Jake Kellie

Head Chef and Owner of Arkhé. Find out more about his journey on the night as he shares insights on going it alone.

Kari Allen

Co-founder of social change beverage company Sparkke. Kari will share her experience of building a business that puts purpose, passion and people alongside profit.

Oliver Brown

Diretor of The Big Easy Group and a board member of the Adelaide Economic Development Agency. He knows what it means to scale a venue for success and will share his expertise. 

Bianca Dawson

As CEO of one of Melbourne’s most successful hospitality groups, Bianca is charged with driving the positive, productive and progressive culture throughout Sand Hill Road venues, including The Espy. Bianca will share her experience in creating teams that care while outlining the strategies and skills needed for a thriving industry of tomorrow.

Adrian Osman

Trevor Simmons

From a single cafe Trevor (along with brother Steven) has built Industry Beans into a multifaceted company that now encompasses a roastery and award-winning cafes across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,  thriving wholesale arm and an evolving range of retail products. As CEO and founder, Trevor will speak about building an omni-channel business and the power of design, technology and chemistry in creating cafes of the future

Ben O'Donoghue

With several cookbooks, TV series including The Best and Surfing The Menu and time at some of London’s best restaurants, as owner of Billykart Kitchen in Brisbane Ben translates his wide-ranging experience into practical strategies for running a successful business today.

Lilly Heenan

Charged with one of Brisbane's most exciting and forward-looking drinks programs at one of its most exciting restaurants, Lilly knows how to serve up customer experiences that surprise and delight and will detail what's in store for the world of wine.

Bernie Hogan

With more than 25 years' experience in leadership and advocacy, today as Queesland Hotels Association CEO Bernie ensures the challenges the hospitality and tourism industries face are addressed in policy outcomes and will share his insights for QLD operators in the years ahead.

Nick Stanley

With a background as a creative media strategist before co-founding Cuzzie Pies and now Costa Taco taquerias in Palm Beach and Byron Bay, Nick knows how to harness the power of storytelling in crafting brands that connect. 

Gerard Coakley

Peta Fielding

Peta has cemented Burleigh Brewing as one of Australia’s most exciting independent breweries. She’ll share her experience building a brand, the importance of innovation and why doing things the right way for the right reasons is good for business.

Damian McDowell

Charged with keeping the all-day waterfront bar and eatery Wynyard Pavilion bustling, Damian knows how to create memorable customer experiences while harnessing technology and new ways of working. He'll outline the strategies and skills operators need to navigate day-to-day challenges.

Rosie Herdman

As founding New Zealand editor of independent online magazine Broadsheet, Rosie covers the best of food and drink, fashion, art and travel around the country. She'll draw on her extensive journalism experience to share insights into what makes newsworthy news.

Ro Parker

As co-founder of award-winning craft distillery, brewery and Waiheke island drawcard The Heke and with an extensive career spanning digital marketing tech and entrepreneurship, Ro knows what it takes to start and grow successful businesses. 

Sarah Meikle

The pioneer of the country's most popular food festival, Sarah has told Wellington's food story and celebrated the industry for more than 15 years. She'll share her experience in putting Wellington on the global food stage, the power of industry creating and collaborating together, and why a new-look festival will be served up this year.

Jamie Williams

Dave Sutherland

With extensive experience in some of Victoria's best kitchens - most recently as head chef of the multi award-winning Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld and including an appearance on MasterChef Australia - Dave has spent years at the forefront of one of Australia's most acclaimed destination dining experiences. He'll share his insights on creating regional cuisine, power of provenance and the future challenges and opportunities for farm-to-fork fare. 

Fiona King

Head of Marketing for The Spirit of Manchester Distillery and Three Little Words, Manchester’s only distillery bar & restaurant, Fiona will share her journey on opening an award-winning bar and lessons learnt. 

Euan Stubbs

As Head of Digital at Big Fang Collective, Euan is at the forefront of UK’s experiential hospitality boom. He’ll share his experience in building brands, the importance of innovation and how to harness storytelling and power marketing to keep customers coming back. 

Tara Heppell

With more than 20 years of experience across Manchester hospitality, Tara will share her consumer insights and strategies for making the most of opportunities in the year ahead.

Daniel Davies

Having founded CPL and sat on boards such as Institute of Licensing and UKHospitality, Dan is a heavyweight in the industry. Now on a mission to transform New Brighton’s Victoria Road, Daniel will share about the power of hospitality to bring change in the community and how he’s creating a cultural hub.

Louise Kemp

Daniel Gillbanks

Since opening Liverpool’s much-loved PINS Social Club in 2020, Daniel has been at the forefront of the “competitive socialising” wave taking the UK by storm. He’ll share his insights into crafting experiences that bring customers back and why creating own-brand events is essential for today’s venues.

Ann Elliott

With over thirty years’ of living and breathing hospitality, Ann has a genuine love and understanding for the industry, bringing valuable insight, like-minded people, and creative solutions together. Ann will be moderating our panel.

Duncan Stirling

Co-founder of the Inception Group, Duncan runs unique bar, restaurant and club concepts across South West and central London. He’ll speak about forming creative and dynamic teams and businesses that thrive in a competitive market.

Rahel Stephanie

Founder of Indonesian supper club Spoons, Rahel has built a devoted London fanbase for her pop-up and collaborations. Named one of CodeHospitality’s 30 under 30, she’ll speak about finding your niche and building a brand that connects.

Gordon Ker

From the first Blackrock chop house in Soho in 2015, to opening his biggest restaurant in Canary Wharf this spring Gordon will speak about creating systems, processes and culture in high-growth businesses.
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Amreet Kang

As Head of Commercial for MJMK restaurants, Amreet knows a thing or two about launching successful restaurants and bars with heart and soul. He’ll speak about partnering with award-winning chefs and MJMK’s ambitious future plans.

Georgia Moore

As Director of the WA Good Food Guide, the definitive guide to eating and drinking in WA, Georgia knows what's happening in hospitality from Broome to Albany and everywhere in between. She also acts as a huge advocate for our industry professionals through her feature pieces on 6PR and ABC Radio where she explore their extensive knowledge on the issues and topics that face our industry. 

Al Taylor

A business leader, board member and passionate supporter of the music, arts and hospitality communities across WA, Al has been at the forefront of shaping and creating some of the state’s most exciting venues, ventures and concepts. He’ll share his experience in building brands, creating connections and cultivating culture. 

Thomas Curtis 

With extensive experience across the industry, Tom has a passion for pubs, people and profit. As the Operations Manager of the Three Pound Group, he effectively unites these passions, keeping the venues focused on the future while creating memorable customer experiences that last.