Get ready for Hotelympia 2008

Hotelympia 2008 looks set to be the biggest yet with more than 1,000 exhibitors, 400 chefs, 60 culinary competitions and a host of new products and innovations on show.

The five-day food service and hospitality show, which will be held from 17 to 21 February at ExCel London, will feature 12 kitchens, eight seminar theatres, and a large restaurant and will also play host to Careers in Hospitality and the technology show Hostec-Europe.

This year sees the welcome return of the Nestle Toque d'Or competition, which will put the best student chefs through their paces at the La Parade restaurant each afternoon.

In total more than 400 competitors will be battling it out in culinary competitions in the Live Theatre, including 10 teams participating in the 100-seat La Parade restaurant. New competitions include the Marstons Al Fresco Challenge, the British Culinary Federation Chef Team Challenge and World Skills UK's Search for a Star.

Meanwhile over in the new World of Coffee area contestants will be battling it out in the semi-finals and final of the UK Barista Championships.

This year eight theatres will offer free seminars covering a wide range of themes including environmental and ecological issues at the Sustainable Futures Theatre, interior and exterior design at the Design Link theatre, and technology adoption at Hostec-Europe.

The Food & Drink section will feature more than 150 exhibitors, with a further 20 companies within the Speciality and Regional Food Pavilion, and a new Sandwich and Tea Pavilion will feature demonstrations and innovations.

More demonstrations will be on offer at the new Cost Sector Catering Live area and the Skillery, run in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Attendees will also have a chance to do their bit for charity by taking part in the Hotelympia 10K run (register at www.hotelympia10k.com).

For further information on Hotelympia and to register for your free ticket, saving £30 on the admission price, visit www.hotelympia.com.