FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2008

TORONTO –  Following a successful debut in 2008, planning is well underway for the 2009 CRFA Show, March 8 – 10 at the Direct Energy Centre in downtown Toronto. 

More than 800 booths have been sold so far, and legendary bar chef Dale DeGroff from New York’s Rainbow Room has been signed as a headliner, sponsored by Diageo.  More features will be announced in the coming weeks.

“The show’s first priority is meeting the needs of foodservice owners, operators and buyers,” says CRFA President Douglas Needham. “The rapid pace of change in the restaurant industry today -- from food trends to the growing need for cost-saving equipment, products and services -- makes an annual show more important than ever.”

Some equipment manufacturers have indicated their preference for a biennial show because of the timing of the NAFEM show held every two years in the U.S., but this does not reflect the majority of CRFA Show exhibitors.

“We recognize that some equipment manufacturers have scheduling concerns with the 2009 NAFEM show, which runs four weeks before the CRFA Show, but this is not an issue with the majority of our exhibitors,” says Needham.  “Most exhibitors need an annual show to meet the demands of their customers and prospective customers.”

By combining the HostEx and Food & Beverage Shows, the 2008 CRFA Show delivered greater efficiencies for both exhibitors and visitors, as well as higher attendance.  Equipment exhibitors at the CRFA Show enjoyed a 25% increase in attendance over the last HostEx Show, while attendance was 30% higher than the last Food & Beverage Show.

CRFA Chairman of the Board, Michael Aronovici, invited all members of the Manufacturers’ Tradeshow Advisory Council to a meeting yesterday to address the idea of a biennial show, and any other issues pertaining to the CRFA Show.  Unfortunately, the MTAC leadership failed to attend.

The association values feedback from show exhibitors and attendees, and relies on surveys, advisory council input, and informal feedback to constantly improve the show experience for both exhibitors and visitors. 

“The CRFA Show is a showcase of solutions for foodservice operators,” says Needham.  “We hope to see all of our exhibitors back again in 2009.”

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