Sponsor, Exhibitor Registration Now Open for Arkansas Hospitality Association’s 2009 Trade Show

Little Rock, AR (July 16, 2009) – The Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA) today announced that registration for sponsors and exhibitors is now open for its 2009 Golf Classic, Chefs Culinary Classic and Trade Show and Convention, aptly named Wild About Arkansas. The 2009 AHA events will be held September 21 – 24, 2009 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, and is the largest hospitality industry event in the state, showcasing more trends and products than any other tradeshow.

Kicking off with a golf tournament on September 21, 2009, AHA, the official voice of the restaurant and entertainment, hotel and lodging, and travel and tourism industries in the state of Arkansas, will host delegates who work in, with or have a passion for the hospitality industry during Wild About Arkansas and the Chefs Culinary Classic held the evening prior. From wine tasting techniques to budgeting during the recession, the two-day Trade Show and Convention will feature educational seminars to gain new skills and explore new business opportunities as well as entertaining events such as the nail biting Iron Chef and dazzling Bartending competitions.

The Sixth Annual Chefs Culinary Classic, a cooking competition, is recognized for showcasing the culinary talent of the top chefs in Arkansas. Contestants will compete at a category level, with entries being judged by experts based on several criteria. Acclaimed local chefs will compete for cash prizes to be awarded by the Arkansas Hospitality Association.

"It is more important than ever in the current economy for hospitality business operators to strengthen business, positioning themselves for continued growth and success, and no other state industry event offers more unparalleled opportunities for them to do so,” said Montine McNulty, Executive Director of the AHA. “The Trade Show and Convention is Arkansas’s number-one event to explore current and future trends and generate many new ideas – from how to stay competitive in this challenging economic environment to the hottest food and beverage items, to the latest technology and tourism trends. Exhibitors are working hard to develop new products and services to help businesses solve operational challenges.”

The AHA Trade Show and Convention and Chefs Culinary Classic are the premier venues to find new products and services, build relationships and network, learn from experts and peers, as well as explore the latest trends in food and beverage, equipment, training and cooking techniques, and travel and tourism.

As in previous years, AHA’s Trade Show and Convention and Chefs Culinary Classic attract an impressive group of sponsors and exhibitors, many of which are already slated to sponsor the 2009 events. This year, Wild About Arkansas is sponsored by North Little Rock Visitor’s Bureau (www.northlittlerock.org), Penman PR, Sysco (www.sysco.com), Coleman Dairy (www.colemandairy.com), Delta Supply Co. (www.deltasupplycompany.com), Ben E. Keith (www.benekeith.com), snerQ Productions (www.snerq.com), Glazer’s Distributors (www.glazers.com), Arkansas Business (www.arkansasbusiness.com), Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.littlerock.com), Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (www.cjrw.com) and DoubleTree Hotel (http://doubletree.hilton.com). Sponsoring this year’s Chefs Culinary Classic are Penman PR, Sysco, Coleman Dairy, Ben E. Keith and snerQ Productions. The Iron Chef competition is sponsored by Delta Supply Co., Coleman Dairy, Sysco, Penman PR, Ben E. Keith, and snerQ. Over 50 companies are already registered to exhibit at Wild About Arkansas and space continues to go quickly.

For more information on sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, please visit www.arhospitality.org.

About Arkansas Hospitality Association
The Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA) is the official voice of the restaurant and entertainment, hotel and lodging, and travel and tourism industries in the state of Arkansas. The association serves as an umbrella organization for the Arkansas Lodging Association, the Arkansas Restaurant Association and the Arkansas Travel Council. Members include restaurants, bars, hotels, lodges, resorts and other businesses related to travel, tourism and entertainment, as well as companies who do business with them.
For more information on AHA and these events: www.arhospitality.org


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