Clarion UX has announced the implementation of two new key buyer programs across their restaurant and foodservice event portfolio designed to enhance exhibitor ROI in a quantifiable way. The programs will be driven by Karen Gillis, Key Accounts Manager, for the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York and each show’s co-located Healthy Food Expo.
“We are committed to providing our key operators, foodservice professionals and retailers with white glove service and are confident in Karen’s abilities to bring special treatment to these individuals who take time out of their busy schedules to attend our events, said Tom Loughran, vice president for the Clarion UX food and beverage event portfolio. “Two programs will drive need-based appointments to our exhibiting customers, and provide an example of our strategic priority to add value for our customers.”
The first program, called “Five Star Club” is available to pre-qualified buyers and up to 300 participating exhibitors at no charge. This program has a buyer focus on micro-chains, medium volume independents, healthcare and education foodservice as well as partner associations. These Five Star Buyers select exhibitors and schedule a specific day and time to meet one-to-one with the exhibitor in their booth. While there is no guarantee an exhibitor will receive appointments, the program is expected to generate over 1,000 meetings. And buyers who complete 5 appointments are entered into a drawing for one of three $1,000 cash prizes.
The enhanced program, called “MATCH!” is available to only 30 exhibitors and 35 hand-selected key buyers. This curated buyer list will be comprised of multi-unit operators with under 16 locations, restaurant groups and high-volume independents with annual gross revenue of over $3 Million. The MATCH! hosted buyer program will include hotel accommodations along with additional at-show amenities. Appointments will be scheduled using an innovative matching software based upon mutual selling and sourcing needs.
In addition, stated Loughran, “the addition of Karen to the event team, coupled with the significant investment into the buyer programs, allows us to create a platform to ensure the specific buyers – whether from restaurant, foodservice or retail operations – are actively participating in the show”. To be able to bring this investment allows our mission to align with that of the exhibitors, which is to provide sales leads and measurable ROI
results.
“I look forward to being the liaison with our VIP attendees and providing them personal customer service to enhance their experience at these leading industry trade events. I invite those exhibitors interested in participating in the programs, or in nominating buyers, to contact me directly,” added Karen Gillis, who can be reached at (203) 202-3825 or at kgillis@urban-expo.com.
Upcoming Clarion UX’s Foodservice Shows include:
Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, co-located with the Healthy Food Expo West and Coffee Fest, sponsored by the California Restaurant Association, will be held August 19-21, 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. For more information, visit www.westernfoodexpo.com
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, co-located with the Healthy Food Expo Florida and Coffee Fest Marketplace, sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, will be held September 6-8, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center. For more information, visit www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com
International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, co-located with Healthy Food Expo New York and Coffee Fest, sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association, will be held March 3-5, 2019 – Jacob Javits Center. For more information, visit www.internationalrestaurantny.com
If you’re interested in exhibiting at or more information on attending future events visit the official Show website at www.thefoodshows.com.
Founded in 1995, Urban Expositions, now operating as Clarion UX and owned by Clarion Events, produces and manages a portfolio of 36 trade and consumer events, serving a range of industry sectors including Gift, Souvenir, Art, Aviation, Foodservice, Specialty Retail, Gaming, Automotive and Enthusiast Lifestyle, with offices in Kennesaw, GA, Chicago, IL, Trumbull, CT, Portland, OR and Boca Raton, FL. www.urban-expo.com
Clarion Events operates over 180 events in 50 countries from offices in the UK, South Africa, USA, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, UAE, and the Netherlands. Clarion can trace its roots back to 1947 and takes great pride in being one of the oldest independent event organizers in the UK. More recently the firm has developed an international portfolio of brands and now has interests in a number of global vertical industries. The teams at Clarion create uniquely effective and stimulating environments that can serve as a platform to build businesses, enhance customer relationships and accelerate product awareness. www.clarionevents.com
