In my most recent Publisher’s Point of View column I wrote about the good things VISIT FLORIDA is doing to assist the victims of Hurricane Ian. I just learned that Clarion Events, producers of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show which will take place at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, November 1 to 3 leapt into action to find ways that they, the exhibitors and attendees could help support those impacted. During the trade show and conference, which will take place as planned, 100 percent of attendee registration fees collected, along with financial donations, food, equipment, and other items will be collected and donated to a new disaster relief fund being formed by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA).
“Our thoughts, prayers and support remain with all those impacted by Hurricane Ian; and strengthens our commitment to support Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Rita Ugianskis, Vice President for the Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group. “After consultation with our association partner, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, exhibitors, attendees and our venue partner The Caribe Royale, we have made the decision to continue hosting the event next month and take this opportunity to provide direct support for the rebuilding and recovery of our industry.”
“We’ve been producing trade shows and conference for over 27 years and our dedicated teams at Clarion truly immerse themselves in the industries they serve, with a goal to leave the community in a better place, no matter the circumstance,” said Greg Topalian, CEO at Clarion Events North America. “Our efforts in Florida are a true representation of the mission of Clarion where we are dedicated to those we serve, by rising to the occasion and supporting those in times of need.”
Summary of Event Changes
Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group in collaboration with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association will make the following changes to the event to support the industry during this difficult time:
- 100 percent of registration fees collected will be donated to a new disaster relief fund being formed by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.
- New registration option—$50 registration donation fee will provide access to the entire event—exhibit hall admission, F&B events including networking reception(s), the entire conference program, and access to both the General Session and Keynote Address. Again, all monies collected will be donated.
- New content will be added to help the community affected by the storm to navigate the resources needed to begin to rebuild.
- In addition to the donation of registration fees, the organizations are in early stages of arranging a product donation effort for all Show participants to support colleagues in the Florida hospitality industry. Details to follow.
The education program will kick off on Tuesday, November 1 with two pre-conference workshops. One will focus on the lodging industry with a dynamic panel of female leaders from The B Resort, Red Lobster, Tijuana Flats, Loews Hotels at Universal, and Courtyard & SpringHill Suites by Marriott and a second workshop on Restaurant Inflation (Recession) Battle Plan which will include crisis planning.
On Wednesday, November 2 there will be a breakfast General Session featuring Donna Hood Crecca, Principal, Technomic who will discuss Recovery and Growth in Uncertain Times. She will provide an overview of the state of the foodservice industry in the U.S., including new consumer and market dynamics, lodging segment specifics, what to look for in 2023 and an early look at the foodservice industry’s recovery from the impact of Hurricane Ian.
Focus on Disaster Preparedness
The education during the event will offer courses from the FRLA and other leading subject matter experts who will discuss How to Negotiate Restaurant Leases during a Disaster, How to Rebuild a Successful Restaurant, Disaster Preparedness, Restaurant Leadership, Disruptive Innovations, and many other sessions focused on operations and marketing. For the full conference program, click here. The expo hall will offer a diverse and curated collection of products and services, high production demonstrations, competitions and awards, wine and spirits, and much more. Special events will include a breakfast keynote, general session, a networking reception, awards, fundraiser and through separate registration, the FRLA Gala.
Registration is open here for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show taking place November 1 to 3 at the Royale Caribe Resort in Orlando, Fla. Hotel reservations can be made at The Caribe Royale which is working with Clarion Events to support the event and the industry in these uncertain times in Florida.
