NEW YORK — Exhibitors at the recent International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) reported a market experience that far exceeded expectations given the uncertainty within the hospitality industry, reports GLM, the show’s management firm.
Held Nov. 8-11 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the 93rd annual event attracted 34,040 registrants, and saw especially significant participation from national purchasing firms, management companies, military base lodges, boutique hotel operators and multi-unit owners, GLM says.
“It became apparent from the opening moments of the show that attendees were here to search out suppliers that allowed them to be more aggressive marketers in this period of uncertainty, and to address their competitive positions,” says Lynn White, show manager.
The “green” theme dominated conversations among exhibitors and attendees, which was supported by a keynote address, seminars, a display and awards.
Cintas Corp. earned the 2008 Editors’ Choice Award for “Green Décor” with its eco-friendly Suiting Collection, a 100%-recycled polyester uniform line made from recycled plastic bottles that offers style, comfort and functionality.
The Editors’ Choice Award for “Green Luxury” went to Valley Forge Fabrics for Living Fresh, a natural, high-thread-count bedding line featuring an exotic blend of fibers from eucalyptus and cotton.
Next year’s show is scheduled for Nov. 7-10. The market presents some 1,250 hospitality industry suppliers.
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