Exposition Development Company, Inc. announced the launch of the Virginia Restaurant & Lodging Expo, an annual trade show serving the Restaurant, Foodservice, Lodging, and Hospitality industry in Virginia. The inaugural show will be held October 24-25, 2016 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia.

The show will be developed with the key support of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA). “The association is looking forward to the launch and by partnering with ExpoDevCo we can utilize their already existing foodservice show network and expand on that to bring our statewide industry together. We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to offer a restaurant and lodging tradeshow for the Virginia hospitality industry,” comments Eric Terry, president of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has also endorsed the event and will be supporting the launch.

According to the National Restaurant Association, there are more than 14,100 eating and drinking establishments in Virginia. Add that to the 1,495 lodging properties reported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and there is a combined market that generates $21.3 billion in sales, supporting more than 403,000 jobs.

“Virginia is a major market for the hospitality industry, and we are excited to be working with VRLTA to build this event,” adds ExpoDevCo’s Partner and COO, Stephanie Everett.

During the expo, a comprehensive educational program will be available to attendees at no extra cost. Additionally, specialized training courses and certification classes will be offered. And live demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurateurs will add value each day of the two-day event.