Kicking off Sunday, WFHE to bring economic boon to San Diego
For the second time in its 75-year history, the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Exposition (WFHE) will drop anchor in San Diego when the California Restaurant Association-sponsored tradeshow stages its annual event Sunday through Tuesday at the San Diego Convention Center.
“We are so pleased to welcome our fellow restaurant and hospitality industry professionals back to San Diego,” said Fred Glick, vice president of operations for Phil’s BBQ and president of the CRA San Diego County chapter. “This event brings an enormous boost to our local economy, and a chance to showcase what our community has to offer.”
San Diego’s local foodservice industry is robust, and hosts one of the CRA’s oldest and most active local chapters. The county is home to some 7,469 foodservice-and-drinking establishments, which together generates approximately $4.7 billion in taxable sales, according to the California Board of Equalization.
More than 9,000 foodservice professionals, as well as 650 exhibiting companies, are projected to attend this year’s WFHE. Seventy-three percent of attendees plan to spend at least $100,000 on products and services exhibited at the show, according to Reed Exhibitions, which produces and manages the event. In addition, a trade show attendee spends an average of 3.7 times more – or $1,287 -- than an overnight leisure traveler to the San Diego.
“For 75 years, this event has been essential for California foodservice and hospitality professionals to attend, to reconnect with each other, as well as to stay on top of the emerging trends and innovations available to the industry,” CRA President + CEO Jot Condie said.
The CRA will be at booth No. 1722, advising existing and prospective members about the importance of CRA membership. The booth also will feature beer tasting courtesy of Karl Strauss Brewing Co. and a prize wheel where visitors can win various items, including gift cards to area restaurants.