• Australia’s $70B foodservice and hospitality industry to unite in Melbourne
• Major events coverage to create the ultimate culinary destination
• 15,000 restaurant and foodservice professionals expected
Melbourne, Australia – 28 August: Melbourne is gearing up to welcome the world of hospitality from 18th to 20th May 2025 with the launch of Foodservice & Hospitality Week. This landmark event will transform the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre into Australia’s epicentre of innovation and inspiration for the culinary business world.
Uniting the entire hospitality and foodservice ecosystem under one roof across many different events, Foodservice & Hospitality Week (FHW) aims to set a new standard for food industry events by creating a multi-event platform that is tailored to the needs of different hospitality communities.
“We’re bringing together chefs, owners, operators and buyers from all corners of the industry to meet, do business and celebrate with food, beverage and equipment manufacturers across a dynamic mix of trade shows, conferences, competitions, awards, dinners and parties,” said Mike Hill, Food & Beverage Portfolio Director at National Media.
“Whether you’re a single-unit restaurant or cafe owner, a national QSR brand or part of a big hospitality group or a contract catering firm, FHW will serve up something for everyone in the industry. We are bringing together many different events to provide a focused environment for professionals to connect and exchange ideas within their specific domain. Our goal is to provide tailored information, education and solutions/products that meet the unique needs of each attendee while also providing a fun and inspiring experience.
Mr Hill added, “Facilitating relevant and meaningful connections for attendees not only enhances the overall event experience but also allows them to make better use of their time. Connecting the right buyers with the right suppliers is absolutely paramount to the concept we’ve developed.
“Let’s say you are remodelling your restaurant kitchen or perhaps you are wanting to optimise your menu ordering process, finding the right person or vendor to talk to at large trade shows can be a little frustrating. By creating specialised events tailored to the needs of particular audiences, we can curate content, connections, and the right suppliers to help them achieve their goals efficiently,” Hill concluded.
For the first time, Foodservice Australia will take place alongside:
- Commercial Kitchen Show – All the gear + equipment to prep, cook, store and serve
- Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Show – For pizzeria and Italian-themed restaurants
- Restaurant Technology Show – Solutions shaping the future of foodservice
- QSR Ignite Conference – A pivotal new event for Australia’s $24.9 billion QSR market
- Australian Pizza Championships – In search for the ultimate pizzas and pizzaiolos
- Australia’s Gelato Awards – Recognising our finest flavours and artisans
- Professional Chef of the Year – Celebrating Australia’s next top chefs
- Bocuse d’Or – Regional selections for the world’s most prestigious culinary contest
- Aged Care Catering Summit – Ideas and solutions for better food and dining experiences in care facilities
The overarching event will serve an audience of more than 15,000 owners and operators of restaurants, bars, hotels, pubs, clubs, cafes, bakeries, fast food outlets, food trucks, airlines and cruise lines, contract caterers and institutional foodservice facilities: hospitals, aged care homes, schools canteens, universities, corporate kitchens, mining camps, military messes and correctional facilities.
If you supply food, beverage, equipment, supplies or technology, there really is no better opportunity to showcase your products or services to a targeted audience committed to finding new suppliers and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
Content Rich Program to Navigate the Challenges of Modern Hospitality
From thrilling competitions – think culinary, cocktail, sommelier, coffee, burgers and pizzas – to next level education, masterclasses, international keynotes and inspiring talks, FHW will be a catalyst for helping owners and operators transform their venues to make more money, and where you can learn new techniques and culinary secrets from the best in the industry.
We’re dedicating more space across all events for high-quality content—more stages, more seminars, new competitions, and lounges—allowing visitors to engage in thought-provoking conversations, share experiences, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders, top chefs, inspiring entrepreneurs, culinary experts, and tech innovators.
“This is more than just a trade show; it’s a forum for attendees to gain fresh perspectives and learn from the brightest minds in hospitality and foodservice, with a content-rich agenda designed to spark transformative ideas and strategies. Best of all, it’s all free when you register to attend any of the co-located events.
A Catalyst For Change
The launch of this new industry initiative has come off the back of National Media’s recent acquisition of Foodservice Australia, an event that dates back to 1967. “Launched 58 years ago, Foodservice Australia is the nation’s longest running foodservice and catering industry trade event,” said Brad Langton, CEO of National Media.
“We are thrilled to be the new custodians of Foodservice Australia, an event that has been instrumental in supporting the Australian hospitality and foodservice industry. Over the years, the event has expanded its reach, attracting an audience beyond foodservice. However, we are committed to returning the show to its core focus—serving as a dedicated platform and hub for the hospitality and foodservice community,” said Langton.
The show started life as the International Catering Trade Fair Sydney, launched by the Australian Foodservice Manufacturers Association. In 2005, the association rebranded to become the Foodservice Suppliers Association Australia and several years later, ICTF was renamed to Foodservice Australia. Specialised Events have owned and operated the show since 2011 until National Media’s acquisition in May 2024.
Celebrating Melbourne’s Food Scene
Foodservice & Hospitality Week extends beyond the walls of the exhibition centre, embracing Melbourne’s vibrant food scene as an integral part of the event. As the culinary capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in the country, and we’re eager to see these local establishments benefit from the influx of industry professionals attending the event.
As organisers, we are committed to ensuring that FHW brings significant economic benefits to Victoria’s hospitality sector. We encourage our attendees to explore Melbourne’s diverse dining landscape, experience the city’s renowned food culture, and support local businesses. By connecting our visitors with the heart of Melbourne’s culinary offerings, we aim to create an event that not only inspires but also leaves a lasting positive impact on the local community.
Showcase Your Event at Foodservice & Hospitality Week
FHW is shaping up to be the premier event on the Australian culinary calendar, and we’re excited to open the doors to even more opportunities. If you’re an event organiser with a foodservice, hospitality, or culinary-related event that aligns with the spirit of FHW, we invite you to express your interest in joining our dynamic lineup.
Whether it’s a conference, competition, networking event, or unique culinary experience, we are eager to collaborate with like-minded organisers who share our passion for elevating the industry. By becoming part of FHW, you’ll gain access to a highly engaged audience of industry professionals and the chance to contribute to a landmark week that celebrates and drives innovation in hospitality.
For more information, visit www.fhweek.com.au
For partnership or event co-location inquiries, contact:
Mike Hill
Portfolio Director – Food & Beverage
National Media
0483 907 805
mhill@nationalmedia.com.au
About National Media:
National Media is a leading event organiser known for delivering high-impact trade shows and conferences that connect businesses with the right audiences. Following the recent acquisition of Foodservice Australia, National Media continues to expand its portfolio with events that cater to the evolving needs of the restaurant and foodservice industry.
