The Hotelympia 2012 event returns with brand new layout

Organised by Fresh RM, the five-day show, taking place at London's ExCeL February 26th – March 1st, is unveiling a brand new layout, a host of new initiatives, with a focus on "delivering innovation to your hospitality business". Meanwhile the Innovation Awards will return even bigger and better. In a new twist, the 2012 awards will see finalists pitch their products behind closed doors in a 'Dragon's Den'-style arena. Six finalists in each category – design, equipment, food & drink and technology – will have to pit against a panel of specially invited hospitality industry leaders or 'Innovation Idols'. Another show highlight is The Hotelympia Design Award, which will be seeking to reward the UK's most luxurious hotel suite. And the Salon Culinaire culinary competition, which incorporates La Parade des Chefs, Salon Live and Salon Display, will be returning along with the Skillery in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs. The Live Theatre, sponsored by Nestlé Professional, with equipment supplied by Falcon and Williams, will present the semi-finals of two global competitions; The Global Chefs Challenge – which Simon Hulstone will be competing in – and Hans Bueschkens Trophy in conjunction with WACS (World Association of Chefs' Societies). New or improved Live Theatre competitions include: Aubrey Allen sponsored British Culinary Federation Chef of the Year highlighting the Best of British produce and judged by Mark Hix and Raymond Blanc. The Taste of Toque, sponsored by Nestlé Professional is open to full time hospitality students and requires a team of three to prepare, cook and serve a two-course healthy lunch for six covers in just two hours. The Master Chefs of Great Britain Challenge asks chefs to cook up a sustainable fish dish matched with a British sparkling wine. Salon Display, again sponsored by Compass Group UK, will run through both halls at Hotelympia, giving visitors to all aspects of the show the opportunity to take in the breathtaking exhibits. New additions include: Contract Caterers Challenge, sponsored by Elior UK, open to chefs who are foodservice providers only must produce and present four main courses – two suitable for a staff restaurant and two enhanced for fine dining. Salon director, Peter Griffiths MBE said: "We had a record breaking Salon Culinaire at Hotelympia 2010 – with over 800 awards being presented – so it will be a tough year to follow, but I'm confident with our additional and enhanced classes, Salon Culinaire 2012 will be just as successful." Entries are now open for all budding competitors, with a full Salon Culinaire Schedule of Competitions and entry form available at www.hotelympia.com Closing date for Salon Display and Live Theatre is 1st December 2011, with La Parade des Chefs deadline 31st October 2011.