The Global Restaurant Investment Forum 2018 (GRIF), the annual meeting place for the international restaurant investment community organised by Bench Events and powered by Michelin, has partnered with Palazzo Versace Dubai to host its fifth edition.
GRIF, which will be held from 12-14 March 2018, will bring together more than 300 investors,Êowners, franchisors and senior hospitalityÊprofessionals to facilitate investment decision-making withinÊthe global restaurant space.
GRIF’s mission is to deliver inspiration, insight and opportunities to the leaders of the restaurant investment community globally via a thought-provoking conference programme assessing investment trends, restaurant innovations and consumer demand.
GRIF 2018 will also feature practical workshops and masterclasses, roundtable debates, culinary tours of leading restaurants and a showcase for new restaurant concepts looking to internationalise, expand or launch their first venture.
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Managing Director Ð Middle East, Bench Events, said: ÒThe global restaurant industry presents investors with some challenging dynamics currently, with start-up finance, rent demands, the social conscience, consumer brand loyalty, declining retail footfall and the growth of food delivery models all posing potential impediments to investment. At the same time, the industry is full of opportunities, such as those related to mixed-use concepts, the rise of boutique restaurant collections, authentic dining experiences, technology advances and service innovation. At GRIF 2018, we will debate these topics and many more, helping attendees gain valuable insights from industry leaders, build contacts, share best practices and gain confidence in the market.Ó
The programme for GRIF 2018 is being developed in collaboration with industry leaders at Advisory Board meetings held in London, in an event hosted by the Rosewood London on 29 September, and in Dubai, with the gathering set to be hosted by Gates Hospitality at the group’s newest venture, Via Veneto in Downtown Dubai on 24 October.
ÒOne of the key topics that emerged at our GRIF Advisory Board in London revolved around the current tensions between demands from investors for a scalable brand and the push from consumers for independent concepts, as highlighted by Nick Schapira, International Strategy and Development Director, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group,Ó said Pettinger-Haines. ÒLeading brands are seeking to meet the needs of their customers by being more flexible, but this presents a challenging scenario for investors keen to minimise risk and maximise return. At GRIF, we’ll explore how to strike the right balance and ensure investor, brand and customer are satisfied.Ó
Bench Events is also working closely with the management, F&B and culinary team at Palazzo Versace to develop a unique event aimed at promoting senior-level networking opportunities.
Sandra Tikal, COO ENSHAA Hospitality Division and General Manager, Palazzo Versace Dubai, said: ÒF&B is something we are passionate about at Palazzo Versace Dubai and we are delighted to be hosting GRIF 2018. We own and operate all seven of our restaurant and bar brands and continually strive to innovate by introducing new chapters and evolving experiences at our outlets, including Amalfi, Enigma and Vanitas. We’re also proud to have established an incredibly successful collaboration with musician and record producer Quincy Jones for Q’s Bar and Lounge, and look forward to sharing our insights on developing profitable partnerships at GRIF 2018Ó.
GRIF also once again has the support of The Michelin Guide, which provides a showcase of gourmet dining in 28 countries worldwide and highlights the culinary dynamism of a country, as well as new trends and emerging young chefs.
Bench Events and The Michelin Guide are working together to select inspiring speakers and curate market-leading content for GRIF 2018, further enriching the event.
To find out more, visit www.restaurant-invest.com
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Contact: Lisa Flanagan, Senior Communications Consultant, In2 Consulting; lisa@in2consulting.com Office: +971 4 455 8499; Mobile: +971 52 689 5509
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About the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF)
Launched in 2014, GRIF is an annual event for the restaurant and hospitality community. It is a forum that brings together industry leaders and professionals from the hospitality industry, F&B brands, investors, hoteliers, owners, lenders, franchisors, franchisees, and other key industry professionals from across the Middle East region. GRIF’s features include conferences, roundtable and panel discussions, culinary tours, receptions and other knowledge-sharing platforms together with several senior-level networking opportunities spread over three days. The event is geared towards helping attendees gain valuable insights from industry leaders, build contacts, share best practices with the industry and gain confidence in the market. GRIF 2018 is powered by Michelin and hosted by Palazzo Versace Dubai.
About Bench Events
Global event organiser Bench Events has a long track record of delivering multiple premium hotel investment conferences and forums across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, Asia and Latin America. Market leading annual conferences include the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, now in its 14th year, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) The Summit in London and the Latin American Hotel & Tourism Investment Conferences (SAHIC). Bench Events’ extensive portfolio also includes the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF)Êin Dubai and AviaDev, designed to promote the future air connectivity in Africa. Bench Events’ mission is enabling prosperity by facilitating growth, networking, and thought leadership in the hospitality industry worldwide.
