By Gwen O’Toole

Diversified Exhibitions has acquired the Restaurant shows from Single Market Events.

Held annually in Sydney and Melbourne, the boutique events comprise a mix of exhibitors and educational elements, and are aimed to refine the business management skills of restaurateurs and help them learn about the latest culinary trends and develop wine knowledge.

Diversified Exhibitions already has a number of trade shows in its portfolio, including Fine Food, Wine & Spirits Australia, Hotel Australia and Hospitality and the consumer-orientated Good Food & Wine Show.

“The Restaurant shows are an excellent complement to Diversified’s stable of food events. Our exhibition teams have a strong understanding of the food and catering industry and we believe we can add great value to these shows, which are already extremely successful,” said Diversified Exhibitions managing director, Matthew Pearce.

“The recent Restaurant 08 Sydney enjoyed good visitation, with more than 5,100 people through the doors during the two-day show and we will be looking to capitalise on this in 2009.”

Restaurant 09 Melbourne will take place April 6 and 7 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Restaurant 09 Sydney will take place August 10 and 11 at Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park.

Restaurant exhibition manager, Michael-William Kelly, has joined the Diversified team and will continue to manage both events.