The Publican Conference 04

The great and the good will be spoilt for choice at this year's must-attend Publican Conference.

This year's Publican Conference is taking on a new, exciting format which guarantees to arm delegates with a host of business-building opportunities.

Following feedback from last year's delegates, the event has been completely shaken up and will this year offer six niche conferences that will run simultaneously. Some 700 delegates will gather at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, in Westminster, on November 4 to focus on strategy, retailing solutions, debate and networking in the conference most closely associated with their job function:

• The Executive Conference:​
  Debate, commentary and solutions for a better business
• HR & Training - putting people first:​
  New ideas and practical advice on managing people at the sharp end
• Business Development/Area Managers - The strongest link:​
  Knowledge, know-how and inspiration for life as a BDM or AM
• Property, Planning & Design - bricks and mortar:​
  The building blocks of success
• Pub Food - a taste of things to come:​
  An essential guide to meeting the changing demands of customers
• Marketing - differentiate and deliver:​
  Does your business have the edge?

All 700 delegates will be invited to attend the keynote speech by licensing minister Richard Caborn, and again at the end of the day when former athlete Kriss Akabusi will be delivering a powerful closing address guaranteed to inspire and motivate delegates at all levels. Great emphasis has been placed on networking. During lunch delegates will have the options of booking one-to-one business lunches with colleagues, attending the main buffet or visiting one of the various zones offering beer and food tastings. The day will conclude with a drinks reception where once again, the great and the good in the industry can share experiences and ideas.

For further information on any of the six conferences, please contact Foy Harries, event manager, on 020 8565 4482 or email foyh@quantumbusinessmedia.com.

This year's Executive Conference is being chaired by one of the most experienced and best-known personalities on British television, Peter Sissons.​

Peter has spent the last 40 years on news bulletins for all the major television networks, moving to the BBC 15 years ago where he currently presents on News 24. Peter replaced Sir Robin Day as the presenter of Question Time, hosting over 150 editions of the weekly debate, putting him in an ideal position to bring out the best in our Publican Conference speakers.

Opening address:​ Licensing Reforms - Have we got it right?Richard Caborn, licensing minister, Department for Culture, Media & Sport​

Despite gaining Royal Assent in July 2003, the long-awaited licensing reforms are continuing to give the trade major headaches. Local authorities have admitted they are going to struggle to cope and licensees and operators are far from clued-up on the new procedures and their obligations.

Why has a move that aimed to cut red tape, bureaucracy and costs resulted in a piece of legislation that is in serious danger of making the situation far worse?

Licensing minister Richard Caborn will answer these questions and explain what provisions have been put in place to ensure a clean transition from magistrates to local authority control. The feature will provide delegates with an ideal opportunity to put the government under the spotlight and clear up any outstanding concerns. All delegates will be invited to attend this opening address, which will be introduced by Nick Bish, chairman of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers. Nick will be presenting a summary of the industry's views and will be pressing Mr Caborn for answers to many of the trade's questions.

The economy - gloom or boom?​Mark Berrisford-Smith, senior economist, HSBC​

The industry continues to face an uncertain economic future. Talk of a recession has been circulating for several years but companies continue to be bullish and investment and acquisitions continue at an encouraging rate. Is it wise to be expanding at the present time and should operators be cautious over how they invest?

Mark Berrisford-Smith, senior economist with HSBC, will be telling you how it is. By sharing his extensive knowledge of the economy he can help steer you in the right direction for 2005.

Risky Business​Peter Hansen, principal, PC Hansen & Co​

Why are some companies better at buying than others? Peter Hansen, principal of PC Hansen & Co - a corporate advisory firm specialising in acquisitions and disposals in the pub and leisure sector - believes those who fail to take a risk are being left behind by the big players.

Respected for his forthright and honest analysis of our industry, Peter will give examples of companies who are sure to make a killing in the City compared with those that won't get past the secretary's pending tray because they are just too dedicated to playing it safe. His list of dos and don'ts should not be missed by anyone looking to grow and beat the competition.

The Big Issue - Panel Debate​Deborah Arnott, chief executive, ASH​Jonathan Downey, managing director, Match bars​Peter Linacre, chief executive, Massive​Ian Payne, chief executive, Laurel Pub Company​

Smoking is undoubtedly the big issue of the year and in terms of heading a list of concerns, it's top priority for most licensees. Calls for outright smoking bans in pubs have increased over the past few months and while the trade continues to make attempts at maintaining choice for operators and customers, there's no doubt that the government favours tighter controls.

All eyes are now on Ireland. If its ban, introduced in April, proves to be a success the UK will have a hard time convincing the government of a need for smoking pubs.

To open this debate on the future of smoking, a representative from the Irish licensed trade will present an overview of the effect on business.

Opportunities and Threats in the Leisure Industry​Will Galgey, director, The Henley Centre​

The Henley Centre will be presenting the findings of its new consumer segmentation of the leisure market, focusing on the emerging gaps and needs that leisure operators need to address.

The research provides a vital insight into where consumers are spending their hard-earned cash and which leisure areas are being under-exploited, providing a vital start point for pub operators who want to grow.

Will Galgey will explore some of the key threats facing the industry, in particular the impact of deregulation in the gambling industry and the growth of home entertainment. He will also uncover:

• The key motivations for going out.
• Which consumer segments feel their needs are currently not being met
• The big revenue opportunity represented by current gaps.

Question Time - with Peter Sissons​

Peter Sissons will do what he does best when he interviews key industry celebrities to find out what makes them tick, how they feel the industry is faring and explore their key ideas for a successful 2005.

Industry celebrities under the spotlight include:

• Ted