Casual Dining show postponed until September 2021

The Casual Dining trade show has been postponed until September 2021, Diversified Communications UK has confirmed.

Originally scheduled for March 2021, Casual Dining will now run alongside its sister shows lunch! and the London debut of Commercial Kitchen on 23-24 September 2021 at Excel London.

Eva Ellis, event manager for Casual Dining, said: “Like all businesses, we have been closely following the rapidly changing developments during these difficult times. While we were hopeful that the current tough measures on restricted social interaction would be lifted by March, there are still too many questions surrounding hotels, travel, social distancing and individual company policies to make it viable to run Casual Dining in March 2021.

“Clearly, the best, safest and most responsible option for everyone involved is to wait and host an even better show in September 2021 alongside lunch! and Commercial Kitchen. We believe this model will give all our valued exhibitors and buyers even more opportunities to do business, in an even safer environment, when they need it most.

“The success as well as the safety of our exhibitors, visitors, speakers and partners has always been our priority and we are pleased that everyone is getting behind this tough but necessary decision. The good news is that most of the event planning is already in place, and we go into 2021 with an incredible amount of goodwill and encouragement. The team would like to thank the whole community for their support. We look forward to working together to ensure that it continues to be the celebration and gathering the hospitality industry deserves – and can be proud of.”

Although the three shows will maintain separate identities and focus, buyers and exhibitors will benefit from a greater range of products and customers.

Chris Brazier, group event director for the shows, added: “All three shows focus on innovation and inspiration for hospitality operators. There is a great potential for collaboration and there is certainly more of a crossover of attendees than ever before as innovative and resilient brands pivot to become multichannel operators in testing times. We are thrilled to offer this strategic co-locate and feel that all three events will benefit hugely from this move."