Hotelympia 2004, the UK’s largest dedicated foodservice show, kicks off at ExCel on 23 February and runs for five days.

The show, separated into Catering Equipment; Food & Drink, with exhibitors from over 20 countries; Interiors & Tableware and Hostec-EurHotec, features hundreds of innovative new products from over 1000 exhibitors and – for an industry that served over 8.3bn meals in 2002 – is a ‘must visit’ for anyone in the business.

Favourites such as Salon Culinaire and La Parade des Chefs will again be on offer, the latter sponsored this year by Food from Britain.

Elsewhere, the Live Theatre, with Caterer.com as sponsor, will include such classes as the Major International Football Culinary Challenge, with teams of chefs from top premiership football clubs going head to head.

The Skillery will see chefs demonstrating a variety of techniques – such as filleting, sugar work and creative work with cheese – whilst the new Bar Scene, with the help of the UK Bartenders’ Guild, is aimed at anyone with an interest in the £42.4bn per year UK drinks industry.

Dashboard dining has seen a rise recently and for this a dedicated Grab ‘n’ Go area has been created. Focussing on the food and equipment that has been developed for the sector, it will feature companies including UB Foodservice, The Original Pretzel Company and Food Now.

GS Magazine will be sponsoring the Design Link feature, a showcase of the latest design-related products, services and ideas from the country’s top architects and designers.

A major part of the show are the Hotelympia New Products Awards and a shortlist will be announced shortly in time for the final judging on the opening day.

For IT professionals working in the hospitality and foodservice businesses, will be Hostec-EurHotec, located alongside Hotelympia and an event featuring key exhibitors from the technology industry.

Further information on all elements of the show can be obtained from its web site, www.hotelympia.com.