Industry-first International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event to showcase beverage alcohol trends, business opportunities

(Chicago, Ill.) The National Restaurant Association today announced it will launch the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) at the 2008 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. This industry-first event will augment the annual NRA Show with focused vintner, distiller and brewer tastings, demonstrations and education programs designed to provide restaurant and hospitality operators with the information, services and products needed to succeed. The event will also underscore the Association’s and the restaurant industry’s commitment to responsible alcohol service and practices.

“Beverages are critical to the success of many restaurateurs and we are excited to launch the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event at NRA Show 2008 as a new way to highlight the category,” said William C. Anton, FMP, convention chairman for the 2008 Show, and chairman and founder of Anton Airfood, Inc. “IWSB will be a highly qualified and controlled, business-to-business showcase for the products and information that operators need to maximize growth and profitability.”

IWSB will be a unique forum for vintners, distillers, and brewers to meet one-on-one with beverage buyers from chain, multi-concept and independent restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, hotel and resort eateries, and other foodservice operations. Key importers and distributors, as well as news media and influential trendsetters will also attend. As such, IWSB will provide outstanding opportunities to view the latest beverage trends, find new products, network with industry experts, learn proven recipe, pairing and merchandising ideas, improve responsible alcohol service, and more.

IWSB will be held in a dedicated area of Chicago’s McCormick Place May 19-20, 2008, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in conjunction with NRA Show 2008, which will be held May 17-20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. IWSB attendees will automatically be registered for the NRA Show, however, separate registration, qualifications, and badges are required for the new beverage industry event. More information is available on www.winespiritsbeer.org.

Companies and organizations interested in exhibiting at IWSB should contact Eric Rude at erude@dineout.org or (312) 853-2537.

Now in its 89th year, the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals in the Western Hemisphere. The 2008 Show will be held May 17-20, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The Show attracts nearly 2,150 exhibiting companies and 74,000 attendees and visitors from all 50 states and 115 countries. More information can be found on the Show Web site at www.restaurant.org/show.