NEWS:

11.12.08
Expo's 2009 Headquarter Hotel Announced

Milwaukee's own Hyatt Regency has been selected as the headquarter hotel for the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo.  With world-class accommodations and breathtaking views of downtown, the Hyatt offers a stay any hospitality professional will enjoy.  Conveniently located in downtown Milwaukee and connected to the Midwest Airlines Center by an enclosed skywalk, the Hyatt is an ideal setting for your Expo experience.

10.22.08
Awards Dinner Location Revealed

10.8.08
New Go Green! Event Area for the 2009 Show

There will be a brand new event area and resource center at the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo, the Go Green! Pavilion.  Multiple organizations will be available to provide help on green business trends and the importance of operating a green establishment.  And, Focus on Energy will also sponsor an area to discover the many ways to conserve energy and save money in foodservice establishments.  Look for more information to come on this exciting pavilion offering green tips and trends for your business.

Focus on Energy works to help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information on Wisconsin's Focus on Energy, visit www.focusonenergy.com.

9.22.08
George Webb Restaurants Meets at 2009 Expo

George Webb Restaurants franchise owners, operators and managing employees will meet at the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. For all three days of the Expo, George Webb Restaurants will hold classes and seminars including: "The World According to George Webb", a class that teaches the history and culture of the 60 year old company; a leadership seminar for George Webb supervisors and managers; and a class emphasizing food handling policies within the franchise group.

George Webb Restaurants has built the loyalty of people spanning every age and economic group by meeting a universal need: serving good food at value prices 24 hours a day. For more information on the company's success, visit www.georgewebb.com.

9.19.08
College Culinary Arts Competition Announcement for the 2009 Show

The 2009 College Culinary Arts Competition at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo will be sponsored by the Wisconsin Beef Council. In two distinctive competitions, teams of culinary students from technical colleges and universities compete to create hot and cold-plated entries that incorporate veal and beef. Don't miss the show floor excitement on Wednesday, March 11, 2009!

The Wisconsin Beef Council works with restaurateurs, educators, dietitians, meat managers, health professionals, and other industry leaders to strengthen beef's position in the marketplace. For more information on this producer-funded and directed organization, visit www.beeftips.com.

9.17.08
Alert! Exhibitor Logistics NOT Affiliated with WRA

A scam company named Exhibitor Logistics has been targeting exhibiting companies in the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. Exhibitor Logistics is an out-of-country company telling exhibitors that hotel reservations need to be made immediately and completed through their company. The company requests a credit card over the phone in exchange for a room reservation.

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA) and the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo are IN NO WAY AFFLIATED WITH EXHIBITOR LOGISTICS. Do not do business with this scam company.

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association secures its own room blocks with area hotels at discounted rates for Wisconsin Restaurant Expo exhibitors and attendees. As always, this information will be sent to you directly from WRA and will be posted on our website at www.everythingfoodservice.org. Please don't be misled by another company misrepresenting themselves. We appreciate your support by staying within the room block of hotels that are a part of our Expo.

Please contact Expo staff by email or phone if you have any questions.

9.16.08
Wisconsin Cheese Cafe Event Planned for 2009

The Wisconsin Restaurant Expo is proud to announce the return of the Wisconsin Cheese Cafe to the 2009 line-up of events. The Wisconsin Cheese Cafe is a popular area on the show floor where attendees talk with expert cheesemakers and taste artisan cheeses from Wisconsin's finest producers. This event, sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, is the Expo's hotspot for innovative ideas with cheese to incorporate into any menu.

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is funded by Wisconsin dairy producers to increase demand for Wisconsin's raw milk. For more information on this organization, visit www.wisdairy.com.

9.10.08
New Staff Member Joins the Expo Team

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is proud to announce a new addition to the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo Team, Katie Lundgren. Katie has taken on the role of Exhibit Sales & Event Planning Representative in the Expo department, working with Expo operations, event planning and sales. Please join WRA in welcoming Katie to the Expo Team!

Contact Katie by email at klundgren@wirestaurant.org, by phone at 800.589.3211 ext. 245, or greet her in person at the Expo in March!

9.5.08
Expo Plans an All New Book Sale Event for 2009 Show

The Wisconsin Restaurant Expo is proud to introduce an all new bookselling event area to the 2009 Show. The Expo has partnered with Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops to bring a fresh and exciting literary shopping experience to the Midwest Airlines Center, March 9-11.

Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops has been Milwaukee's largest independent bookseller since 1927. With an excellent reputation and experienced staff, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops carry on a rich tradition of promoting fine writing and knowledge-based solutions.

8.27.08
Top Catering Organization to be Expo Affiliate Sponsor

The National Association of Catering Executives, NACE, will become an affiliate sponsor of the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. This new partnership will create targeted educational seminars, exciting events, and opportunities for catering-specific exhibit space. The focus of the new programs and events will be of value to current catering professionals AND those looking to expand business skills into the catering realm. There will be something for everyone in foodservice to explore and enjoy!

The NACE organization offers members, partners, and the public a variety of rich resources that support, promote and enhance the catering and special events industries. For more information on NACE National, visit www.nace.net and the Capital Area of Wisconsin Chapter of NACE, visit www.madisonnace.com.

7.21.08
WDA Holding 2009 Leadership Meeting at Expo

The Wisconsin Dietetic Association (WDA), an affiliate of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), has decided to hold a WDA Leadership Meeting at the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. On Monday, March 9, WDA leaders and dietetic professionals will convene to discuss current topics in dietetics, network with peers, and educate dietitians on new trends in the industry through their own line-up of speakers.

Wisconsin Dietetic Association (WDA) is an organization of nutrition professionals providing expert food and nutrition services to the residents of Wisconsin. For more information on WDA, visit www.eatrightwisc.org.

7.8.08
Cousins Subs to Host a Knowledge Forum at the 2009 Expo

Cousins Subs has selected the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo as the venue for an annual franchise meeting. On Tuesday, March 10, Cousins Subs will hold the Cousins Knowledge Forum to provide education and updates to Wisconsin franchisees. The Expo is excited to host this group of foodservice professionals and looks forward to continued success in 2009 and beyond!

For more information on Cousins Subs, visit www.cousinssubs.com.

6.23.08
Club Managers Hold Business Meeting in 2009

The Club Managers Association of America - Badger Chapter have decided once again to hold an annual membership meeting at the 2009 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo. On Monday, March 9, the Club Managers will present two educational seminars on issues that are highly relevant to management from all segments of today's hospitality establishments.

The Club Managers Association of America advances the profession of club management by fulfilling the educational and related needs of its members. For more information, visit www.cmaa.org.

6.11.08
Expo Rolls Out New Website

The Wisconsin Restaurant Expo knows it's important to stay at the forefront of the foodservice industry. That's why we've rolled out an all new website to help keep you on top of trends to help your business.

The site has been completely reorganized so that busy professionals like you can find what you need, when you need it. With more information on all the Expo has to offer and a great new look and feel, www.wirestaurant.org/expo is a great resource in planning your perfect trade show experience.

Take a tour now!

5.6.08 2008 Expo Was a Success Milwaukee, Wisconsin was home to the 2008 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo, held March 10 - 12. Produced by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, the Expo once again dominated the market as the largest and most inclusive foodservice show in the state. Exhibitors from 27 states and Canada exhibited, offering foodservice executives many great ideas on how to meet changing consumer demands. With registration figures slightly ahead of the prior year, executives came from every corner of the foodservice industry. We're thrilled by all of the positive feedback the Expo received and look forward to seeing everyone again March 9 - 11, 2009, in Milwaukee. In the meantime, please enjoy this quick recap of the 2008 Expo.

2.6.08
Online Tool to Help Organize the Exhibits You Want to Visit

Save time and make sure you see the exhibits you want to check out. The new online floorplan organizer helps you map your way through the exhibit hall.

Click here to get started mapping your way around the Expo!