With more than 350 exhibitors from more than 35 countries, GulfHost 2024 was a record-breaking show. This year’s edition, taking place 5-7 November at Dubai World Trade Centre, featured 10 country pavilions and was attended by 25,000+ hospitality and foodservice buyers from more than 150 countries.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA)’s premier hospitality and foodservice equipment event, gathered industry leaders, brands and innovators for a three-day showcase of the best the foodservice industry has to offer.
Success for FCSI
For the FCSI EAME team, GulfHost was a tremendous success, according to Richard Haddad FCSI, founder and CEO of Aventra Hospitality and a member of the FCSI EAME board.
“The show offers an interactive platform for us professionals to connect and engage with various stakeholders in the industry, especially suppliers who are introducing innovative products,” he says adding that the show serves as a hub to grow the community of FCSI professionals into the Middle East region. “We were very pleased with the outcome and the level of interest reached,” he says.
The FCSI team formed a large part of the show, taking charge of the Foodservice Excellence Summit, offering a program of panel sessions and live interviews on stage throughout the three days. Panellists included leaders from across the sector and sessions focused on everything from F&B design and foodservice consultancy to robotics and sustainability.
“The sessions featured industry-leading experts who delved into the latest trends and innovations shaping the challenges future of the foodservice industry,” says Haddad. “Their insights will surely inspire and spark new ideas. I am confident that these sessions are invaluable for attendees looking to stay ahead of the curve and gain actionable strategies for their businesses”
Next to the Summit area, the FCSI team hosted the Elite Lounge where business leaders could meet, network and learn more about the business of foodservice consulting and the Society.
This year also saw the Coffee Experience Lab make its debut at GulfHost, featuring more than 30 coffee experts who shared insights and knowledge on coffee through demonstrations and presentations.
Showing the way for new generations
Following the successful format of the student competition staged at previous shows and conferences, FCSI invited students from hospitality schools across the Middle East to attend the show and take on the FCSI EAME Student Challenge.
Led by Anton Francois FCSI and Roger Obeid FCSI, the students were split into two teams and given the task of developing a futuristic concept for Dubai Mall. Given 36 hours to work on the task, the two groups presented to the audience and a jury made up of Professional and Allied FCSI members who also acted as mentors. The winning team was revealed on Day two of the show.
“The FCSI EAME Board has adopted a strategy to engage more with the new generation and to attract a new generation to our niche specialized industry,” says Haddad.
“We had participation from various prestigious academic institutions from the MENA region. The interaction between the new generation with our team of mentor experts and the industry innovative products suppliers will stimulate the interest to the exciting role of foodservice consultants. We are grateful to the GulfHost organizers who offered the ideal platform for us to organize this competition.”
Tina Nielsen
