Food & drink show 2018

William Reed has announced a new move to enhance its UK Food and Drink Shows at the NEC Birmingham in Spring 2024.

Previously held in London, The Restaurant Show will join forces with National Convenience Show, Food and Drink Expo, Farm Shop and Deli Show and The Forecourt Show running from 29 April until 1 May 2024.

Supported by William Reed’s portfolio of media publications, the industry renowned UK Food and Drink Shows already deliver 1200 exhibitions to a highly engaged visitor base of food and drink professionals and are viewed as the go-to events for the entire UK food and drink supply chain.

In 2023, The Restaurant Show made significant investments to deliver a world-class content programme, with dedicated areas for restaurant trends, bar and drinks insight and chef mentoring sessions.

The event boasted speakers including Tommy Banks, Michael O’Hare, Sacha Lord, Emma McClarkin, Helen Charlesworth and Sally Abé.

Next year’s shows are set to see the same investment and more, as The Restaurant Show moves to a national scale in the centre of the UK.

William Reed retains a strong footprint in the capital through its hospitality events portfolio, consisting of 36 events, 21 of which are in London, including The Publican Awards, The Restaurant Conference, The Pub Conference and National Restaurant Awards.

Andrew Reed managing director for Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed said: “London has been a great home for The Restaurant Show, however the UK needs a national show that is representative of the entire industry. This has been in the making for some time, as we continue to grow the hospitality audience at the UK Food & Drink Shows. With 30% of our existing audience in Birmingham operating in hospitality, the timing is right to build on the UK’s largest food and drink event.”

“We remain as committed as ever to providing the hospitality industry with the content, education and inspiration that will help them thrive. The UK Food & Drink Shows provide the perfect platform to achieve this, offering visitors and exhibitors the platform to engage with a wider pool of business opportunities and gain inspiration from adjacent sectors.”