Hospitality Expo 2023: the epicentre of innovation and inspiration

The time has come again! From 19 to 22 November 2023, the 34th edition of the Belgian trade fair for the hospitality, mass catering and food retail industries, better known as Horeca Expo, will take over the eight halls of Flanders Expo in Ghent. This is the event where hospitality professionals come together to discover new opportunities, network with nearly 600 exhibitors and explore the latest industry trends.

This year, there are several zones focusing on specific aspects of the hospitality industry. One of the more notable areas is Hall 3, which focuses on Hotel & Hospitality. Here you will find everything related to hotels, from sleeping and seating areas to bathrooms, lobbies, bars and restaurants. Offerings include furniture, appliances, fittings and accessories.

Hall 3 is also the location of the Belgium Hospitality Club, where non-competing companies in the sector come together to provide high-quality products and services to hotels and restaurants. This initiative aims to cooperate and strengthen each other in sales and marketing, with a strong emphasis on personal contacts and networking.

Jill Degrande, communication officer Hospitality Expo: "I would also like to mention that a separate entrance will be provided through Hall 3 for all professionals from the hotel industry. Upon entering, an atmosphere of a high-end hotel lobby is immediately created. The Taste Lounge, in turn, is the location par excellence for making contacts. This catering point is decorated by a number of high-quality partners such as Artiosi, Wever & Ducré and PR living, in a design by Lieven Musschoot & Cas Moor. Beautiful and very cosy, in other words."

One of the most exciting aspects of Horeca Expo is the Innovation Awards. These awards are presented to the most innovative products or services that revolutionise the hospitality industry. A professional jury will choose winners in six categories, including food, beverage, technology, kitchen supplies, furniture and decoration, and hospitality. The laureates will be announced at the opening reception on Sunday 19 November and will be on display in Hall 4.

Horeca Expo not only offers a plethora of products and services, but also educational opportunities. The Horeca Academy, organised by Horeca Vlaanderen, gives starters the chance to learn the essential aspects of running a hospitality business. From financing options to setting up a successful business, this course offers practical and achievable tips for future hospitality entrepreneurs. In addition, visitors can also learn to negotiate from expert Filip Nicasi, who will cover all negotiation styles and techniques in two hours. This is a valuable skill for anyone in the hospitality industry.

"For those interested in reaching the younger generation, Horeca Vlaanderen is organising a workshop on TikTok, showing how this platform can be used to reach a wider audience and create viral videos," Jill adds.

With so much to offer, Horeca Expo 2023 promises to be an inspiring event for everyone in the hospitality industry. It is the perfect opportunity to get new ideas, network with like-minded professionals and keep abreast of the latest developments in the industry.

More information and registration: www.horecaexpo.be.