1. Fancy Food Show
The Scoop: Rows upon rows of specialty foods fill the Javits Center for this annual event, hosted by the National Association of Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). The three-day event offers everything from straightforward fruit spreads, cookies, and condiments to exotic olive oils, vinegars, and coffees. “Anyone interested in finding new trends in food goes,” says Dana Cowin, editor in chief of Food & Wine.
Behind the Scenes: Last year there was a 3.5 percent increase in the number of exhibiting companies. International companies accounted for 9.3 percent of that increase. NASFT president John Roberts and vice president of exhibition management Chris Nemchek plan the show. July 10-12
2. International Restaurant & Foodservice Show
The Scoop: Everything a restaurateur or foodservice operator could need—aprons, spices, refrigerators, insurance, and lots of new food products—is on hand for this show. This year’s show will feature the Showtenders bartender competition, the U.S. Pastry Competition, and seminars. This year, the Superstar Culinary Demonstrations will feature chefs Eric Ripert, Christian Delouvrier, David Burke, and Andre Soltner.
Behind the Scenes: The New York Restaurant Association owns the show, which is produced by Steve Kalman, vice president for Restaurant and Foodservice shows for Reed Expositions. Riemer Communincations handles the PR. Feb. 9-11
3. James Beard Awards
The Scoop: James Beard Foundation president Len Pickell is being investigated for embezzling funds from the foundation, casting a shadow over the annual awards show, which honors the best chefs, restaurants, cookbooks, and food journalism in America.
Behind the Scenes: James Beard Foundation director of special events Yvon Moller and Melanie Young of M. Young Communications produce the big event. Last year, Overland Entertainment handled the design, event production, and decor for the awards, with lighting and scenery by BML and video by Sight Effects. John Kneapler Designs created the invitations. May 2
4. Citymeals-on-Wheels' Tasting Gala
The Scoop: The tasting event at Rockefeller Center is notable for its draw of chefs from across the country. Last year’s colorful pan-Asian theme tasting broke Citymeals’ fund-raising records.
Behind the Scenes: Citymeals director of special events Lynn McGuire plans the event. This year, Citymeals celebrates the 20th year of the event with sponsor Gourmet magazine. Fifteen star chefs and 15 up-and-coming chefs will cook at the big tasting event. June 6
—Suzanne Ito
Posted 02.23.05
Read about the rest of New York's Top 100 Events...
This story originally appeared in the February/March 2005 issue of the BiZBash Event Style Reporter.
The Scoop: Rows upon rows of specialty foods fill the Javits Center for this annual event, hosted by the National Association of Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). The three-day event offers everything from straightforward fruit spreads, cookies, and condiments to exotic olive oils, vinegars, and coffees. “Anyone interested in finding new trends in food goes,” says Dana Cowin, editor in chief of Food & Wine.
Behind the Scenes: Last year there was a 3.5 percent increase in the number of exhibiting companies. International companies accounted for 9.3 percent of that increase. NASFT president John Roberts and vice president of exhibition management Chris Nemchek plan the show. July 10-12
2. International Restaurant & Foodservice Show
The Scoop: Everything a restaurateur or foodservice operator could need—aprons, spices, refrigerators, insurance, and lots of new food products—is on hand for this show. This year’s show will feature the Showtenders bartender competition, the U.S. Pastry Competition, and seminars. This year, the Superstar Culinary Demonstrations will feature chefs Eric Ripert, Christian Delouvrier, David Burke, and Andre Soltner.
Behind the Scenes: The New York Restaurant Association owns the show, which is produced by Steve Kalman, vice president for Restaurant and Foodservice shows for Reed Expositions. Riemer Communincations handles the PR. Feb. 9-11
3. James Beard Awards
The Scoop: James Beard Foundation president Len Pickell is being investigated for embezzling funds from the foundation, casting a shadow over the annual awards show, which honors the best chefs, restaurants, cookbooks, and food journalism in America.
Behind the Scenes: James Beard Foundation director of special events Yvon Moller and Melanie Young of M. Young Communications produce the big event. Last year, Overland Entertainment handled the design, event production, and decor for the awards, with lighting and scenery by BML and video by Sight Effects. John Kneapler Designs created the invitations. May 2
4. Citymeals-on-Wheels' Tasting Gala
The Scoop: The tasting event at Rockefeller Center is notable for its draw of chefs from across the country. Last year’s colorful pan-Asian theme tasting broke Citymeals’ fund-raising records.
Behind the Scenes: Citymeals director of special events Lynn McGuire plans the event. This year, Citymeals celebrates the 20th year of the event with sponsor Gourmet magazine. Fifteen star chefs and 15 up-and-coming chefs will cook at the big tasting event. June 6
—Suzanne Ito
Posted 02.23.05
Read about the rest of New York's Top 100 Events...
This story originally appeared in the February/March 2005 issue of the BiZBash Event Style Reporter.