�The Show has grown consistently over the last four years, with 30 percent gains overall in its size since 1996,� said Christian Falkenberg, show manager. �An influx of new tech resources have made technology the largest growth area this year. Design continues to be well-represented, as the industry continues to focus on renovation and new construction. We�ve also expanded our educational offerings for the culinary community to enhance the Show�s food and foodservice equipment exhibits and culinary competitions and demonstrations.� 

Technological advances � and a proliferation of new resources for both the lodging and foodservice industries � have led to a rapid expansion of this category at the IH/M&RS. 

As a result, the 2000 Show will feature a total of 225 technology exhibitors, with expansion in three key growth areas this year: on-line reservation services, e-procurement resources and Internet/broadband access providers. Notable exhibitors include: b-there.com, Big Tray, CAIS Internet, Expedia, FoodGalaxy.com, FSBuy.com, GoCo-op, HotelTools, Qwest Communications, Sprint, StarChefs.com and Unisys. 
New to the IH/M&RS in 2000 is �Restaurant Futurists,� a comprehensive series of educational programming directed toward culinary professionals. This program, which offers 15 sessions over two-and-a-half days, addresses consumer food and dining trends, foodservice technology, human resources, food safety issues, restaurant design and marketing strategies. It also includes a dose of �celebrity sizzle� � with participation from well-known industry visionaries, trade and consumer media, star-powered chefs, hospitality designers and consumer forecasters. 

According to Falkenberg, �Restaurant Futurists� complements the Show�s existing culinary offerings, which include exhibits, programs and special activities. Among highlights are: more than 500 food and beverage and foodservice equipment and supplies exhibitors; the 5th annual IH/M&RS Chefs� Championships offering nine live cooking competitions; the 132nd annual Salon of Culinary Art & Exhibition showcasing entries from 150 competitors; and daily demonstrations of culinary techniques and sugar works by top restaurant and hotel chefs. 

Other IH/M&RS features will include more than 50 educational programs, featuring a �Presidents� Panel� with lodging industry luminaries and a series of daily sessions addressing technology, design, industry trends, staff management and personal development. Outside Show hours, the IH/M&RS will present the Gold Key Awards Breakfast, recognizing excellence in hospitality design, and the International Hospitality Ball. 

The IH/M&RS is supported through a series of marketing partnerships established within the hospitality and culinary industries. Partnerships secured for 2000 include agreements with  the American Culinary Federation (ACF), Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH), New Jersey Restaurant Association (NJRA) and United States Air Force (USAF). 

The 85th annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show (IH/M&RS) will be held Saturday, November 11, through Tuesday, November 14, 2000, at the Jacob K. Javits 
Convention Center in New York City. 

The IH/M&RS is sponsored by the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, and the American Hotel & Motel Association and is managed by George Little
Management, Inc. (GLM).