Orlando, FL July 25, 2012 - Since 1971 thousands of restaurant and foodservice industry professionals have attended The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show to stay on the cutting edge. There will be dozens of exciting special events and educational programs plus hundreds of companies showcasing new products at this trade show and conference taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from September 22-24, 2012. Event highlights include:

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• The 2012 Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum offers over 40 sessions tailored to the needs of food service operators. Thousands of industry leaders will gather at these sessions, offered at no charge, to profit from real applicable business lessons, the latest information on trends and best practices in the market. This year’s emphasis on trends will include sessions on social media, catering, healthy/green, beverages, legal, top business management, networking, staffing and hospitality.
• ALL NEW Food Trends Experience is a tasting adventure providing direct access to products, flavors and ingredients driving the most recent trends in the market – healthy, organic, sustainable, ethnic, artisanal, and more. Presented within the Show, the Food Trends Experience is the foodservice professionals’ fastest and most convenient way to see, taste, discover and learn about the new culinary innovations that will inspire creative and fresh menu ideas, delight customers and drive profits.
• Meals of Hope: FRLA and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show are joining forces with Meals of Hope to build 100,000 meals for local families in need. This new charity team challenge will gather 300 people in teams of 8-10 for a race against the clock to build as many meals as possible. There will be prizes for the best team spirit and most meals created.
• World Class Culinary Competitions managed and organized by the American Culinary Federation (ACF)/Central Florida Chapter (CFC). Chefs will compete in the Student Florida State Champion Team Skills Competition, Taste of Elegance Pork Signature Recipe Competition, the USA Culinary Cup Team Competition, and the Pastry Challenge. Many of the award winning meals will be served during the Chef's Table Luncheons, a four-course surprise lunch prepared by the participating chefs.
• The 2nd Annual Foodservice Council for Women and Networking Event provides a community for women to develop and advance their business knowledge, contacts & careers and to connect, exchange, and discuss relevant topics in foodservice. Presented by Kathleen Wood of Kathleen Wood Partners, Ferdinand Metz, and Reed Exhibitions.
• The FRLA Big Party - Southern Style: The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association will host the Show’s hottest party taking place on Saturday, September 22 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at BB Kings - Pointe Orlando. Guests will enjoy the rocking music at BB Kings while doing business in the one of the best venues in town. Tickets are $50/person in advance and include open bar and appetizers.

About The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
The 2012 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show will be held Saturday, September 22 through Monday, September 24 at the Orange County Convention Center. The show is produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions, and sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. Early registration rates for Show visitors are in effect through August 24, 2012 at www.flrestaurantandlodgingshow.com.

It’s clear that one of the most severe droughts in the nation’s history will affect food costs, but just how much and exactly when still remain to be seen.

While restaurants have grown accustomed to absorbing food-price swings, operators say this summer’s drought may force them to pass on some of the burden to customers. Continue