By Rosanna Caira
TORONTO — Once again this year, the Avendra Supplier Show took centre-stage at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto on September 5th. Welcoming 1657 visitors, delegates representing general managers and hotel executives had the chance to visit a total of 138 booths, and sample a variety of food and beverages while also becoming better educated and informed about various new products, ranging from linens and housekeeping cleaning products to china and tableware, tech tools, service contractors and more.
This marked the 14th edition of the annual show produced by Avendra, the Rockland, Md.-based company that serves as the purchasing arm of Marriott Hotels, Fairmont Hotels, Hyatt and Club Corp.
Avendra debuted more than 20 years ago as a new kind of procurement model whereby operators ─ both large and small ─ could leverage their purchasing power. Over the past two decades, it has grown to become a strong supplier group in the hotel industry. According to Afsar Khan, Customer Relations, Canada, Avendra, the show is an opportunity for hoteliers to become educated about various products all under one roof but also take part in a variety of social and fun activities that brings the hotel operator and supplier community together.
As part of the weeklong Customer Appreciation Week, delegates also had the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament held at Lionshead Golf & Country Club in Mississauga, Ont. while those who don’t have a proclivity to golf had the chance to release stress by participating in an axe-throwing activity.
For attendees like Janak Bhawnani, Chief Hospitality Officer, The Gupta Group. “This show features some of the top-in-class suppliers who are willing to work with us and understand our needs in the evolving world of hospitality. There are always new ideas on display to help our team members deliver guest satisfaction.”
Others like Robin Cumine, vice-president, Operations & Corporate Development, Aimbridge/ Bellstar, says he’s been attending the Avendra tradeshow for more than three years because “it gives him an opportunity to build business relationships and to foster future business opportunities. Brand awareness is also important to me,” he says, adding, “we are in the process of opening a number of hotels over the next six months to a year. I had the opportunity to meet with and discuss the purchase of a number of FFE items, including fitness equipment. It was important for me to not only understand who has been approved by the brands that we are putting on the building; but to see what the different levels of equipment look like, and what might work best in our particular properties.”
“I find Avendra does an outstanding job in terms of bringing customers and suppliers together,” Cumine continues. “Their focus on hospitality is outstanding, it is nice being treated like a VIP guest for the two or three days that I am in attendance at their tradeshows.”
Click here to view photos from the Avendra Supplier Show
