Hospitality – The Hotel and Catering Expo

The hospitality trade fair on Lake Garda

Hospitality – The Hotel and Catering Expo is Italy's most important international trade fair dedicated to the Ho.Re.Ca. (hotel, restaurant, and catering) sector, taking place every year in early February at the Riva del Garda exhibition center, located in the autonomous province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige. Across an exhibition space of over 45,000 square meters spread over nine halls, the event gathers more than 750 exhibitors and attracts thousands of professionals from across Italy and abroad, including dozens of international buyers from over twenty countries.

A half-century of history

The fair was founded in 1979 under the name Expo Riva Hotel and has evolved over the decades into a leading international platform for the hospitality and catering industries. Organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi S.p.A., it combines the tourism-driven spirit of the Garda region with the ability to capture industry trends, from designer furnishings and new technologies to premium beverages and professional culinary solutions.

Exhibition areas

The visitor route is organized into four thematic areas covering the entire hospitality supply chain:

• Beverage — wines, spirits, coffee, drinks, and mixology;
• Food & Equipment — raw materials, food products, and professional kitchen equipment;
• Contract & Wellness — furniture, textiles, accessories, and solutions for wellness and spa areas;
• Renovation & Tech — energy efficiency, digitalization, and technological innovation for hospitality facilities.

These are complemented by special areas dedicated to core industry identities: RPM – Riva Pianeta Mixology for the world of mixology, Solobirra for craft beer, and Spazio Vignaiolo for wines from small-scale producers.

More than just an exhibition

Hospitality also features a packed calendar of conferences, workshops, tastings, and competitions: from the Hospitality Academy providing professional training to immersive H Experience sessions, and the H Awards recognizing industry excellence. Beyond its commercial scope, the event chronicles the evolution of Italian tourism and hospitality, focusing on sustainability, accessibility, artificial intelligence, and outdoor tourism.

Riva del Garda, the perfect setting

The choice of Riva del Garda is no coincidence: nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and the lake's waters, the town itself is a symbol of Italian hospitality. The event engages with the local area through widespread initiatives that involve the streets and most picturesque spots of the historic center.