IHM&RS Opens ‘By The Numbers’

NEW YORK— High exhibitor and attendee turnouts— and even higher expectations— marked the opening of the 87th International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show at the Javits Convention Center here. In what had to be classified as this year’s “official” kick-off— given the number of lodging and hospitality industry “officials” on hand— it was noted some 1,700 exhibitors and 45,000 attendees (representing 85 countries) are slated to gather at this year’s annual conference/trade show. Taking care of business during the course of the opening event, New York Hotel Association head Joe Spinnato made a specific point of welcoming the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (ably represented by IHRA chieftain Eric Pfeffer) to the proceedings. As such, Spinnato called it “a show of support for the local hotel industry as well as a vote of confidence in New York itself.” Additionally, the morning festivities also proved to be a convenient jumping-off point for those rolling out their wares at this year’s conclave. In line with the bestowal of the Seventh Annual Editors’ Choice Awards for “best new product,” one item— Table Shox, self-adjusting hydraulic glides designed to keep tables from wobbling— topped the five-product line-up to claim the Kenneth F. Hine Award for “Best of Show.”—Michael Billig