Post Show Report - The 2006 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

WHITE PLAINS, NY, November 17, 2006. The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show(R) (IH/M&RS) proved once again to be the hospitality industry's premier one-stop shopping experience, as exhibitors reported record sales leads, a surge in quality buyers and an overall enhanced energy on the show floor. The 91st edition featured 1,250 exhibitors and attracted more than 35,600 attendees, November 11-14, 2006, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

"We made some amazing contacts and saw many new faces this year," said Mary Irwin-Scott, president of Riverside Design Group. "Anyone in the hospitality industry needs to attend this Show because it really is a one-stop shopping opportunity. This is the only Show where we can see both restaurant and hotel decision-makers. We've been participating in this Show for five years, and this has been the best one yet."

Hospitality industry professionals from around the world experienced several market enhancements, including 275 new exhibitors, an enhanced show look, the futuristic Guestroom 2010 and new educational opportunities. The new offerings drew a crowd of quality attendees on the decision-making level, resulting in a successful show for exhibitors.

"This was a good show - the best we've had in years," said Peter Kuzyk, national sales manager for Dometic. "We surpassed the number of qualified leads secured last year, and met a hotel representative from virtually every corporate chain. This was a good year for all shows, but this was the #1 Show for us this year."

"The response to the 2006 IH/M&RS has been extremely positive from both attendees and exhibitors," said Christian Falkenberg, show manager. "This Show continues to gain recognition as a 'must attend' event for those seeking new products and resources on both the lodging and restaurant sides of the industry. The diversity of exhibitors - from luxury bedding and flat panel televisions, to dinnerware and buffet displays - makes this Show stand out from the rest."

The Show also featured the Culinary Resource Center, Hospitality Leadership Forum and more than 40 educational seminars featuring key industry leaders. The Culinary Resource Center attracted hundreds of participants for a series of live cooking demonstrations by top chefs, as well as a showcase of more than 300 static "food as art" displays. Highlighting the Hospitality Leadership Forum was a keynote presentation by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who discussed his "Principles of Leadership" to a crowd of more than 700 attendees. Seminars of interest to both lodging and culinary professionals were offered, with topics ranging from hospitality design and immigration issues, to healthcare foodservice and success as a restaurateur.

Recognizing the most innovative new products at the Show, editors from leading trade publications judged nearly 150 entries for the 11th annual Editors' Choice Awards competition. Receiving the honors were LC Premiums (luxury), Minibar Systems (Best of Show and technology), Pacific Coast Feather Company (d'ecor), Parkside Coffee (flavors), Rubbermaid Commercial Products (essentials) and Structural Concepts (restaurant).

Additionally, Interior Design and HOTELS magazines once again recognized leaders in hospitality design at the annual Gold Key Awards Breakfast. Awards were presented to eight design firms from around the world for creativity and innovation. Highlighting the ceremony was the presentation of the "Designer of the Year" distinction to David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group.

Off the show floor and outside the classroom, the IH/M&RS offered attendees an opportunity to network with peers in a fun and entertaining atmosphere. Late Night with IH/M&RS returned for a second year at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, where more than 400 attendees enjoyed live entertainment by Carlton J. Smith & Friends. The evening was hosted by the AH&LA Allied Executive Committee.

The 92nd annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will run Saturday, November 10, through Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Following a full-day of conference and networking activities on Saturday, November 10, the IH/M&RS will feature three full days of exhibits from Sunday, November 11, through Tuesday, November 13.

The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show is sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc., and the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, and is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM(R)).