Hotelympia will again be the launch pad for the most ground-breaking new products in hospitality when the show reprises its highly popular Innovation Awards for 2014.
The standard bearing awards scheme – an integral part of the UK’s biggest hospitality trade show – provides exhibitors with an unmatched, high profile platform and means of recognition throughout the four day event (April 28th – May 1st 2014), and a brand new, dedicated area means show visitors can expect an exclusive first glimpse of hospitality’s most innovative products.
Pitch to Innovation Idols
One of the most unique aspects of the process sees finalists receiving feedback from Hotelympia’s team of Innovation Idols – handpicked captains of industry that span the hospitality world.
Six finalists in each category – Tabletop & Design, Catering Equipment, Food & Drink and Technology – will be required to pitch their products to the Innovation Idols in a highly charged behind-closed-doors- arena. Idols confirmed so far for 2014 include: Nick Sandler, creative chef for Pret A Manger; President of SBID, Vanessa Brady; chief executive of London-based pub and bar group, Grand Union, Adam Marshall; David Russell and David Bentley from respected catering consultancy, The Russell Partnership; acclaimed restaurateur, chef and ‘Spice Man’ Cyrus Todiwala OBE; and 2013 National Chef of the Year, Hayden Groves.
Boost brand awareness and sales
Simon Richards of Burgess Furniture – a 2012 finalist in the Tabletop & Design category – says that being shortlisted in the Innovation Awards boosted both brand awareness and sales. He added: “Being a finalist really helped raise the profile of our company, while the feedback from the Innovation Idols was crucial as people respect their knowledge – we were definitely motivated by their enthusiasm for our product.” Asked if he would recommend entering to other exhibitors, Simon said: “If you think you have a great product that stands out from the competition, the exposure and editorial are well worth the effort.
Hotelympia’s Innovation Awards are only open to Hotelympia exhibitors. To enter your product(s) go to: www.hotelympia.com/innovation.
2014 will see Hotelympia move to a new four day format and be situated in one extended hall making it even easier for visitors to navigate the attractions without the disruption of the central boulevard. New, dedicated networking hubs will make the Hotelympia show-floor the UK’s biggest-ever hotbed of hospitality business activity.
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