ExpoDevCo, Questex Partner on Pennsylvania Foodservice Expo Launch

August 24, 2016

Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) and Questex will partner on the launch of the Pennsylvania Foodservice Expo, an annual trade show serving the Restaurant, Foodservice, Nightlife and Hospitality industry in Pennsylvania.

The inaugural show will be held Oct. 23-24, 2017, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The partnership and launch will incorporate Questex’s Nightclub & Bar brand by bringing the concept to the East Coast in a variety of tasting pavilions scattered throughout the showfloor.

“These new partnerships are extremely exciting, as they will result in the top minds from the restaurant, foodservice, bar, and nightlife industries all coming together in one spot,” said Questex President and CEO Kerry Gumas.

He added, “By bringing together such complementary industries, the 2017 show and all those that follow will give attendees and exhibitors unlimited opportunity to take their business to the next level.”

The show will also be developed with the key support of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA).

“We are very excited to bring back the foodservice and lodging tradeshow for the Pennsylvania hospitality industry,” said John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.

He added, “By partnering with ExpoDevCo we can utilize their already existing foodservice show network and expand on that to bring our statewide industry together for an all-inclusive annual event.”

According to the National Restaurant Association, there are more than 25,434 eating and drinking establishments in Pennsylvania producing more than $21 billion in sales and half a million jobs.

“Pennsylvania is a major market for the foodservice and hospitality industry, and we are delighted to be launching and partnering on this event with Questex and the PRLA,” said ExpoDevCo’s COO and Partner, Stephanie Everett.

During the expo, a comprehensive educational program will be available to attendees as well as specialized training courses and certification classes. Live demonstrations from renowned Chefs and Restaurateurs will also add value each day of the two-day event.

ExpoDevCo also runs foodservice and restaurant shows in North Carolina, Virginia and Atlanta.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.