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Who? Christophe Chenu, director of the Professional Chamber of CHR Annecy.
Waiters race organized: Annecy 2011
Numberof waiters races organized: two (2010, 2011)
About waiters races
WR: When did you hear for the first time about waiters races?
Christophe Chenu: In 2010 when I i took up my post.
WR: When did happen the first waiters race in Annecy
Christophe Chenu: 1994.
WR: How came-up the idea of organizing a waiters race in Annecy?
Christophe Chenu: Others had the idea before me!
WR: How did Annecy waiters race evolve over the years?
Christophe Chenu: In 2010, when our team took the lead of the Professional Chamber, we have decided to add a new dimension to this event: new route, new rules, and a professional attire mandatory for the competitors (we provide the apron), better logistics, new private partnerships, etc … The main idea is to organize a professional event promotion the profession showcasing and provide the public with a festive event quality.
About the organisation of the race
WR: How many months before the race did you start organizing it?
Christophe Chenu: 6 months before.
WR: Did you have to obtain permits from the town hall?
[SinglePic not found] Christophe Chenu: The town of Annecy provided strong support to this event, particularly regarding the use of the public domain and logistics.
WR: What are the main difficulties you faced during the organisation of the race?
Christophe Chenu: Finding enough volunteers on D-Day.
Promotion of the race
WR: What kind of media, support did you use to promote your waiters race?
Christophe Chenu: ODS radio – Dauphiné Libéré – Essor Savoyard, Facebook…and this year WaitersRace.com!
WR: How did you prepare your press release
Christophe Chenu: I prepare it myself.
WR: What kind of media coverage did you expect from the waiters race?
Christophe Chenu: Mostly articles in the local press (very good for two years!)
WR: Were there any VIP/Special guests at the waiters race?
[SinglePic not found] Christophe Chenu: We invited private partners and officials from the City of ANNECY.They all came!
Sponsors and production
WR: Could you please give us an idea about the cost of the waiters race for your organisation?
Christophe Chenu: 8000 euros.
WR: How did you sponsors received your project in general?
Christophe Chenu: In 2010 (new team, new organization) rather timidly … In 2011, with great enthusiasm!
About results and plans for the future
WR: Do you intend to organize another waiters race in the future?
Christophe Chenu: Unless anything unforeseen happens, yes.
WR: Was there at your waiters race something very original, innovative that you are proud of?
[SinglePic not found] Christophe Chenu: We’ve got nothing to do with that, but the streets of the old town of Annecy and the lake make it a journey of rare beauty …
Regarding the profession of waiters at Annecy
WR: Is there a hotel school in Annecy ?
Christophe Chenu: No.
WR: Where do the institutions find the waiters in Annecy?
Christophe Chenu: Good question, I don’t have any answer!
WR: How would you describe the evolution of the service in Annecy those last years?
Christophe Chenu: More professional, both the reception (attire, foreign languages, smile …) and technically.
About WaitersRace.com
WR: Were you surprised to find such a waiters race community on the web?
Christophe Chenu: That’s the least you can say!
WR: Could you say a word on WaitersRace.com to future organizers of waiters races in the world ?
Christophe Chenu: I began on this website with much hesitation. Today, I recommend to all the organizers of waiters races to register their event on WaitersRace.com: it is efficient, free, very friendly and the team seems motivated!
Finally…
WR: According to you, what are the main components of a successful waiters race?
Christophe Chenu: Maintain the highest standards and enthusiasm.
WR: Your main advice(s) to other organisations in the world wishing to organize waiters races…
Christophe Chenu: View and analyze what others are doing.
