The next meeting of the Freehouse 500, the Morning Advertiser's exclusive club for the 500 best UK freehouses, takes place on Tuesday 16 March at Lord's Cricket Ground, London.
Peter Coulson, Morning Advertiser legal editor, will review developments in the law over the past 12 months.
Award-winning licensee Steve Haslam will talk about how he delivers great quality across three pub sites.
Marston's director of free-trade Phil Barnett provides insights on trends in the growing cask-ale market.
Alastair Scott, who worked at Mitchells & Butlers for 20 years, explains strategies for defending margin against cost pressures. Chris Lewis FBII, former BII Licensee of the Year, discusses sustaining business momentum, with the help of training.
Bulmers customer marketing manager Angela Ham discusses the opportunities provided by the growing cider market. Martin Sampson, shopper marketing controller, on premise, with Coca-Cola Enterprises, provides insights about the on-trade soft-drinks market.
In the popular My Big Idea slot, three licensees talk about successful retail innovations in their businesses.
Angus McCaig, chef/owner of the Holt, Honiton, Devon, talks about the pub's successful smokery, music festivals and Comfort Food Wednesdays. Jon Briscoe, owner of the Jolly Farmers, Buckland, Surrey, talks deli pubs and own-label produce.
Andrew Maillard, joint owner of the Britannia, Hackney, London, talks film nights and vintage clothes swaps. There will also be three break-out sessions.
Useyourlocal.com founder Stuart Mills talks about how to attract customers and keep your pub at the heart of the local community.
Jo Fontaine, client services director of e-marketing specialists Fishbowl, will explain how to make digital marketing work for pubs. And Mike Hampton-Riddington, of BNP Paribas Real Estate, explains the best ways of appealing against business rate increases. The day finishes with a tour of Lord's.
Members can book up to two free places; please call Stephanie Smallwood (01293) 610323 or email stephanie.smallwood@william-reed.co.uk.