People Are Talking

Here is what attendees and exhibitors are saying about NRA Show 2009 and the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB).

Attendees

Restaurant and hospitality industry operator attendees at NRA Show 2009 consistently reported they found great value at the show and that it was the place to find solutions and inspiration for their operations.

"Now more than ever is the time to get busy on our business. We can’t shut our doors. At this point, it’s all about the competition and staying ahead and this [the NRA Show] is a great resource."
— David Starr, operating vice president of restaurants, Bloomingdale’s

"Look at this, it’s great! Even in this 'recession,' this place is doing well. It’s good to see this many people at this year’s NRA Show."
— Ming Tsai (pictured right), chef/owner of Blue Ginger in Wellesley, Mass.

"I’ve already found some ideas that I’m going to take back and take a very serious look at."
— Kim Lopdrup, president, Red Lobster

"Within the restaurant industry, it is about creating brand differentiation for your customers. In other words, what will make your restaurant and brand stand out from the competition. The National Restaurant Association show provided this year’s attendees with strategic insights into achieving that brand differentiation - a critical must-have in today’s environment."
— Bill Whitman, Jr., vice president of communications, McDonald’s USA

"When you come here, you come to be inspired."
— George McNeill, corporate chef, Ritz Carlton Hotels

Exhibitors

Exhibiting companies reported that the quality of attendance was extremely high.

"This show is the largest restaurant and foodservice show, and it consistently delivers the broadest range of high quality buyers."
— Ben Middleton, trade communications manager, Coca-Cola North America

"The great thing about the Show is that the [international] reach is huge. If you’re not here, you’re not going to get it."
— Jim Ricchetti, regional sales representative, Dr. Pepper/Snapple

"We had a constant stream of traffic consisting of distributors, foodservice operators and end-users that really enjoyed our concept and finished product. The NRA Show exceeded our expectations with regards to meaningful contacts and demand creation prospects."
— Tim Young, vice president of marketing, Popcake

"We’ve gotten more leads. We’ve actually doubled the amount of leads this year than we had last year."
— Brent Mague, director of marketing, Rubbermaid Foodservice

"I encourage small and big alcohol producers to exhibit at IWSB, come prepared and expect lots of large volume buyers. This is the best place to meet face to face with leading on-premise buyers."
— Kent Fleischmann, owner, Dry Fly Distilling, an IWSB exhibitor