The Source trade show

Inspiration and opportunity on a plate
Event Dates
2018-02-07 - 2018-02-08
Organizer
Exhibitors
220
Event contact title
Ms
Event contact first name
Jennifer
Event contact last name
Trotman
Email
jennifer.trotman@hale-events.com
Event contact telephone number
01934733433
Description
The Source is the South West’s biggest and best show for anyone with a serious interest in speciality foods, quality drinks, profitable catering and inspired hospitality. Taking place at the beginning of February, The Source gives buyers the opportunity to meet all the suppliers they need to be ready for the season ahead; discover new products, furnish their establishments, and kit out their kitchens. In 2017 the organising partners Hale Events and Taste of the West celebrated 10 years of working together. In that time the show has become a complete one-stop shop for everything a food business needs – covering not just speciality food and drink but everything from raw ingredients to high quality food service products, furniture to EPoS, kitchen design to business services. With over 200 local, regional and national food and drink producers, as well as service providers, alongside a superb selection of Taste of the West members, it’s a unique opportunity not to be missed. Discover unusual local products with fascinating provenance, whilst meeting passionate producers and suppliers face-to-face. Visit the Newcomers area to see companies from the South West that have never exhibited at a trade show before. It’s a great opportunity to spot emerging new companies, products and trends, before anyone else. Why not be inspired by the chefs in the Demo Kitchen, add new ideas to your menus, and learn from the best? It’s a rare opportunity to see leading chefs showing off their skills and sharing their latest ideas. – add value to your business by taking full advantage of their expertise and knowledge. As an added bonus the successful and growing Westcountry Tourism Conference will be running alongside the show, with two 1/2 day events bringing together leading tourism businesses and industry experts If you are looking for that special ingredient for your menu, that unique product for your shop, or the essential equipment for your kitchen, then this show will both inspire you and help your business grow. Give your business the impetus it needs going into the new season with this huge spread of comparative tastings, networking opportunities and inspirational experiences.
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