After the difficulties of recent months, the time has finally come for the world of professional hospitality to turn a new page, starting at the HostMilano International Hospitality Exhibition, which returns as a live, in-person event in Milan, Italy, from October 22 through 26. This edition of HostMilano promises to be the ideal marketplace, starting with at least 1,100 exhibitors from 40 different countries, including Germany, France, Spain, the United States, Portugal, Holland, Greece and the United Kingdom.

HostMilano has signed agreements with some of the most important international associations, including the New York City Hospitality Association; the Mexican Restaurant Association; Restaurants Canada; the Baking Association of Canada; Interior Designers of Canada; The Hospitality Industry Network; the Ontario Convenience Store Association; the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association; the Supply and Equipment Foodservice Alliance; and the Argentine Federation of Hotel and Food Service Professionals, among many others.

HostMilano and TUTTOFOOD, the leading agri-food ecosystem event, will be held simultaneously, creating a can’t-miss hospitality event. At a time like this, it is essential to see what’s new and “try it out” in the field while getting back in touch with traditional partners and meeting new ones. Holding the two events at the same time will make it possible to exploit synergies between two complementary sectors: agri-food and hospitality.

HostMilano will also offer more than 800 events, including national and international competitions, show-cooking demos and in-depth seminars, all divided among the show’s macro-areas. The SMART Label-Host Innovation Award competition will be open to all innovative companies. This year’s contest features 79 candidates, with more than half coming from the foodservice equipment and bar/coffee machines/vending segments. The trends emerging from the contest range from energy savings and green materials and solutions to user-friendly hygiene technology, the renewed attention to customization and personalization, and the flexibility of product use.

Additionally, the Specialty Coffee Association will hold the SCA 2021 Championships, including the World Barista Championship, the World Brewers Cup and the World Cup Tasters Championship. Other events not to be missed are the Panettone World Championship, organized by the Academy of Masters of Mother Yeast and Italian Panettone, and the Bakery Academy, hosted by the Confcommercio Bakers Association of Milan and Provence. Show-cooking and tastings will also take place at the stand hosted by the Association of Small/Medium Fresh Pasta Producers, while Pizza e Pasta Italiana will present a new format titled “Slices: Pizza Culture for Professionals.”