Canada’s largest foodservice trade event returns to the live stage

RC Show 2022 looks to bring the best of LIVE and ONLINE together to help REVIVE the hospitality industry post pandemic

After over a year of COVID-19 hardships placed on the foodservice and hospitality sectors, the end is finally in sight. As the voice of the industry and host of Canada’s largest foodservice and hospitality trade event, Restaurants Canada has officially announced RC Show 2022 will return with a dynamic, in-person and virtual broadcast, three-day event held at the Enercare Centre from May 9 – 11.

Restaurants Canada is preparing for a full in-person comeback to reignite the industry by combining an in-person trade show along with nationally broadcasted conference sessions that attendees can attend virtually. This will be paired with an enhanced buyers program linking buyers directly to the industry suppliers to conduct business even more efficiently.

Attendees can expect to find the industry’s top brands and suppliers at the live show as well as programming from global thought leaders who will be assembled to discuss key industry issues to support the relaunch of the industry.

“People are excited to get back to normal and attend in-person events. We firmly believe live shows are key for the hospitality industry. However, lessons from our successful 2021 virtual event will have us expanding our online content offering, allowing the industry to continue to learn, connect and grow from anywhere in the world,” says Roy Little, President & CEO, Restaurants Canada.

There is no denying that the foodservice industry was one of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating through uncharted territory and consistently adjusting to stay innovative through tight restrictions has placed anyone connected to the industry in some of the most challenging circumstances of their careers. RC Show 2022 will look to unlock the door to new opportunities and provide valuable tools to improve and strengthen business operations, all in support of next year’s “REVIVAL” theme.

Industry interactions and invaluable content will now be available both during and after the RC Show to ensure consistent support for foodservice professionals. “Our Buyers Program and virtual conference platform proved to be extremely successful in 2021 and is now a must have tool for the industry. While we plan for a highly anticipated live trade show with competitions and events, we also want to ensure we can provide key content to help operators from coast to coast, for those that may not be in a position to travel,” adds Little.

In addition to the ONLINE integrations mentioned above, here’s a taste of what else you can expect at the LIVE RC Show 2022:

• Category specific pavilions and curated feature areas displaying leading brands as well as top suppliers offering a variety of innovative products
• Solution-based content in the form of informative sessions across multiple stages, practical workshops, enlightening panel discussions and fireside chats with global industry leaders who will be exploring all categories and topics that matter most to operators–including new profit avenues, foodservice and cannabis, restaurant profitability, mental health, diversity, sustainability and safety
• Moderated and engaging round table discussions with agendas geared to achieving solutions on pressing topics within the industry
• Professionally designed, fully functional pop-up restaurant that will activate brands and showcase the most innovative equipment and PPE technology
• Comprehensive and expanded qualifying rounds for competitions that will also include virtual submissions allowing for greater national participation
• Signature events including the industry’s largest networking event, RC Show’s Opening Night Reception and Breakfast With Champions
• Expanded domestic and international Buyers Program providing the opportunity to source and build partnerships and long-term connections between buyers and sellers across the country and within all sectors of the hospitality industry
• In conjunction with the continued use of a world-class broadcast technology platform, virtual guest speakers and content available on-demand for those who cannot attend in-person.

“RC Show is excited to bring the industry together. There is no better time to elevate and promote the health and wellbeing of our sector as a whole; therefore, we officially invite chefs, baristas, bartenders, sommeliers, foodservice operators, distributors, brokers, retailers and buyers to save the date February 27 to March 1 to start a new chapter of growth for our industry,” adds Little.

With both live and virtual conference elements, RC Show 2022 aims to reignite and revive the Canadian foodservice and hospitality industry through its new and improved ONLINE content strategy, buyers program and face-to-face business connection opportunities.

For more information on the new and improved RC Show hybrid event, visit www.rcshow.com.

Follow us and the conversation on social: #RCShow @RestaurantsCA

Media Contacts:

Lisa Raffaele │ 647.896.0743 │ lisa@bubblegumcanada.com
Dena Gouweloos │ 647.825.3927 │ dena@bubblegumcanada.com

About RC Show – since 1944
Canada’s leading foodservice and hospitality event showcasing cutting-edge products, pioneering people and transformative ideas. Attendees can shop, taste, learn, connect and grow their business with multiple days of business-building action, including featured areas, competitions, workshops and RC Hospitality Week events tailored to educate, motivate and lead the industry. RC Show includes the latest trends, a dynamic selection of innovative products, and influential speakers assembled from around the globe, designed to help operators grow their businesses. An annual event not to be missed. Learn more at www.rcshow.com

About Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing the potential of Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry through member programs, research, advocacy, resources and events. Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s foodservice sector was a $95 billion industry, directly employing 1.2 million people, providing Canada’s number one source of first jobs and serving 22 million customers across the country every day. The industry has since lost hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in sales due to the impacts of COVID-19. www.restaurantscanada.org