Harlem Park to Park announced its second annual Harlem Hospitality and Culinary Conference, featuring top industry tastemakers and influencers from the worlds of food, hotels, nightlife and real estate. Sponsored by American Express, Uptown Magazine, and Harlem Community Development Corporation, and presented by Harlem Park to Park (HP2P) – the community improvement association representing businesses in the hub of New York City’s premiere dining, shopping, and nightlife destination north of 110th street, the event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., at The Studio Museum in Harlem. Panelists this year include Richard Notar, managing partner, Nobu Restaurants; Serena Bass, celebrity caterer, Serena Bass Inc. Executive chef, Lido Harlem, Richard Coraine, managing partner, Union Square Hospitality Group, Christina Grdovic, vice president and publisher, Food & Wine Magazine, Jennifer Baum, founder, Bullfrog & Baum, Adam Saper, managing partner, Eataly New York, Artie Thompson, Catering Event director, chef Roble & Co./Bravo TV and Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, Retail Group, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, among others.
The conference, will explore strategies for developing and sustaining successful businesses in Harlem within these key industries. Topics will include Game Changers: Winning Strategies in the Culinary Industry Today; Branding: Creative Strategy Behind a Successful Culinary Brand; Homegrown Restaurants/Eateries: Thriving as David in the Land of Goliath; Event Catering: Untapped Potential for Restaurant/Culinary Business Growth; Artisanal Foods: Creating a Successful Neighborhood/Regional Culinary Brand; Cocktails and Nightlife: What Makes a Great Bar?; and New York City's Wake Up Call: Meeting Growing Demand for Harlem Hotels.
“Harlem has truly emerged as one of the city’s fastest developing neighborhoods and it is experiencing a significant demand for growth in these key areas,” says HP2P executive director Nikoa Evans-Hendricks. “Our organization represents over 70 top businesses in Harlem, many of which represent the sectors highlighted in this conference. Bringing together industry leaders in these fields will help shed some light on the many opportunities that exist in Harlem to really develop these industries here.”