Who? Corinne Menegaux - Director of the Catering Hotel Division of Reed Exhibitions France - Exhibition Director at Equip’Hôtel
Waiters race sponsored: Paris 2011
Listen to the interview directed by WaitersRace.com reporter in Paris during the waiters race.
WR.com: In a few words, what are the mission of the Equip’Hotel trade show and what are its natural links with the waiters race?
Corinne Menegaux: With more than 100,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors, Equip’Hôtel is after 50 editions THE meeting point for professionals of the hotels and restaurants industry. The show covers all the needs of restaurateurs and hoteliers, with the whole range of products and services related to equipment, decor, food … It is also the place to explore industry trends and to meet all the professionals.
Equip’Hôtel chose to sponsor Paris 2011 waiters race because of its historical links with the catering sector and in particular with cafes, bars and breweries who are faithful visitors of the show.
WR.com: How did you come to sponsor Paris 2011 waiters race?
Corinne Menegaux: in fact we had a project around this mythical race: we wanted to revive it as part of the Equip’Hôtel show. Having heard about the project of Paris 2011 waiters race via the Synhorcat, we have decided to give our support to this initiative in order to promote the profession. The job of a waiter is indeed a pivotal role in the catering industry.
This is the first time we participate to such an operation, but we sincerely hope that this will not be the last!
It is important for us to affirm again our proximity with the catering industry and to promote the profession through this media operation. It is an opportunity for us all to make some noise. Of course, we have communicated about our strong presence and hope that the unions and the press will join us.
WR.com: Do you intend to support other waiters races in other cities?
Corinne Menegaux: regarding Paris, we strongly hope to continue promoting this event, including taking advantage of the presence of Equip’Hôtel in Paris, in November 2012.
We are also interested in other cities; we will also be in Marseille with Orangina this year since Equip’Hôtel is a national and even international event. Our visitors from the provinces are very important to us, and these waiters races are an opportunity for us to show them our support throughout the year.
Have you been surprised to find a waiters race community on internet?
Corinne Menegaux: we had no idea about the mobilization around these races so we are delighted. It’s a good thing that WaitersRace.com is here to help promote the profession in France and around the world.
We would like to work closely together to develop these events in France and why not abroad.
