Following increasing concern about the developing coronavirus situation, Casual Dining organiser Diversified Communications UK has consulted with the industry and decided to postpone the event to 14 - 15 July 2020, at ExCeL London.
Chris Brazier, group event director of DC UK, said the show was the single most important business event for many in the restaurant, pub and bar industry. “A lot of companies rely on it to meet new and current customers, so this decision has not been taken lightly. However, the response to the outbreak is unprecedented, and I think most would agree that it is not a climate in which we want to hold the show. The success, as well as the safety, of our exhibitors and visitors, has always been our priority and this continues to be the case. We are a strong community, we’re all in this together, and I know everyone will get behind this decision.”
He said the company fully appreciated the level of planning required to attend and was grateful that visitor registration had stayed strong despite the COVID-19 publicity. “Casual Dining would like to thank everyone – our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers for their continued support and patience during this challenging time.I know that the community will continue to support each other during these difficult weeks, and we look forward to seeing you on 14 - 15 July for the biggest celebration of our industry yet.”
Despite the date change, the industry has rallied around its annual show with leading visitors and exhibitors offering support:
Kate Nicholls, CEO, UKHospitality said the effects of coronavirus werer being felt across not only the casual dining sector but also the events industry. “The health of guests has to be paramount and so this is a sensible if disappointing decision to have to make.
Like the rest of the sector, the Casual Dining Show will come back bigger and stronger.”
Steve Mangleshot, executive chef at Wagamama said: “I have no doubt Casual Dining will be more important than ever to our industry when it returns in July. As always, it has my full support.”
Tim Foster of the Yummy Pub Co, said: “It's one of the highlights of my year; if I have to wear shorts to it this year rather than a jacket, then so be it.”
Casual Dining trade registration is still open on this site www.casualdiningshow.co.uk.