Introducing: NAPICS

What is NAPICS?

• NAPICS (North America Pizza & Ice Cream Show) is a trade show designed for owners and operators of pizzerias and frozen dessert shops in North America .

Where is NAPICS held?

• NAPICS will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, located in the heart of the new, vibrant Arena District in Columbus , Ohio .  More than 3,000 guest rooms in dozens of hotels, as well as restaurants, bars and a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility are all within walking distance for NAPICS attendees and exhibitors.

When is NAPICS held?

• The sixth annual NAPICS will be held February 22 and 23, 2009.
• Show hours are: 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
• The North America Pizza Pizzazz Competition will be held February 22 and 23, 2009.  The Gourmet Pizza Competition will be held February 22; the Traditional Pizza Competition will be held February 23.  Round 1 of the competitions is held at 9:00 a.m. both days.  Round 2 is held at 1:30 p.m. both days.

How is NAPICS different from other pizza/ice cream trade shows?

• NAPICS is the only pizza show held in the Midwest , the heart of the largest concentration of pizzerias in the country.
• NAPICS is the largest ice cream show in the U.S.
• NAPICS is the only show of its kind – featuring both pizza and ice cream.
• NAPICS is the only pizza and ice cream show designed for operators by operators.
• NAPICS is the site of the North America Pizza Pizzazz Competition. Winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of $7,500!
• NAPICS is affordable – for just $25 advance registration (or $50 at the door) operators enjoy two full days of exhibits, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities.
• NAPICS is accessible – because of its location in central Ohio , NAPICS is easily within driving distance for a large concentration of operators. 

Who attends NAPICS?
More than 5,300 attended NAPICS 2008: 

• Attendees go to one to three food service shows/exhibits/seminars annually.
• Attendees are operators of carryout/delivery establishments (46%); fast food establishments (36%); table service restaurants (26%); and distributors (7 %). The remaining 14% of attendees fall into “other” categories.
• More than two-thirds of attendees are owners of their business; 18% are managers/directors; 6% are staff members; only 4% are marketing/sales personnel.

Why should pizzeria and frozen dessert shop owners attend NAPICS?

• NAPICS provides operators access to new products, education and networking, all under one roof.  More than 220 exhibitors will be showcasing their products.
• NAPICS offers seminars and workshops that help operators stay on top of their business, learning about innovative equipment, cost-saving procedures and customer-pleasing innovations.
• NAPICS offers a unique opportunity to participate in or observe North America Pizza Pizzazz Competition.

Fun facts about Pizza and Ice Cream

Pizza Fun Facts

• In the 16^th century the Queen of Naples convinced her husband King Ferdinand IV to allow the peasant dish, pizza, to be made in the royal oven.
• In 1889 the most famous “pizzaiolo” (pizza chef) created a pie for Queen Margherita and decorated it with tomato, basil and cheese to resemble the Italian flag.  This creation is the basis for American pizza.
• In 1905 the first pizzeria opened in New York City .
• The average American consumes 23 pounds of pizza annually.
• Altogether, Americans eat 90 acres of pizza in one day.
• Saturday night is the most popular night for eating pizza.
• America ’s favorite pizza topping is pepperoni; the least favorite is anchovies.

Source: HungryMonster.com

Ice Cream Fun Facts

• In 1776 the first ice cream parlor opened in New York City .
• In 1843 the first hand-cranked ice cream maker was invented by American Nancy Johnson.
• In 1851 Jacob Fussell converted his Baltimore milk plant into the world’s first ice cream factory.
• The average person in America consumes 15-20 quarts of ice cream annually, more than anywhere else in the world.
• Ice cream is America ’s second-favorite dessert, bested only by cookies.
• The U.S. produces more than 800 million gallons of ice cream annually.

Source: HungryMonster.com

For More Information:

Ann Reichle, NAPICS Chairperson – Reichle, who is owner of Sicilian-style pizzeria in Olmsted Falls , Ohio – Angelina’s Pizza – has been NAPICS chairperson for five years.   Reichle owns and operates Angelina’s Pizza with her husband, Jim Reichle.  Their pizza, sold in their two shops, has been repeatedly noted as “Best Pizza in Cleveland ,” in the AOL CityGuide online poll.  Angelina's is a five time Pizza Pizzazz award winner: (2 firsts, 2 seconds, and a third), which led to Reichle’s participation on the NAPICS organizing committee.

Ann Reichle
Angelina’s Pizza
8155 Columbia Road
Olmsted Falls , OH   44138
440 235-5555
ItalFresh@aol.com
www.angelinaspizza.com/

For More Information Regarding Press Passes or Additional Contacts for Background or Interviews: