"The IH/M&RS continues to grow and succeed as the industry continues to thrive," said Christian Falkenberg, show manager. "This year, international participation experienced a surge, strategic partnerships were enhanced and buyers who have been absent from this market for several years returned. Each of these factors played a key role in this year's success."

Of the 1,250 exhibiting companies, 270 were first-time participants, creating a dynamic showcase of products never before seen at this market. Exhibitors noted an increase in property owners and decision-makers walking the aisles, creating new opportunities and generating quality leads. In addition, cross-market access with Cultural Food New York - comprised of All Asia Food, Expo Comida Latina and Kosherfest - led to an additional 1,300 foodservice buyers.

"The energy and buzz at this trade show was unlike any other year," said Matthew Ulrich, marketing and sales support manager for Hostar International, a company which provides material handling distribution solutions for hotel housekeeping and food and beverage operations. "This Show consistently provides our company with the opportunity to meet face to face with existing customers while fostering relationships with prospective clients. We look forward to many more successful years at the IH/M&RS."

"Our company has exhibited at the IH/M&RS for the past three years, and this year was the best in terms of quality of traffic," said Janna Mohney, national account manager/hospitality for Rubbermaid Commercial Products, manufacturer of innovative, solution-based products for commercial and institutional markets worldwide. "We had a continuous stream of decision-makers who were thrilled with our new products and truly interested in developing partnerships. We received over 300 quality leads and several 'hot' projects."

Kicking off the 2007 event was the Hospitality Leadership Forum on Saturday, November 10, where a record 750 lodging executives attended seminars addressing current issues and trends in sales and marketing, human resources, hospitality design, technology and more. Highlighting the full-day, pre-Show conference was a keynote address by political power couple and CNN personalities Mary Matalin and James Carville, as well as the highly-acclaimed CEO Leadership Panel and U.S. Lodging Industry Summit Panel. Professional development opportunities continued throughout Monday, November 11, and Tuesday, November 12, offering insight on current trends and hot button topics for both hoteliers and restaurateurs. In addition to education in a classroom setting, interactive opportunities were presented in the Culinary Resource Center, where top chefs offered live cooking demonstrations and more than 300 static "food as art" displays were showcased.

Hospitality industry decision-makers from across the globe noted an increased emphasis on all things "green" at the IH/M&RS, as elements were added to further propel the eco-friendly movement of the industry. Among the initiatives was the addition of green categories to the Editors' Choice Awards competition, recognizing the best new products introduced at the market. Receiving honors were Milliken Hospitality Carpet (green décor), Fold-Pak (green restaurant), INNCOM International (green technology), Zurn Engineered Water Solutions (green essentials) and Neoteric Home Design (green décor). Rounding out the Editors' Choice Awards in the traditional categories were Eurotrend Furniture (décor), Eastern Silver Tabletop Manufacturing Company (restaurant), eMenuBoard Systems (technology), Protect-A-Bed (essentials) and Rubbermaid Commercial Products (luxury). INNCOM International received top honors, taking home the Kenneth F. Hine Best of Show Award for the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat with ecoMODE.

Further supporting environmental awareness for the industry, the Show introduced a Green Restaurant Associationtm (GRA) Pavilion and reintroduced Guestroom 2010 with eco-friendly products. Ten companies were featured within the exclusive GRA Pavilion - all endorsed by the Green Restaurant Association - demonstrating the latest technologies in waste management, energy efficiency, water conservation and chemical-free cleaning products. Guestroom 2010 returned with new green technologies, including organic bath towels, an energy-efficient hair dryer, eco-friendly carpet tiles, a water efficient shower head and more.

The Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, long-considered the top distinction for hospitality designers, returned to honor eight design firms from around the world for innovative design concepts in both hotel and restaurant properties. Highlighting the annual ceremony was the presentation of the Designer of the Year Award by event sponsors Interior Design and HOTELS magazines to HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates.

The 93rd annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will run Saturday, November 8, through Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Following a full-day of conference and networking activities on Saturday, November 8, the IH/M&RS will feature three full days of exhibits from Sunday, November 9, through Tuesday, November 11. The market presents some 1,250 hospitality industry suppliers and attracts approximately 35,000 in total trade attendance.

The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show is sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc., and the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association; and is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM®), a dmg world media business.