'We always aim to produce a fantastic chef line-up and 2021 will be no different'

The UK’s go-to online community for chefs, The Staff Canteen, and foodservice equipment specification platform Specifi are coming together to produce a major virtual event.

The vNEXT-IBITION virtual trade show will be held on 17th March 2021, and will feature a wide range of cooking and equipment demonstrations from top chefs, industry-leading speakers and immersive exhibits of the top new products that will power the industry’s post-pandemic rebound.

Attendees to the free vNEXT-IBITION can expect the virtual version of The Staff Canteen Live to deliver the UK’s best chefs with the same level of interaction as they would on stage – visitors will be able to participate in live Q&As, watch inspiring demos and gain access to recipes plus panel debates focusing on topical industry issues, trends and advice.

The Staff Canteen Editor, Cara Houchen, said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate our community of chefs as the industry finds its footing. As the hospitality industry has had to adapt so too has The Staff Canteen and this virtual show means we can still entertain, inspire and inform our audience on a new, interactive and fun platform. We always aim to produce a fantastic chef line-up and 2021 will be no different.”

Specifi VP Sales, UK & Ireland Nic Banner commented, “It feels natural to work with The Staff Canteen. Chefs will have a central role to play as the industry roars back in 2021. To get a glimpse of the vision of our leading chefs as foodservice transforms following the major disruption of 2020 will hopefully inspire the industry to move forward.”

This will be the second vNEXT virtual event, which will be free to attend for chefs, equipment dealers, consultants, designers, operators, manufacturers and anyone else interested in the dynamic foodservice industry. Already confirmed as keynote speakers are Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality and Lisa Jenkins, Managing Editor of the respected industry publication The Caterer.

More top speakers will be announced soon. Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in the conversations by asking questions and participating in the real-time virtual discussion. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to learn about new products in detail and video chat 1 to 1 with company representatives and schedule appointments for further discussion.

Specifi CEO Bob Wolters added, “The in-person trade shows we enjoyed will be back soon. But our new and upgraded vNEXT-IBITION platform provides a meaningful experience for everybody. Our mission at Specifi is to help our partners, dealers, designers and manufacturers connect and grow their business. We are looking forward to being a conduit in this exciting event.”

One lucky attendee will win an all-expense paid weekend trip to Venice, Italy, complete with airfare, hotel and fabulous food.