What You Need to See and Hear at Casual Dining 2018

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Casual Dining

Casual DiningBizimply will be attending Casual Dining this year and we’d love you to come along! The trade show will be on the 21st-22nd February in the Business Design Centre, London, and is set to see a record number of attendees. We’ll be at stand U104 – come and say hello to the Bizimply team!

What is Casual Dining?

If you are a restaurant, pub, bar or hotel then Casual Dining is ideal for you! They are “the only trade show for the fast-moving casual dining sector,” set to feature over 200 exhibitors (including yours truly) and multiple opportunities to network with top names in the industry. The eating out sector has changed dramatically in recent years and Casual Dining are aware of this. They want to provide a trade show that caters specifically for buyers and decision makers from branded and independent restaurants and pubs.

What’s happening at Casual Dining?

Casual dining operators will also be inspired by a free keynote theatre programme, packed full of the leading names in the sector. Industry top brands will be sharing their tips, experience and challenges in what is set to be the best keynote line-up yet. Their popular Innovation Challenge is back, showcasing the latest products to hit the casual dining sector. In addition, their Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards promise once again to bring the who’s who of the casual dining sector together for an evening of celebration of the very best in our industry.

Ask Alexa! Bizimply Alexa

The Bizimply team will have an Alexa with us, so stop by and put her through her paces! We’ll also be running a raffle over the two days to win a FREE Amazon Echo! Enter on either day (Wed the 21st or Thurs the 22nd) to be in with a chance!

What workshops and talks do we recommend attending?

There’s so much to check out at Casual Dining that it’s difficult to narrow the talks down to a few. That said, here are 3 from each of the two days that we feel are particularly valuable:

Day One – 21st Feb

1. Preparing for the Future – Challenges Facing the Casual Dining Sector

For this talk, Peter Backman, industry analyst, commentator and consultant addresses the issues and disruptors that will challenge casual dining over the next two years.

Where: Keynote Theatre
When: 10.15 -10.45am

2. Casual Dining and the Levers of Sales Growth

Join Simon Stenning of MCA for a talk on the levers of sales growth, where he provides a detailed analysis of how the casual dining sector can continue to grow despite turbulent times.

Where: Keynote Theatre
When: 11.45am – 12.15pm

3. Are We Growing Our Pubs or Saving Our Pubs?

Brian Keeley-Whiting of Whiting & Hammond, Alexander Salussolia of Glendola Leisure Group, and Tim Foster of Yummy Pub Co debate whether pubs have a perfect storm of uncertainty awaiting them or if the glass is half full with opportunities for quality operators.

Where: Keynote Theatre
When: 16.15 – 16.45pm

Day Two – 22nd Feb

1. Menu Innovation for Multi-Site Pubs & Restaurants

For this talk, Glenn Evans of Las Iguanas, La Tasca & La Vina, Warren Goodwin of Nandos, and Chris Knights of Youngs examine the challenges and successes they often face when trying to keep their menus innovative and profitable.

Where: Keynote Theatre
When: 15.30 – 16.00pm

2. The Impact of Rising Food Price Inflation on Casual Dining Operators

Graeme Loudon of CGA will examine the impact of increasing food price inflation on operators within the casual dining market. He’ll also explain what operators can do to try and future proof their business in times of pressure from greater costs.

Where: Keynote Theatre
When: 10.15 – 10.45am

3. Redefining Casual Dining

Hosted by Mike Berry of Fleet Street Communications, this talk features Christian Rose of All Star Lanes, Jeremy Simmonds of Swingers, and Simon Woplin of Picturehouse Cinemas. The panel shares innovative operators that are bringing the key features of casual dining (great food, great drinks) to experiential leisure entertainment formats.

Where: Keynote Theatre
When: 16.15 – 16.45pm

What stands do we recommend checking out?

There are an array of stands at Casual Dining that we are looking forward to seeing. We’ve listed some of our favourites for the line up below:

Bleep – Stand M139

Bleep

Bleep is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of Epos and Payment solutions for retail and hospitality, including bars, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, bakeries and fast food joints. Check out their stand for info on using their system to increase revenue, build loyalty, engage with customers and enhance the overall customer experience of your operation!

UCC Coffee – Stand M222

UCC Coffee

Fancy an energy boost as you make your way around Casual Dining? Pop over to UCC Coffee for a caffeinated pick-me-up! UCC Coffee understand what goes in to brewing a great coffee and delivering an extraordinary coffee experience. Find out more about their blends, coffee machines, and unique training programme and have a sample of their lovely coffee!

Tevalis – Stand G9

Tevalis

Tevalis are a leader in supplying advanced Epos technology solutions and enterprise management modules to the hospitality, leisure and gaming industries. Not unlike Bizimply, their software has been specifically designed for the hospitality industry and much of their development is driven by client consultation and industry professionals. This ensures that their products meet the demanding and evolving requirements of the industry.

English Cheesecake Company – Stand M146

English Cheesecake Company

Stop off for a treat at stand M146! For those with a sweet tooth, you have to try an English Cheesecake Company cheesecake or dessert. With 20 years of experience in the recipes and presentation, these scrumptious treats are a feast for the eyes and tastebuds!

We look forward to exhibiting at Casual Dining and we hope you visit us at stand U104Click here for (free) tickets to the event. Feel free to spread the word and share this blog!pub-labour-cost-ebook

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