Following increasing concern about the developing coronavirus situation, Casual Dining’s organiser Diversified Communications UK has today confirmed that the 2020 event will now be held on 14-15 July at ExCeL London.
Chris Brazier, group event director at Diversified Communications UK, says: “Casual Dining is the single most important business event for many in the restaurant, pub and bar industry. A lot of companies rely on it to meet new and current customers, so this decision has not been taken lightly. However, the response to the outbreak is unprecedented, and I think most would agree that it is not a climate in which we want to hold the show. The success, as well as the safety of our exhibitors and visitors, have always been our priority and this continues to be the case. We are a strong community, we’re all in this together, and I know everyone will get behind this decision.
“We fully understand and appreciate the level of planning that is required to attend and are so grateful that visitor registration has stayed strong despite the amount of media coverage surrounding Covid-19. Casual Dining would like to thank everyone – our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers for their continued support and patience during this challenging time. I know that the community will continue to support each other during these difficult weeks, and we look forward to seeing you on 14-15 July for the biggest celebration of our industry yet.”
The industry has rallied around its annual show, with leading visitors and exhibitors supporting the new dates:
“The effects of coronavirus are being felt across not only the casual dining sector but also the events industry. The health of guests has to be paramount and so this is a sensible if disappointing decision to have to make. Like the rest of the sector, the Casual Dining Show will come back bigger and stronger.” — Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality.
“I have no doubt Casual Dining will be more important than ever to our industry when it returns in July. As always, it has my full support.” — Steve Mangleshot, executive chef at wagamama.
“Another devastating blow from the fall out of this bug. The Casual Dining show will not only survive, but will come through this and come back stronger. It’s one of the highlights of my year, if I have to wear shorts to it this year rather than a jacket, then so be it.” — Tim Foster, head of being awesome at Yummy Pub Co.Â
“The Casual Dining show represents the interests of such an amazing industry. We are 100% in support of their decision to move the show to later this year, to a time when we can all plan and look forward to the year ahead with new focus.” — Gary Goodman, CEO & founder of Yumpingo.Â
“Kobas has been a strong advocate of the show since its inception and look forward to fully supporting this vital industry event in July 2020 and beyond in any way we can.” — James O’Sullivan, founder & CEO of Kobas.
“It’s a sensible decision. It will be a bigger and stronger event in July.” — Andrew Esser, MD of Pizza Equipment.
Casual Dining – trade registration still open
Casual Dining will take place at ExCeL London on 10-11 March 2021. For more information and to register for a free ticket, please visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk.
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Media enquiries & press pass requests:
Please apply for press accreditation here: https://eventdata.uk/Press/CasualDining2020.aspx
Emma Louis-Jones, Head of PR & Communications
t: +44 (0)1273 645134
e: [email protected]
Website: www.divcom.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DiversifiedUK
Katrina Randall, Marketing Manager
t: +44 (0)1273 645139
e: [email protected]
Website: www.casualdiningshow.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CasDiningShow
Exhibitor & sponsorship enquiries to:
Eva Ellis, Event Manager
t: +44 (0)1273 645167
e: [email protected]
Chris Brazier, Group Event Director
t: +44 (0)1273 645123
e: [email protected]
Notes:
Diversified Communications UK (Diversified UK) is a fast-growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton, Peterborough and London. Diversified UK’s food portfolio includes Casual Dining; Casual Dining Restaurant & Pub Awards; lunch!; Commercial Kitchen; Natural Food Show at Natural & Organic Products Europe; Nordic Organic Food Fair in Malmö, Sweden; Organic Food Iberia in Madrid, Spain; and Natural and Organic Awards. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
Diversified UK is part of Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products Diversified Communications connects, educates and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: food and beverage, healthcare, natural and organic, business management and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit: www.divcom.com.
