Fare Share: Restaurant pros look to future at Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference
The Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference returns to the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Sept. 25 and 26.
The Expo, which is owned and managed by the Ohio Restaurant Association, welcomes restaurant owners, operators, employees and vendors with a full schedule of dynamic Expo University speakers, live chef demonstrations, immersive workshops and a trade-show floor with more than 25,000 square feet of exhibitors highlighting food, equipment, technology and services.
As restaurant professionals continue to tackle declining sales, hiring issues and dramatic spikes in food and labor costs, the 2022 Expo provides attendees education, technology insights and innovation to help Ohio’s restaurants survive the current economic situation and build for tomorrow. According to the latest ORA business impact poll, Ohio restaurants continue to face a litany of challenges, with 78% of respondents saying sales have declined in August compared to previous months in 2022. In addition, 87% report staff shortages and 99% of survey respondents report increases in food costs since June. These are major challenges.
At the Expo, industry experts will discuss food and beverage trends to attract more guests and combat inflation, unveil the latest industry technology and robotics to help manage the labor shortage, discuss workforce and employee wellness to support and empower hospitality professionals and look toward the future of hospitality, with a pivotal focus on guest experience.
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Providing unparalleled service, exceptional meals and memorable hospitality continue to be the goals of restaurants across our state as operators and employees alike strive to keep our favorite eateries and the Midwest’s unique food scene growing.
So we’ve lined up many of the best from our industry. Expo attendees will learn masterful cooking techniques during live demonstrations from star chef Nacho Aguirre, owner of Delicé Chocolatier and Patisserie and fan-favorite judge on many Food Network shows. The Expo also will highlight chef Mario Rizzotti, judge on “Iron Chef America,” and chef Tommy Walton from seasons 6, 10 and 12 of “MasterChef.”
Keynote speaker Felecia Hatcher, author of “Genius Jam” and CEO of Pharrell William’s Black Ambition Opportunity Fund, will share how individuals can show up and play full out in the innovation economy by stepping into their “zone of genius.”
Chef Michel Nischan, four-time James Beard Award winner, will present on meeting environmental, social and economic goals.
In additional to industry-leading educational content and demonstrations, industry professionals have the opportunity to compete in three exciting competitions: Food Fight, Mixed Up or Burger Battle competitions. If you’re an industry pro ready to show off your skills, contact the ORA to apply for the opportunity to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights.
In the midst of the excitement of the Expo, how best to serve restaurant guests remains at the heart of the two-day industry event that will bring thousands of people to central Ohio and bolster the local economy. We can’t wait to kick it up a notch.
The Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference is presented by the Ohio Restaurant Association and is an industry-only event and not open to the public. Industry professionals may purchase tickets at midamericarestaurantexpo.com.
John Barker is the president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association.
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Fare Share: Restaurant pros look to future at Mid-America Restaurant Expo & Conference
