MILAN – Five days of all business at Host 2013, the International Exhibition of the Hospitality Industry, a global leader in Ho.Re.Ca. and Retail, happening at fieramilano in Rho from Friday 18 to Tuesday 22 October.
The moniker of world leader in the industry is confirmed by the stats and facts: in the 12 pavilions, with a certified net 101 thousand square metres of exhibition space, will be 1,700 exhibiting companies (+6.5% with 350 new entries) from 48 nations, of which 559 foreign (+16.5%). Exhibitors from the UK have increased by 33%, the Netherlands 28%, Spain 19%, the United States 17%, Germany 13% and France 10%.
Plus, there are 10 new countries this year: Bahrain, Israel, Kenya, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Hungary, Taiwan, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Here, exhibitors will meet the 1,500 hosted buyers and approximately 120 thousand professional visitors from around the world; the EMP – Expo Matching Program software, the digital agenda created by Fiera Milano to create an international network, is available to buyers to maximize their opportunities for business meetings, aimed for all exhibitors and professionals.
“In an economy where the ‘domestic’ market is the entire world,” remarked Michele Perini, President of Fiera Milano Spa, “the future of the exhibition system lies in internationalisation. Our strategy is to bring them into the world, both to meet the professionals where our business is growing fastest, while also motivating them to learn about Italy ‘on site’, reinforcing the role of Milan as an exhibition hub. As a result, since it represents many segments where Italian industry is leading the world, Host is a key industry event.”
This year, to more effectively integrate the related segments and multiply the opportunities for targeted workshops, the concept was optimised in 3 macro-areas: Professional Catering with Bread-Pasta-Pizza; Bar and Coffee Makers with Coffee-Tea and Ice Cream and Pastry; Décor and Dining.
This is the first year for tea at the event, while the third macro-area, dedicated tolayouts and tableware, has been given a brand new look.
The plan of events has also grown significantly, with more than 400 engagements on the calendar to include workshops, seminars, tastings, show-cooking, shows and competitions. All this makes Host a key world focal point for innovation in Ho.Re.Ca. and Retail, in its technology, formats and lifestyles.
Therefore, eliciting special interest are HOSThinking and Smart Label, two prestigious awards that Host 2013 instituted in conjunction with POLI.design, the Politecnico of Milan consortium – the 28th best technological university in the world, according to the authoritative QS World University Rankings – and with the patronage of the ADI – Industrial Design Association. Members of both organisations were selected for the jury of experts.
Specifically, the scientific committee of Smart Label recognised 35 innovative products – selected from the nearly 200 submissions from numerous product sectors – for their functionality, technology, environmental sustainability, and ethical and social breakthroughs, conceived by companies present at Host 2013.
The committee of HOSThinking.A Design Award selected 18 highly original formats that enhance the customer experience, selected from 71 projects submitted by 180 designers from around the world. From these, the panel of judges will select and honour the top three best designs during the event.
