That’s a wrap: Success of RC Show’s hybrid format may forecast the future of trade shows

RC Show 2022 was a great success, with its virtual and in-person model bringing together foodservice operators from across Canada and around the world

After a long pandemic the foodservice and hospitality event of the year was able to make the ultimate comeback, offering the best of an in-person and virtual experience to attendees with its new hybrid format.

The RC Show, which ran from May 9 to 11 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre, offered solution-based content, industry thought leaders and expert insight on the issues that matter most – from sustainability and food waste to technology, mental health, diversity and inclusion, alternative revenue streams and pandemic REVIVAL. 

“The success of this year’s RC Show really exemplifies just how adaptable we’ve had to become as a result of the pandemic,“

With a dynamic lineup, including eight curated pavilions, hundreds of products and services, over 250 speakers across six stages and six competitions, this is all available for viewing on Restaurants Canada’s newly launched 365 Marketplace, a one-stop resource for the foodservice and hospitality industry.

In total, the event brought together 20,000 industry professionals in-person and virtually combined, with over 34,000 virtual page views and more than 1,300 hours watched across the three-day event.

“The success of this year’s RC Show really exemplifies just how adaptable we’ve had to become as a result of the pandemic,” said Roy Little, Interim CEO of Restaurants Canada, “Hybrid technology has truly revolutionized every facet of our lives and I’m incredibly happy we were able to use it to bring our industry together from coast to coast and beyond. We will certainly continue to evolve our offerings for even better attendee and exhibitor experiences in the future”.

The 2022 RC Show also featured a lineup of awards and competitions highlighting industry leaders for their skills and contributions to foodservice and hospitality. This year’s winners include: 

• Donna Dooher, Owner and Executive Chef, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – Culinary Excellence Award 
• John Sinopoli, Owner and Chef, Ascari Enoteca & Hi Lo Bar – Leadership Excellence Award
• Trevor Lui, Chef and Co-Founder, Quell Now Inc. – Social Advocate Award
• Trendi – Restaurants Canada Innovation Award
• Lyre’s Spirit Co – Best Small Booth Award 
• SkipTheDishes – Best Large Booth Award
• Food Service Solutions Canada – Best Booth Experience Award
• Impossible Foods – Best First Year Exhibitor Booth Award
• Jose Luis Fernández, Langdon Hall – Sommelier Service Competition,1st 
• Matt Landry, Stable House Bistro – Sommelier Service Competition, 2nd 
• Christophe Reitz, Quatrefoil Restaurant – Sommelier Service Competition, 3rd 
• Samantha Medeiros, Chef de Cuisine, La Palma  – Garland Canada Culinary Competition, 1st
• Michael Roszell, Chef de Cuisine, Quaaout Lodge -Garland Canada Culinary Competition,2nd 
• Zach Keeshig, Chef, Naagan – Garland Canada Culinary Competition, 3rd 
• Ruby Gatt, Sous Chef, Piano Piano – Garland Canada Culinary Competition, “Runner Up”
• Samantha Medeiros, Chef de Cuisine, La Palma – Garland Canada Culinary Competition, “Fan Favourite” 
• Sally Gillspie & Monique Godinho – Beyond the Rail Competition, 1st 
• Madi Homewood & Nick Incretoli – Beyond the Rail Competition, 2nd
• Katie Shewan & Erin Simpson – Beyond the Rail Competition, 3rd
• John DeJong, Penny’s Motel & Aprés – John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition, 1st
• Chris Manocchio, Rodney’s Oyster House – John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition, 2nd & ‘Cleanest Plate’
• Kelly Peck, Kickstand Communications – John Bil Oyster Shucking Competition, 3rd
• Nelson Phu, Rosso Coffee Roasters – Canadian National Barista Championships, 1st 
• Ben Put, Monogram Coffee – Canadian National Barista Championships, 2nd 
• Rambert Sin, Mountain Coffee – Canadian National Barista Championships, 3rd
• Paprik Liu, Phil & Sebastian – Cup Tasters Championship, 1st
• Giuliano De Vito, Subtext Coffee – Cup Tasters Championship, 2nd
• Felix Cha, De Mello Coffee – Cup Tasters Championship, 2nd

Missed this year’s RC Show? Visit www.RC365Marketplace.com to shop the show floor and view the show’s fully recorded schedule, including fireside chats, competitions, events, demonstrations and keynote conversations. Mark your calendar for the 2023 RC Show, running April 10 to 12 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre!

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing the potential of Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry through member programs, research, advocacy, resources and events.