DOVER, DE – For the first time in its 25-year history, Meetings Quest will locate one of its trade shows for meeting and event planners in Delaware. The event, set for Dover Downs Hotel and Casino March 13-14, is expected to rally approximately 350 industry professionals from the Mid-Atlantic Region.

“When the flag drops, the race for business will begin,” said Kimberly Bailey-Thomas, Director of Convention Sales and Marketing for Kent County Delaware Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCDCVB), also known locally as Kent County Tourism. “This is perhaps the best opportunity that Delaware has ever had to showcase the state as a good value and a great venue for meetings and conventions,” she added. “Meeting facilities, our three convention and visitors bureaus, restaurants and attractions statewide will participate as vendors at the event in an effort to attract more meeting and event business to Delaware.”

One of the highlights of the event will be a special guest appearance by “The Love Chef?,” Francis Anthony, whose appearance is being sponsored by Kent County Tourism, is a favorite in the world of television cooking. Chef Anthony is known as the grandfather of foodie shows and a pioneer who married cooking and entertainment. He is the author of four cookbooks and writes a weekly newspaper column titled “Cooking With Love.” He has been a regular on “Live with Regis and Kelly” for more than 20 years.

Planning for the event began two years ago, and will culminate in a two-day event with a racing theme. The event will kick off with the “Victory Lane” reception, which is being sponsored by the Delaware Tourism Office. Day two of the event will include educational seminars sponsored by George Washington University, a racing theme tradeshow, and wrapping with a presentation by The Love Chef.

Attendees can earn credits toward their certifications with three potential seminars: Risk Management, Green Meetings and Successful Events through Technology. The seminars will be taught by staff members from George Washington University.

VIP Meetings Quest is a production of JTDunn Enterprise. In addition to the new show in Delaware, others are held in Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, St. Louis, Kansas City, Charlotte, Raleigh, Tampa, San Mateo and Anaheim. The shows are considered by most in the industry as the number one regional tradeshows in the country. JTDunn Enterprises and Meeting Quest is a driving force in the hospitality tradeshow industry.

For more information about the show, visit the show’s website, www.vip-quest.net, or Kimberly Bailey-Thomas at 302-734-8309.