Texas Restaurant Association - TRA Marketplace (formerly, Southwest Foodservice Expo)

Event Dates
2015-06-28 - 2015-06-29
Exhibitors
500
Attendees
10000
Event contact title
Vice President Exposition & Events
Event contact first name
Mel
Event contact last name
Forehand
Email
mforehand@tramail.org
Event contact telephone number
512-457-4190
Description

For 77 years, the Texas Restaurant Association has produced a trade show and convention that brings together the diverse industry for networking, education and a chance to see the latest products and services available on the market. They have been known by many names, but its core mission has always been the same: To produce an event that highlights the best that Texas has to offer professionals in our industry. The Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace features cutting edge technology, innovations to help  manage your business, ways to leverage the latest trends to grow customers, great deals on products and services and more!

Attendee information
Who should attend the show? Professionals in the foodservice and hospitality industry including single and multi-unit independent operators, franchisees, franchisors, corporate executives, chefs, unit managers, institutional foodservice providers, hotels, caterers, etc.
Exhibitor information

Partial list of products and services displayed at Expo - Accounting, Banking and Financial Services, Bakery Products and Supplies, Banquet Service Equipment, Bar Equipment and Supplies, Beverage Dispensing and Storage Equipment, Beverages, Soft Drinks, Alcoholic, Catering and Food Delivery Equipment and Supplies, Cleaning and Sanitation Equipment, Coffees, Teas and Specialty Drinks, Computer systems and Services, Dairy Products, Dishwashing and Handling Equipment, Food Preparation and Cooking Equipment, Food Serving and Handling Equipment, Furniture and Interior Decor.

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact