NECTA annual event returns on the 3rd & 4th May 2023

The North East Culinary and Trade Association (NECTA) hosts its annual event at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle on the 3-4th of May. The event features the NECTA Hospitality Salon, a competition open to regional colleges and the North East Chef of the Year, a competition open to professional chefs. Entering its 16th year, the NECTA Hospitality Salon looks to showcase the region’s most outstanding talent whilst raising aspirations for those in the industry.

The region’s most prominent culinary and catering exhibition will be open to both industry and the public as part of a broader HITS Expo (Hospitality. Innovation. Tourism. Supply Chain), a celebration of the best in tourism and hospitality from across the North of the Tyne.

Expect skills demonstrations, recruitment hubs and industry insight panels to meet the buyer opportunities and trade stands showcasing the best of the North of Tynes hotels, restaurants, suppliers and tourism destinations.

CEO of Food and Drink North East, and Chair of NECTA Chris Jewitt said. “Over the years, the NECTA event has become an important highlight of the region’s culinary calendar connecting some of the region’s best emerging talent with the North East’s thriving culinary scene and responding to the skills requirement within the industry. So I am delighted that it is returning this year with a refreshed programme, format and venue, and – as part of the broader HITS Expo – we can open this event up to the public to give this talent the platform it deserves. We are confident that we can make this annual event bigger and better than ever!”

Chefs and colleges can book their places online by the end of the month. But in the meantime, please save the dates. It’s going to be a tasty two days!