COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The North American Pizza and Ice Cream Show, which began its two-day run Feb. 22 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, is offering a wealth of information for pizzeria operators looking at ways to save money and boost sales.
NAPICS, the largest show of its kind, is projected to attract as many as 5,000 attendees and more than 200 exhibitors.
"I judge a good show by how many plates are being carried around in people's hands, and if more people are talking than carrying plates, then it's a good show because that means business is being transacted," said show chairwoman Ann Reichle. "That's what I'm seeing here."
Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, delivered the keynote address, "Collaboration is the Key."
The first round of the Pizza Pizzazz competition wrapped up Sunday, with Mike Amheiser of Pizza Dock in Fredericktown, Ohio, walking away with a $7,500 prize in the Gourmet pizza category. The Traditional stage of Pizza Pizzazz takes place Monday.
Sunday's seminars included "Menu Profit Maximization," hosted by "Big Dave" Ostrander of Dave Ostrander Consulting and "The Technology Advantage," hosted by Scott Anthony of Fox's Pizza Den in Punxsutawney, Pa.
Monday's seminars include "Marketing Strategies to Increase Sales in a Challenging Economy," hosted by Joe Gabriel of Fishbowl Marketing, and "People, Sales and Profits," hosted by Restaurant Consultants Inc.
User Comments