Industry News Premier Hospitality

The Restaurant Show 2018: Celebrating 30 Years at the Heart of the Industry

Aspire Executive Lounges, Swissport's global airport hospitality brand, has joined the British Institute of Hospitality, the world’s leading and award-winning membership body for hospitality professionals. Aspire Executive Lounges becomes the first business partner from the airport lounge hospitality sector to join the Institute of Hospitality. Aspire Executive Lounges, the fast-growing Swiss brand in the airport hospitality business, has joined the British Institute of Hospitality (IoH), the world’s leading membership body for professionals working and studying in the hospitality leisure and tourism industry. Aspire Executive Lounges is the first business from the airport lounge sector to become a member of IoH. The collaboration will foster an exchange of expertise and insights: IoH will benefit from Aspire's expertise in airport hospitality, while Aspire, by sharing its wealth of experience with IoH members, can extend its professional network to the hotel and catering sectors and hospitality management schools. “Our vision for Aspire Executive Lounges is clear and simple: We want to deliver a guest experience that is similar to what our guests are used to from their preferred hotels, meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of today’s travelers,” says David Collyer, Global Vice President of Executive Lounges at Swissport International AG. “We strive to deliver an unparalleled experience and set a benchmark that transcends our industry, redefining excellence across the hospitality sector. The Institute of Hospitality is a great network to exchange insights and experiences, and to learn from others in the hospitality sector, which will help us bring our vision to life.” Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality: “Our aspiration at the Institute of Hospitality has been to develop and grow our membership, the number of countries we operate in, and the number of hospitality sectors represented within our organization. With that in mind, it is a natural partnership for us to welcome Aspire into our family, and to learn from their teams, who serve travelers with passion and dedication. As two organizations with similar values, we look forward to collaborating in promoting high levels of excellence within our profession.” With over 30 years of experience, Aspire Executive Lounges is Europe’s largest brand in the airport lounges sector. In 2023, Swissport welcomed more than five million customers worldwide at over 69 lounges in 20 countries. The airport hospitality brand recently opened new lounges at Toronto City Airport in Canada, and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland. Aspire Executive Lounges recently created a new lounge concept in partnership with the airline alliance oneworld. The first oneworld branded lounge was launched at Incheon Airport in Seoul, Korea, in December 2023. Aspire Executive Lounges is owned by Swissport International AG, the global leader in aviation services, serving airlines at 286 airports in 44 countries across 6 continents
Written by Amy

The Restaurant Show returns on 1-3 October 2018 and promises to be an unmissable occasion for the hospitality industry. Featuring Bar & Pub and Catering Equipment Expo, this year sees The Restaurant Show celebrating its 30th anniversary. Registering for your badge gives you access to hundreds of innovative exhibitors across the shows as well as top speaker sessions and exciting live competitions.

Inspiring speakers

Plans are in place to make this 30th anniversary show the best year yet, with leading industry names and talents set to take to the live stage once again. While the full live line-up is still to be revealed, one thing is for sure, it’s guaranteed to be packed full of inspiration and new ideas. With a wide range of subjects up for discussion, whatever your role in the industry, The Stage will feature a session to motivate and move you.

Exciting live action

Not to be missed is all the exciting action in the Competition Theatre, where passionate professionals will be putting their talents to the test across the three days. This includes the industry’s most prestigious competition, National Chef of the Year.  On 2nd October ten of the UK’s most promising chefs will battle it out in a tense live final, hoping to take home the famous title. The action takes place under the watchful eye of an impressive line-up of judges including Clare Symth, Tom Kerridge and Philip Howard. The day will also see the crowning of a new Young National Chef of the Year, with some of the industry’s brightest young stars competing. Plus, there’s even more heat in the kitchen, with the return of several other top culinary competitions including The Kikkoman Masters and Compass Chef of The Year.

Ideas and innovation
With over 450 suppliers expected to be in attendance at this year’s show, there will be plenty to try, taste and discover. Whether you’re looking to find interiors inspiration, new ingredients for your menu, equipment to improve efficiency or simply to see how some of the latest trends could work for you, this is the place to be. From food & drink, to tableware, technology and all the latest equipment for the kitchen, you’ll find it all under one roof.

Ultimate diary date
Over the last 30 years The Restaurant Show has established itself as a major force in the hospitality industry, it’s the ultimate diary date for anyone in the sector. The inclusion of Bar and Pub and Catering Equipment Expo broadens the event’s appeal and means there really is something for everyone. This is the place to find inspiration, learn about the latest trends, source products and suppliers or simply network with friends and colleagues. Visit this year’s event and you’re sure to leave enthused about the industry and full of ideas to take back to your own establishment.

Register to visit for free at www.therestaurantshow.co.uk

About the author

Amy