CHICAGO (June 2009) -- Show managers at the 2009 HIMSS (Health Information & Management Systems Society) Annual Conference succeeded in increasing traffic on the exhibit floor this year at McCormick Place.

This accomplishment came as a result of an innovative convention hospitality concept called Bistro HIMSS. Developed and managed by Toque + Bottle Advisory, Bistro HIMSS served as a lunchtime meeting destination located directly on the show floor, just steps from the exhibits.

Situated conveniently adjacent to main aisles in both Halls, Bistro HIMSS attracted both attendees and exhibitors by boasting amenities such as a host, expansive menu, and private tables available for reservation. When surveyed, 80 percent of guests said the food value and quality met or exceeded expectations, and they would book Bistro HIMSS reservations again in 2010.

"The HIMSS Bistro was a great addition to the HIMSS show floor this year," says Elli Riley, HIMSS senior exhibits manager, meeting services. "Since HIMSS does not provide a dedicated lunch break, this offered a convenient place for exhibitors to meet with clients on the show floor while enjoying a good lunch. The consistency of this program from year to year will allow our attendee to utilize their time more wisely while away from the office."

In March 2008, Toque & Bottle Advisory created Bistro RSNA for the Radiology Society of North America. This concept was developed to increase the meaningful interaction between exhibitors and attendees in the Exhibit Halls during the RSNA Annual Meeting.

In June 2008 (five months before the convention), Toque & Bottle launched an online marketing campaign to promote Bistro RSNA, including a Web site that allowed exhibitors and attendees to reserve tables and pre-purchase lunch tickets online. The Web site experienced 4,426 unique visitors, 15,156 page views, and facilitated the purchase of 4,056 reservations prior to the convention.

As a result of the promotion, Bistro RSNA increased the number of lunches served in the Exhibit Halls by 18.8 percent, and reduced exit rates during lunch by 30 percent. Bistro RSNA received rave reviews from exhibitors, attendees, and show management.

Now branded generally as Bistro Tickets, this concept has being successfully adopted by managers of some of the largest conventions in the U.S. For more information visit www.toqueandbottle.com or call Benjamin Smock at (312) 656-6849.

Toque & Bottle Advisory is gearing up for a busy fall with 4 upcoming events signed up to offer the Bistro Tickets concept to their convention audience.