With a packed central hall of Martiniplaza, dozens of new exhibitors, theme squares and a new layout, Hospitality Experience This year marks its 13th edition. The relocation of twelve years of Martinikerk to the versatile event venue Martini Plaza paves the way for further growth and new concepts. More than 2.000 hospitality professionals attended the event, which offered a wide range of activities for hospitality students, employees, entrepreneurs, and suppliers.
Tap competitions: Sophie Draaijer best tapper in Groningen
Brasserie Loeks This year, Martiniplaza served as the setting for the KHN Groningen Tap Competition. Bartenders from the region showcased their tapping skills to loud applause. Sophie Draaijer of Brasserie Harkema was voted best bartender in Groningen. Second place went to Wim Huizenga of Van het Huys Catering, and Leanne de Munnik of NSG took third place. Draaijer and Huizenga thus qualified for the national finals at the Horecava.
First: Green Innovation Square & Hospitality Heroes Square
One of the major innovations this year was the Green Innovation Square, dedicated entirely to sustainable and local entrepreneurship. Visitors discovered De Groene Keuze (The Green Choice), where chefs and producers from Groningen cooked live, provided tastings, and shared their stories. Sustainable entrepreneur Wilbert van de Kamp presented the day, while AI expert Freya Liemburg demonstrated how artificial intelligence can contribute to local purchasing and smart menu planning. Wadden Group Foundation was present with Waddengoud products and inspiring stories from the city to the Wadden Sea. Visitors also learned about the Circular Bucket Project and the innovations of GIPPI world. The square offered a day full of collaboration, inspiration, and flavor, with the short supply chain as the main course.
This year, we also introduced the Hospitality Heroes Square, where we—together with educational and labor market partners—focused on personnel, training, subsidies, and collaboration in the hospitality workplace.
Ready to Cook: Isa van Dijk best chef in the Northern Netherlands
At Ready Cook, the cooking competition in which northern chefs compete live, showcased culinary talent at its finest. With a box full of surprising ingredients, the chefs were given 30 minutes to prepare a dish that was judged on creativity, taste, and presentation. The title of Best Chef Northern Netherlands 2025-2026 went to Isa van Dijk of Restaurant 't Koetshuys. Besides the cup, he also won a gift voucher from Bidfood, a cordless hand blender from Bamix and a chef's knife from Xinzuo. Second place went to Jordi Werkhoven (Grand Cafe de Waegh) and Rafael Manansala (Nobel Hotel) finished third.
Looking forward
The next edition of Horeca Xperience will take place on Monday 5 October 2026 in Martiniplaza Groningen.
