![\"\"](\"https:\/\/idcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/HOST.jpg\")
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In late October 2019, five IDC members embarked on another trade mission to Milan, Italy, for the HOST Milano show, the world leading trade fair dedicated to catering and hospitality. HOST is a point of reference for professional operators of the restaurant industry and a privileged marketplace for doing quality business.<\/p>\n
\u201cI loved it!\u201d says Christine Craik, Principal Interior Designer at Craik Creative Interior Design in Vancouver, B.C. \u201cI saw many new products that I can\u2019t wait to use in my future projects!\u201d Craik says the conference serves as a great opportunity to make new relationships with suppliers, trades, designers, and creators across the globe, and strengthen existing relationships in the international market.<\/p>\n
The 41st edition of HOST, which took place Oct. 18-22, 2019, saw more than 200,000 visitors, surpassing all previous attendance numbers. The show had 2,249 exhibitors (up 3.8% from 2017), 1,360 of them Italian and 889 from 55 foreign countries, including the USA, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Russia.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only did I build a lasting relationship with the IDC team, who I had not met before, but also other designers from across Canada on this trip,\u201d says Daniel Meloch\u00e9, Owner and Creative Director at Daniel Meloch\u00e9 Design, also based in Vancouver, B.C.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe show itself was great to meet with new and existing vendors I have worked with to see their new and innovative products and learn from their teams first-hand,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
Craik notes that setting up appointments using the HOST mobile app was easy and made the experience more focused. \u201cThe app scheduling even includes an estimated walking time so you can book them closer together,\u201d she says, and perhaps more importantly: \u201cWear comfortable shoes \u2013 it\u2019s a long walk each day, but worth it!\u201d<\/p>\n
The next trade mission to HOST will be held Oct. 22-26, 2021, but IDC is currently accepting applications to two upcoming 2020 trade missions, the January HOMI show<\/a>, in Milan, Italy and the March Malaysian International Furniture Fair<\/a>, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<\/p>\n Learn more on IDC trade missions and open applications<\/a>.<\/p>\n