Calgary is known for its warm hospitality, and lately, it’s also making its mark as a food city. The
streets are abuzz with a growing number and diversity of restaurants and hospitality groups.
Forbes Travel Guide just named Calgary as having the buzziest Canadian food scene.
Until now, however, it was missing a large-scale, comprehensive event where industry members
could gather and exchange ideas, resources and advice. Now in its second year, Canada’s
second-largest food show, NEXT Foodservice + Hospitality Expo, powered by Square, fills that
gap. It returns to Calgary on September 13 and 14 at the BMO Centre.
A supportive system
NEXT is much more than a service industry trade show. It’s a complete exposition, a collision of
ideas, expertise and perspectives. From immersive experiences and inspiring keynotes to
practical tools and equipment that restaurateurs can apply to their businesses, NEXT is
designed to help people in foodservice thrive in Western Canada’s evolving industry.
“Our goal is to make everyone go, ‘Wow, that was the best show ever,’ and to leave with so
much value,” says Jay Ashton, CMO of NEXT Foodservice + Hospitality Expo. “We want to get
rid of this idea that an 80 per cent closure rate in restaurants after three years is normal. I think
that’s wrong. We should be able to all come together and support one another with ideas,
education and resources.”
As attendees enter the BMO Centre, they’ll be met with an 8′ x 8′ cubic dream board, where
they’re encouraged to write their wildest business dreams. Ashton says the goal at NEXT is to
help them achieve those dreams.
More than 100 hours of education, demos and competitions
NEXT has four workshop rooms that will run educational seminars throughout the two days. In
each room, attendees will learn about modern marketing techniques, tech and AI tools, today’s
labour and HR landscape, and have the chance to go over business basics.
The bar and beverage and culinary stages will see competitions come to life, including a can’t-
miss bartending showdown by Flair Bartenders Association, an elite hub of world-class
bartenders returning to Canada for a competition for the first time in 20 years. Expect high-level
pours, fierce competition, stiff drinks and a good time.
The impressive main stage will host electric keynote speakers as well as more
intimate panels, covering topics such as mental health and leadership. New this year, four test
kitchens will host live chef demonstrations, product education and tastings.
The program includes a total of more than 100 hours of education, demonstrations and live
competitions. Attendees can also browse more than 300 booths with more than 200 new
products.
Made for hospitality professionals
Owners, chefs, bartenders and food professionals come together to learn and discuss new
ways to drive progress across the industry. NEXT is designed to be accessible for everyone
from large teams to small businesses just getting started. Two-day tickets cost $45, and
proceeds from the expo will go to The Burnt Chef Project, a mental health program for the
hospitality industry.
Through NEXT, hospitality industry members have more access to tools, resources and spaces
to connect to help them thrive. “This industry really needs a voice in the West, and this is it,”
says Ashton.
For tickets and event updates, visit NEXTFoodExpo.com
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.