UK: Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) has unveiled a new online platform, HRC Connects, that allows suppliers and buyers to network and share thought leadership virtually.
The platform will enable hospitality suppliers to showcase products and services year round, with features to facilitate one-to-one meetings and online demonstrations.
Regular webinars, roundtables and podcasts will also be hosted on HRC Connects.
When Hotel, Restaurant & Catering returns to ExCeL London next year, the platform will integrate into the live event experience. New connections made at the show will be viewable on HRC Connects, and attendees can use the platform to schedule talks to attend, arrange meetings and search exhibitors.
Event manager Ronda Annesley said: “The past year has made us think about how we can harness digital resources to add more value to our buyers and even better return on investment for our suppliers. HRC Connects will bring our community together virtually but it will also serve as a powerful addition to Hotel, Restaurant & Catering 2022, supporting and expanding on the networking and sales conversations that take place on the show floor.”
The platform is bringing on board a number of partners to deliver content. Juliane Caillouette-Noble, managing director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, said: “Having worked closely with HRC for many years, we’re really excited to be a knowledge partner for HRC Connects. As the industry re-opens its doors after a year when people have mostly been operating solo, we are very keen to host conversations and bring people together to help them share ideas, find solutions and collaborate on meeting the long-term challenges of climate change, diversity and how we use food as a force for good.”
Further information about HRC Connects can be found here.
