2008 BC Foodservice Expo serves up menu ideas and business advice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2008

VANCOUVER – Whether you’re a potential restaurateur looking for tips on how to start and grow your business or a seasoned veteran scouting out energy-efficient equipment and new local flavours, attending the 2008 BC Foodservice Expo is a New Year’s resolution you don’t want to break.  The Expo is Western Canada’s largest hospitality show and returns to Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium Jan. 27 and 28.

“BC’s restaurant and foodservice operators are always looking for ways to make the most of our bustling economy, and one of the smartest moves they can make is to add this show to their calendars,” says show manager Samantha Scholefield.  “It’s a once-a-year chance to see and sample thousands of products, and the best opportunity to meet and network with other industry professionals.”  

This year, four complimentary seminars are planned to add value to visitors’ onsite experience:

Sunday, January 27

11:15 am • Sustainability 101: To a Greener Future
André la Rivière and the Green Table Network, a sustainable foodservice organization, demonstrate the basics of eco-friendly dining. Discover practical ways to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, conserve water and use fewer pollutants.

1:00 pm • Common Sense Marketing For Independent Restaurants
This workshop gives independent restaurateurs tips and tricks they can use to compete against the big chains and win.  Joel Cohen’s dynamic presentation will reveal the benefits of working without “corporate red tape” and includes more than 40 easy and inexpensive ways to make guests say, “Wow!”

Monday, January 28

11:00 am • The Real Secret To Your Success
Having a plan is the real secret to building a successful business, and it doesn’t need to be a chore!  Joel Cohen will show how it’s possible to develop a three-month sales-building plan – one that any restaurant team can implement – in under 15 minutes.

1:00 pm • Short on Staff? Get Smart With Your HR Practices!
Does your HR plan include using new media like Facebook or YouTube? Are you reaching young mothers, new immigrants or retired people? Do you offer perks that encourage your staff to stick around? go2’s Arlene Keis and CRFA’s Mark von Schellwitz share the innovative techniques, information and tips used by forward-thinking employers.

Two special pavilions will shine a spotlight on local spirits and hot new tastes in coffee:

BC Winery & Microbrewery
Come experience the bounty of BC’s growing beer and wine industry!  Local producers will be on hand to offer product samples, suggest pairing opportunities, answer your questions and help you place product orders. Santé!

Coffee Connections
Sophisticated customers are demanding more from their “cuppa joe.”  Guest baristas will show how specialty coffees can add value and appeal to your menu through a series of informative demonstrations:

The 2008 BC Foodservice Expo will also feature:

For more information about the 2008 edition of the BC Foodservice Expo, visit the show's website or download the visitor’s brochure.  The BC Foodservice Expo is a trade-only event owned and operated by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association and sponsored by VISA. 

Register today
Online registration is only $10.00 prior to Jan. 25, 2008: On-site registration during the show will be $25.00.  Please note that admission is restricted to industry personnel aged 19 or older.

Show dates and times:               
Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008:  11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 28, 2008:  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location:
BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver

REMINDER TO EDITORS/REPORTERS:
CRFA maintains a strict system for media accreditation at the BC Foodservice Expo and all its trade shows.  You must register in advance using the online media registration form.

- 30 -

Click here for media contact information