While meeting suppliers directly is the proven best way to do business, there are many more reasons to come to the show, including the prestigious Rare Medium Chef of the Year contest, Apprentice of the Year, The Global Pizza and Pasta Challenge, the Chocolate Grand Prix, the Bakery Theatre and Australia’s Best Pie,” says Collett.
“This show will be directly relevant, easy to attend and actually enjoyable – there will truly be something for everyone.”
Bookings for the free seminars are not required, however places will be limited to 50 seats per session, so registered visitors are advised to arrive early to secure their place. A session timetable is available at www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au
Foodservice Australia runs from 2-4 June 2013 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Entry is strictly trade only. For more information visit www.foodserviceaustralia.com.au or call 03 9999 5460.
The seminar program is as follows:
Sunday 2 Jun 2013
11:00 Using social media to boost covers.
Speakers – Ed Charles, Pierrick Boyer, Wes Garth
12:00 Understanding the new IR laws
Speakers – Amina Porobic, Anton Duc
13:00 What can we learn from the franchising industry?
Speakers – Giro Maurici, James Scurr, Phil Blain
14:00 What's my business worth?
Speakers – Frank Palermo, Peter Panagiotopoulos
15:00 Sucessful catering for special diets
Speakers – Jane Davies, Sue Shepherd, Tim Byrne
Monday 3 Jun 2013
11:00 Latest trends in function catering
Speakers – Brien Trippas, Tom Milligan
12:00 Working the wine list
Speakers – Dan Sims, Matt Brooke, Thierry Cornevin
13:00 Can I franchise my business?
Speakers – Dean Salomone, Rod Young, Tracy Steinwand
14:00 Dealing with online food reviews
Speakers – Anthony Huckstep, Ed Charles, Matteo Pignatelli, Tresna Lee
15:00 Can I be profitable and sustainable?
Speaker – John Hart
Tuesday 04 Jun 2013
11:00 New ideas for aged and healthcare catering
Speakers – Barry Daniels, Francis Cochrane, John Patison
12:00 How can I attract more functions?
Speakers – Brien Trippas, David Mercer, Neil Abrahams
13:00 The winning formula for a new cafe
Speakers – Ian Curley, Peter Panagiotopoulos
14:30 How to attract more customers more often to your restaurant!
Speaker – John Dwyer
