# HIP Italia Horeca Professional Expo

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hip-italia-horeca-professional-expo
> Updated: 2026-10-29T16:26:41.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

The first Italian edition of HIP – Horeca Professional Expo took place at BolognaFiere from October 19 to 21, 2026. The international event focused on innovation within the hospitality, catering, and hotel sectors, featuring over 220 brands and more than 400 speakers.

A central component was the Hospitality 4.0 Congress, which utilized over 20 thematic summits and five auditoriums to discuss technological transformations, new professional skills, and business models aimed at addressing rising costs and changing consumer habits. Prior to the event, partners such as the Bologna-based roastery Essse Caffè announced their participation, with plans to host tastings and deliver speeches on management, employer branding, and supply chain complexities.

During the exhibition, industry experts addressed contemporary challenges such as the difficulty of finding qualified personnel. Consultant chef Andrei Micle emphasized the importance of planning and process optimization to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, Matteo Fontana, founder of Aut&Food, highlighted how standardized procedures can increase productivity and support workplace inclusion for neurodivergent individuals. 

Manuel Bueno, director of HIP Italia, described the event as a long-term project designed to provide a platform for the Italian hospitality sector to maintain competitiveness through knowledge sharing and business opportunities. Giampiero Calzolari, president of BolognaFiere, noted the event's significance during a complex period for an industry closely tied to Italy's tourism development.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: HIP Horeca Professional Expo debuts in Italy

The inaugural HIP Horeca Professional Expo in Bologna focused on innovation and efficiency strategies to combat rising costs and labor shortages in the Italian restaurant sector.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hip-horeca-professional-expo-debuts-in-italy

### 2026-10-19: HIP Italia opens in Bologna with 220 brands and 400 speakers

The inaugural HIP – Horeca Professional Expo has opened at BolognaFiere, featuring 220 brands and 400 speakers focused on hospitality innovation and business management through October 21.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hip-italia-opens-in-bologna-with-220-brands-and-400-speakers

### 2026-10-05: Essse Caffè to showcase Horeca solutions at InOut Expo and HIP Italia

Bologna-based Essse Caffè will participate in InOut Expo in Rimini and the inaugural HIP Italia in Bologna this October to showcase coffee solutions for the Horeca sector.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essse-caff-to-showcase-horeca-solutions-at-inout-expo-and-hip-italia

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Cite as: HIP Italia Horeca Professional Expo. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hip-italia-horeca-professional-expo