A MAJOR hotels, catering and hospitality exhibition is being held in Dorset in March.

For the first time, the UK's largest regional hospitality event, Hotel & Catering Show, is to coincide with a new conference, Hospitality South.

The Dorset Echo is among the backers of the one-day conference at the Bournemouth International Centre on March 6.

The aim of the event is to inspire those involved in the hospitality community to embrace major opportunities facing Dorset in the next seven to 10 years.

It will feature a host of guest speakers aiming to raise the profile and image of Dorset's hospitality offering.

They will cover a number of topics, looking at current trends and challenges within the industry.

It is hoped that 'by interacting with delegates', the conference will help 'to explore and debate the challenges ahead and how public perceptions of the Dorset area needs to be changed to create a long-term hospitality legacy'.

Sponsors include Sibbett Gregory, the Daily Echo, Dorset Echo, Poole Tourism, Bournemouth Tourism, Dorset New Forest Tourism and Dorset County Council.

Jonathan Sibbett, who is a director at commercial property agents Sibbett Gregory, said: "With the 2012 Olympics looming, tourism is rising and now is the time for action. We need this stunning county to be seen as a hospitality hotspot.

"Sadly so many of the UK-wide guides seem to ignore Dorset. We need to address this.

"The Hospitality South Conference provides anybody who owns or influences hotels, restaurants or any other hospitality or tourism led outlet an avenue to express opinions and gain advice, so together we can shape the future of our region."

Speakers will include Professor Conrad Lashley from the Nottingham Business School, independent tourism adviser Ken Robinson and South West Tourism marketing director Robin Barker.

Other speakers will include Bournemouth university lecturer Bruce Grant-Braham, celebrity chef Lesley Waters from Evershot and Taste of the West chief executive John Sheaves.

After lunch, there will be group sessions as well as a presentation from Olives et Al managing director Giles Henschel and a skills panel.

For details on the Hospitality South Conference visit www.hotel-expo.co.uk/hs or call 01425 483573.