Conference Speakers
Opening Key Note Speaker: David Russell
Stop, Go or Change in our Market Place?
“In a short speech entitled Stop, Go or Change in our Market Place, David will explore what’s here and beyond with food, what will matter going forward and who is responsible – shall we follow or lead?”
David Russell founded the Russell Partnership with Dianne Adlard in 1989, now the UK's leading Strategic Food Consultancy. David has pioneered and driven food and drink solutions within organisations as diverse as Accenture, BAA, Chandon Estates, The Eden Project, English Heritage, House of Commons, InterContinental Hotel Group, MCC at Lord's, The United Nations and Wimbledon. David also led the creation of the Food Strategy for the London Olympic Games in 2012. He co-chairs the Food Advisory Board on behalf of LOCOG and chairs the Food Legacy Group on behalf of the GLA. The Russell Partnership has achieved an unrivalled reputation within the industry, endorsed by prestigious committee and accredited associations.
Stop, Go or Change in our Market Place?
“In a short speech entitled Stop, Go or Change in our Market Place, David will explore what’s here and beyond with food, what will matter going forward and who is responsible – shall we follow or lead?”
David Russell founded the Russell Partnership with Dianne Adlard in 1989, now the UK's leading Strategic Food Consultancy. David has pioneered and driven food and drink solutions within organisations as diverse as Accenture, BAA, Chandon Estates, The Eden Project, English Heritage, House of Commons, InterContinental Hotel Group, MCC at Lord's, The United Nations and Wimbledon. David also led the creation of the Food Strategy for the London Olympic Games in 2012. He co-chairs the Food Advisory Board on behalf of LOCOG and chairs the Food Legacy Group on behalf of the GLA. The Russell Partnership has achieved an unrivalled reputation within the industry, endorsed by prestigious committee and accredited associations.
Technology Workshop Speaker: Graham Jones
The Internet Psychologist – exploring the current and future technology trends YOUR customers will be asking for!
Graham Jones is an Internet Psychologist who specialises in understanding how people behave online – in particular how customers use the internet. He helps clients do this with consultancy, seminars, workshops, webinars, mastermind groups, masterclasses and through various books he has written.
He is an award-winning writer having written 29 books since he started his own business back in 1984. Graham is a qualified psychologist and a member of the British Psychological Society and the Society of Authors. He is a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and was President for 2010-11.
The Internet Psychologist – exploring the current and future technology trends YOUR customers will be asking for!
Graham Jones is an Internet Psychologist who specialises in understanding how people behave online – in particular how customers use the internet. He helps clients do this with consultancy, seminars, workshops, webinars, mastermind groups, masterclasses and through various books he has written.
He is an award-winning writer having written 29 books since he started his own business back in 1984. Graham is a qualified psychologist and a member of the British Psychological Society and the Society of Authors. He is a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association and was President for 2010-11.
Front of House Workshop Speaker: Stuart Harris
Sharing Five Star front of House Service from the world best brands.
In 2006, after serving 25 years in various Sales, Customer Service and Training roles, Stuart ‘went out on his own’ as a Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Coach. Since then, he has delivered Keynote Speeches and Workshops across the world and has designed and delivered Training and One-to-One Coaching programmes for people in Sales, Customer Service and Management roles.
Stuart also had a very strong 15 year career in Hotels, and was sent to America to study first class front of house customer service. He has turned around under-performing sales teams, developed and introduced his “Delivering a Filet Steak Service in a Mince Economy” customer service programme for his clients and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Managers and a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association.
Sharing Five Star front of House Service from the world best brands.
In 2006, after serving 25 years in various Sales, Customer Service and Training roles, Stuart ‘went out on his own’ as a Keynote Speaker, Trainer and Coach. Since then, he has delivered Keynote Speeches and Workshops across the world and has designed and delivered Training and One-to-One Coaching programmes for people in Sales, Customer Service and Management roles.
Stuart also had a very strong 15 year career in Hotels, and was sent to America to study first class front of house customer service. He has turned around under-performing sales teams, developed and introduced his “Delivering a Filet Steak Service in a Mince Economy” customer service programme for his clients and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Managers and a Fellow of the Professional Speaking Association.
Sales & Marketing Workshop Speaker: Paul Hussey, Director, The Conference Doctor working in partnership with Paje Consultancy Ltd
"Driving Sales and Partnerships with Conference Agencies"
Paul has many years of experience within the events industry, including working with some of the world’s largest brands and government. Paul started in the industry at the venue delivery end and then moved through business development, event management and procurement in the agency environment. Paul’s aim now is to untangle some of the industry complexity and create simple routes to the best events delivered for the best value. Paul looks behind issues and then articulates and delivers a solution, gaining trust from all stakeholders from board level to ground floor. Paul has for many years been involved in judging new event technology and has been a speaker at events on subjects varying from Strategic Meetings Management to legislation.
"Driving Sales and Partnerships with Conference Agencies"
Paul has many years of experience within the events industry, including working with some of the world’s largest brands and government. Paul started in the industry at the venue delivery end and then moved through business development, event management and procurement in the agency environment. Paul’s aim now is to untangle some of the industry complexity and create simple routes to the best events delivered for the best value. Paul looks behind issues and then articulates and delivers a solution, gaining trust from all stakeholders from board level to ground floor. Paul has for many years been involved in judging new event technology and has been a speaker at events on subjects varying from Strategic Meetings Management to legislation.
Sales & Marketing Workshop Speaker: Jim Cockell, Paje Consulting Ltd, Associate Specialist in Revenue Management & Pricing
"Maximising Revenue in the Conference & Training Market"
Jim has over 15 years working with Revenue Management, Pricing and Technology within the hospitality and travel industries. Jim is passionate about commercial revenue generation for all types of leisure, retail, transport and hospitality businesses.
Jim has a strong understanding of process, project management and technology that enable businesses to achieve targets faster and more efficiently.
"Maximising Revenue in the Conference & Training Market"
Jim has over 15 years working with Revenue Management, Pricing and Technology within the hospitality and travel industries. Jim is passionate about commercial revenue generation for all types of leisure, retail, transport and hospitality businesses.
Jim has a strong understanding of process, project management and technology that enable businesses to achieve targets faster and more efficiently.
Food & Beverage Workshop Speaker: Andrew Jones
"Every problem has a Solution"
Andrew is Owner and Managing director of B.I. Catering Equipment Services and the recently purchased Peachmans Catering Equipment Services which both have an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction. Andrew saw the need to make changes in how B.I. Services and Peachmans operated; this has seen the introduction of a new computerised system for recording and allocating sales and service jobs, an emphasis on improved customer care and service. Customers are better informed about the status of their jobs and there are much improved first time fix rates. This has resulted in an increase of customer base by 200% over the past 3 years. Andrew and his B.I. Team also played a critical role in designing, supplying all equipment and installing the Møller Kitchen; therefore he will be able to provide first-hand information about this exciting project.
"Every problem has a Solution"
Andrew is Owner and Managing director of B.I. Catering Equipment Services and the recently purchased Peachmans Catering Equipment Services which both have an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction. Andrew saw the need to make changes in how B.I. Services and Peachmans operated; this has seen the introduction of a new computerised system for recording and allocating sales and service jobs, an emphasis on improved customer care and service. Customers are better informed about the status of their jobs and there are much improved first time fix rates. This has resulted in an increase of customer base by 200% over the past 3 years. Andrew and his B.I. Team also played a critical role in designing, supplying all equipment and installing the Møller Kitchen; therefore he will be able to provide first-hand information about this exciting project.
Food & Beverage Workshop Speaker: Andrew Wilson
Co-founder and managing director of Wilson Vale
An interactive session to hear and tell the latest developments and ideas
Andrew Wilson started his career within the hospitality sector as a trainee manager and progressed from the operational side of the business into training and then sales development. In 1991 he joined independent caterers, Nelson Hind, where he was promoted to general manager, with responsibility for business development. In 1998 he was appointed a board director. In 2001 Nelson Hind sold to Avenance and Andrew was appointed group sales and marketing director of Avenance.
The following year, Andrew and his wife, Carolyne Vale, established Wilson Vale. The company specialises in high quality catering, mainly within business & industry, independent schools and conference venues. Current annual turnover is £22 million and the company employs 600 people. Wilson Vale is known for its high quality food standards, always making everything fresh on site and using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Last year, Wilson Vale was named Independent School Caterer of the Year in the Educatering Excellence Awards 2014. Earlier this month, Wilson Vale was listed in tenth position in a report highlighting the twenty most dynamic and best performing companies within the UK foodservice sector.
Co-founder and managing director of Wilson Vale
An interactive session to hear and tell the latest developments and ideas
Andrew Wilson started his career within the hospitality sector as a trainee manager and progressed from the operational side of the business into training and then sales development. In 1991 he joined independent caterers, Nelson Hind, where he was promoted to general manager, with responsibility for business development. In 1998 he was appointed a board director. In 2001 Nelson Hind sold to Avenance and Andrew was appointed group sales and marketing director of Avenance.
The following year, Andrew and his wife, Carolyne Vale, established Wilson Vale. The company specialises in high quality catering, mainly within business & industry, independent schools and conference venues. Current annual turnover is £22 million and the company employs 600 people. Wilson Vale is known for its high quality food standards, always making everything fresh on site and using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Last year, Wilson Vale was named Independent School Caterer of the Year in the Educatering Excellence Awards 2014. Earlier this month, Wilson Vale was listed in tenth position in a report highlighting the twenty most dynamic and best performing companies within the UK foodservice sector.
Keynote Speaker: Alastair Stewart
‘Thought provoking views of the industry from one of its leading lights - including Q & A and discussion’
Alastair Stewart’s early career was with Sheraton Hotels in London after graduating from the University of Surrey. In 1986 he joined a small niche residential conference venue business, Style Conferences that grew to become the UK’s largest specialist conference venue business with sales of £100m. As Managing Director he oversaw the sale of the business in 2006 for £325m to private investors. After leaving the business he identified the non-residential city centre conference venue market as an opportunity and led a private equity backed buy-in of London based etc.venues. In 2012 he led a secondary private equity backed buy out as the business continued to grow strongly. Since 2006 sales have increased from £9m to £43m and EBITDA from £2m to £13m. Alastair was a UK Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year finalist in 2009 and 2013.
‘Thought provoking views of the industry from one of its leading lights - including Q & A and discussion’
Alastair Stewart’s early career was with Sheraton Hotels in London after graduating from the University of Surrey. In 1986 he joined a small niche residential conference venue business, Style Conferences that grew to become the UK’s largest specialist conference venue business with sales of £100m. As Managing Director he oversaw the sale of the business in 2006 for £325m to private investors. After leaving the business he identified the non-residential city centre conference venue market as an opportunity and led a private equity backed buy-in of London based etc.venues. In 2012 he led a secondary private equity backed buy out as the business continued to grow strongly. Since 2006 sales have increased from £9m to £43m and EBITDA from £2m to £13m. Alastair was a UK Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year finalist in 2009 and 2013.
General Management Workshop Speaker / Closing Keynote Speaker: Nigel Risner
“The simple formula on how to positively influence people, motivate colleagues, and build better rapport with customer.”
The only motivational speaker in Europe to have been awarded Speaker of the Year from The Academy for Chief Executives, Vistage, Footdown and The Executive Committee. Nigel is a respected author, television presenter and a prolific speaker. Nigel’s workshops and keynote speeches are results oriented, challenging listeners to expand their horizons, embrace the opportunities that await them and dare to dream of achievements which seemed impossible before.
He is one of only six speakers in the UK to have been awarded the highly prestigious PSAE (professional speaking award of excellence) from the Professional Speakers Association. Recommended as one of the best motivational speakers on the planet – Nigel works with Interstate, Hyatt Group, Holiday Inn and BDL so knows this market like the back of his hand.
“The simple formula on how to positively influence people, motivate colleagues, and build better rapport with customer.”
The only motivational speaker in Europe to have been awarded Speaker of the Year from The Academy for Chief Executives, Vistage, Footdown and The Executive Committee. Nigel is a respected author, television presenter and a prolific speaker. Nigel’s workshops and keynote speeches are results oriented, challenging listeners to expand their horizons, embrace the opportunities that await them and dare to dream of achievements which seemed impossible before.
He is one of only six speakers in the UK to have been awarded the highly prestigious PSAE (professional speaking award of excellence) from the Professional Speakers Association. Recommended as one of the best motivational speakers on the planet – Nigel works with Interstate, Hyatt Group, Holiday Inn and BDL so knows this market like the back of his hand.