Exhibits, education on tap at IH/M&RS: new format, product section highlights of this year's event

Hotel & Motel Management, Nov 1, 2004 by Bruce Adams

New York -- Regular attendees of The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will notice some distinct changes in this year's annual gathering of hospitality industry professionals.

"The biggest change is the new format," said Christian Falkenberg, IH/M&R Show manager. "Traditionally, we've had four days of exhibits, seminars, demonstrations and displays. This year, exhibits will run for three days, from Sunday through Tuesday. We are opening on Saturday with the Hospitality Leadership Forum, a full-day conference of sessions." The 89th annual edition of the show runs Nov. 13-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. It is expected to draw 45,000 lodging and culinary professionals from around the world. Exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. The Hospitality Leadership Forum will be held Saturday. "We will still deliver a great market to all the vendors, as well as offer attendees a full day of focused education," Falkenberg said. "We will have traditional seminars during the three days of the show slotted so attendees will be able to attend both the show and seminars."

Luxury Product Collection

The show offers a new section called the Luxury Product Collection. It will feature high-end furnishings, linen, technology, amenities and entertainment products.

"The Luxury Product Collection has taken off--we've had a great response from exhibitors," Falkenberg said. "It showcases luxury products focused on lodging. There will be more than 40 exhibitors, including many bedroom and bathroom amenity-furnishing companies. It's a hot spot for the high end."

At least half of the 40 exhibitors are new to the IH/M&R Show, he said.

"It seemed to strike a chord with several exhibitors who did not previously attend the show," Falkenberg said. "It is a great collection of exhibitors and it will be a broad mix."

Some of the companies scheduled to exhibit in the Luxury Product Collection include Anichini, Asiaphile, Brintons USA, Capel, Crivellari, Deborah Rhodes, Dorothy Prentice, Fabric Innovations--Virginia Quilting Co., Furniture Design Studios, Ginger, Granite & Marble Resources, Hartmarx Consumer Apparel Products, Jeffan International, Kookoon, Lather, Leydic Glass Design Studio, Linensource, Lissadel by Aquarelle Towels, Luxury Custom Directories, MaxSF, Monastery Hill Bindery, Oregon Scientific, Pyrolave USA, Royal-Pedic Mattress Co., Sabira Collection, S.E.G. Textiles, Scandia/Arvind Group, Seatz Concept, Signature Linen, Stearns & Foster, Toto USA, Tourance Linens, Via Motif, Virgo USA Corp. and Wesaunard.

Exhibitors

Of course, the exhibitors in the Luxury Product Collection barely scratch the surface of the total number of show exhibitors, which is expected to exceed 1,500.

They will be organized into vertical market categories to make it easier for show goers to shop. The five categories are decor, technology, restaurant, flavors and essentials.

"We've seen an onslaught of new companies in design and technology," Falkenberg said. "As the industry turns around, there is more confidence among vendors and exhibitors and a greater desire to exhibit. With the industry having a strong year, a lot of key decision makers will come to the show and find things that end up in their properties in the coming years. It will have an impact on sales six to 12 months after the show."

Exhibitors in the decor section will feature furniture, floorcoverings, wallcoverings, lighting, artwork, bathroom equipment and fixtures, wall decor, bedding, fabrics and drapery, accessories, fitness, spa and sauna equipment, signage, general furnishings, design and design services.

Exhibitors in the technology group will feature software, telecommunications, audio-visual, point-of-sale systems, hardware, energy management, customer-relationship management systems, property-management systems, televisions, video and entertainment, security and safety, locking and security systems, minibars, in-room safes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Exhibitors in the restaurant area will feature foodservice equipment and supplies, restaurant furnishings and design, table linens, tableware, uniforms, menus and restaurant consulting.

Exhibitors in the flavors section will feature food and beverage, including appetizers, baked goods, beer and ale, coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino, dairy products, deli products, desserts, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, gourmet foods, meat, poultry, fish, nonalcoholic beverages, pasta, prepared foods, wine and liquor. Exhibitors in the essentials group will feature cleaning and maintenance products, guest amenities and services, and finance and management services.

Education and sessions

The 2004 educational program will include more than 40 sessions covering hospitality and restaurant topics. The hospitality sessions kick off with a full day of programming on Nov. 13. Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala of CNN's Crossfire will headline a keynote luncheon.