subject: Las Vegas Pizza and the International Pizza Convention [print this page] Las Vegas Pizza and the International Pizza Convention
Las Vegas Pizza
Showgirls! Gambling! Buffets! Pizza? Not exactly what comes to mind when you think of Sin City, is it? Yet every year in March, the world of pizza comes to Las Vegas, host of the International Pizza Expo. The Expo isn't for the average pizza loving public (we'll get to you in later posts) but, if you are an established pizza joint or just looking to become one, it's the place to be. Over the course of 3 days, March 1 3, 2011, attendees can participate in contests, seminars, networking events and view loads of exhibits. Plans are being finalized for this year's event calendar, and if it's anything like the 2010 Expo, it's definitely going to be a pizza extravaganza.
First up, there are a few different contests that attendees can participate in, and let's face it, who doesn't want to win some cold, hard cash? Last year at the 3rd annual Pizza Challenge event, the winners in the Traditional and Non-Traditional categories went home $10,000 richer. Immediately following the International Pizza Challenge Finals, the top two winners of each division compete in a blind box bake-off for more bragging honors. Chef Theo Kalogeracos of Perth, Australia won the $10,000 prize in the Non-Traditional category, and was also crowned World's Best Pizzaiolo in the blind box bake-off and collected an additional $5,000. That could buy a lot of pizza!
As for seminars, whether you want hands on training or discussion forums, the Expo has it all. Last year, over 70 educational seminars were offered included Pizza Crust Boot Camp, How to Stop Toxic Employees from Sidetracking Your Business, Emerging Trends in Retail/Pizzeria Operations as well as Life Partners to Business Partners. Attendance of seminars is included in the registration fee, so attendees are encouraged to put on their thinking caps and learn in order to earn.
And don't forget to mingle. Whether your business is pizza or pens, business owners in the know understand that networking is an essential part of doing business. The Beer & Bull Idea Exchange is all about dialog between the international pizza community. Undoubtedly the most powerful networking opportunity at International Pizza Expo for 20 years, this signature event has provided the time and place for friendly conversation and lively debate with fellow pizza operators from all around the world. I'm sure this year will be no exception.
These are just a few highlights from last year's event. I'm sure 2011 has even more exciting things in store. Now, THAT'S a pizza pie! For more information on International Pizza Expo 2010 visit http://www.pizzaexpo.com/
