Hotel, Hospitality and Food 2011 sets global standards in Lanka’s exhibition industry

 Sri Lanka’s premier exhibition on hotel supplies and services concluded on Saturday the 29 October 2011 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC). It is very timely to see an exhibition of the highest standards hit the market in Sri Lanka. Organised by Pico Sri Lanka and Montgomery Worldwide, it will probably rank as the best organised exhibition in the country.

The exhibition, its very first show saw visitors from Maldives, India, Singapore, Egypt, Dubai, Pakistan and UK making it an event of international importance.

The organisers had done an exceptional job in staging such a well executed show. It is hoped this exhibition would continue to raise the standard of exhibition industry in Sri Lanka drawing many more international business visitors and exhibitors in future.

The exhibition brought about much benefit to all those present and the feedback has been overwhelming. It was timely, and catered to many needs of the industry. It also showcased many events and workshops that will no doubt uplift the quality of the human resource in the industry.

The inter hotel culinary competition saw the best in the kitchens across Sri Lanka battle it out for supremacy to win their way to compete in Hotelympia, London, in February 2012. It was a tough decision that the four international judges had to make and finally Hilton Colombo and Ceylon Continental Hotel emerged as joint winners. The competition was at the highest level and showcased international class. 160 special guests were privileged enough to dine through some tantalising preparations created by the masters in the kitchen.

The event also stepped into the glamour of uniform fashion, with Italian designer Heidy Rampinelli‘s designs hitting the ramp, with the backdrop of the Roman Colosseum. Uniforms from cleaning and maintenance to restaurant and front office managers to executive chefs were displayed. Choreographed by the renowned choreographer Brian Kirkovan, it was something special and a first in Sri Lanka.

Many other events took place uplifting the skills of Sri Lankans. Astoria coffee machines Italy carried out a presentation on the art of coffee, giving many a tip on finer ways of making the perfect cup of coffee by showing each step in perfecting the art. Presentations on selecting the right wine and matching wine drew much appreciation, whilst effective use of technology in the hospitality industry was observed by all with keenness.

Apart from the well executed show, the event provided much benefit to the exhibitors by way of opportunities for business deals, making it a convenient way of meeting buyers. The show saw visitors from many parts of the world and all corners of the country making their way through the doors of the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre.

 “We have got great exhibitor and visitor feedback and we are much encouraged to take the show to greater heights. We have already begun to see tremendous interest towards the future of HHF; it will be a show that will benefit the industry and its suppliers and the country at large. We are very thankful to all those that supported the event” said Emile Gunesekera, General Manager of Pico Sri Lanka.