The show hosted a number of competitions, discussions on industry issues, and food and drink, technology and equipment exhibitors, such as Victor Manufacturing, MKN, and BGL Rieber.
On the first day of the show Anton Mossiman was inaugurated into the Hotelympia Hall of Fame.
The Innovation Award winners were, ‘Multiple Choice’ by Carpigiani UK (Catering Equipment), ‘Wi-Q’ by Wi-Q Limited (Technology), and ‘Recycled Compostable Black Cutlery’ by Vegware (Interiors).
On day two of the show, The Big Event, Hotelympia’s traditional Gala Dinner celebration welcomed over 550 people, treating them to a St David’s day-themed menu and entertainment. The night raised over £70,000 for the Springboard Charity.
Chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton headlined the Hotelympia Food Service 2020 Conference discussing his growing number of sites in a talk entitled ‘re-imagining global for local’.
Over the course of the four days awards were dished out in the Skills Theatre, Junior Salon Display, La Parade des Chefs, Live Theatre Competitor Awards, and Senior Salon Display.
Tom Kerridge, Simon Rogan and Clare Smyth all made appearances at the Staff Canteen Live – Skillery.
Sodexo crowned executive head chef Lloyd Walker as its chef of the year, taking home gold best in class after a 90 minute cook off against nine other Sodexo chefs.
The Hospital Caterers Association awarded silver best in class to Richard Kirton and Ian Cannon from North Tees Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust who fought off competition from seven other hospital chef teams in the HCA Hot Cookery competition.