World-class line up for key UK eating-out congress

The leading seminar and think-tank for business leaders from the UK eating-out market is back this autumn, with an unrivalled line-up of speakers.

Topping the bill at Restaurant 2010 this November are three high-profile speakers who between them play very different roles in the UK eating-out market: Prof Tim Lang, Steve Hill, the CEO of Wagamama; and Jez Langhorn, human resources director for McDonald's.

Lang, a world-renowned expert on the food chain who regularly appears on television and radio, will pose the question: can we continue to eat as we are eating?

He will argue that dramatic changes must take place in the food industry because of the unsustainable pressure currently placed upon global resources.

Hill, the CEO of Wagamama, will explain his company's expansion journey in America, outlining the learnings of a three-year venture that has seen it open four restaurants so far and build a US-based team ready and primed to rollout the brand.

Langhorn, human resources director at McDonald's, has played a key part in establishing the group as an award-winning recruiter, trainer and builder of teams.

He will outline the burger giant's latest thinking on staying ahead in the battle for people.

Organised by Morning Advertiser sister publications M&C Report and Restaurant magazine, other speakers on the day will include Nic Marks, the founder of the Centre for Well-Being.

Marks, who recently spoke at the TED-Global conference in London, will explain why happiness is a serious business, why well-being really matters and the size of the prize for organisations that get it right.

Stand-out​

Jim Dowling, managing partner at Cake, the award-winning "ideas" agency, will identify what it takes for consumer brands and companies to stand out from the competition in the digital-and-social-media age.

Darren Tristano from Technomic, the leading research and consulting firm to the US restaurant industry, will outline key menu trends on both sides of the Atlantic — and outline new innovation and the hot concepts that are lighting up the American eating-out market.

Sarah Kellett of Fujitsu and Kenneth Siber of Mindstorm will colloborate to present the vision of the future — the key technologies shaping the retail customer experience, while Alice Keown of DCL, the food and beverage agent for Westfield, will outline the killer concepts and formats that every landlord wants.

Panel discussions​

The day will also include two panel discussions — one on innovation and hot concepts with some of the market's leading entrepreneurs, the other with some of the sector's key figureheads discussing the burning issues of the moment.

Mark Stretton, editor of M&C Report, who will chair the day, said: "While the consumer outlook remains uncertain and trading is undoubtedly still challenging, the UK eating out market has proved remarkably resilient - an entrenched habit that we Brits are not prepared to sacrifice.

"Consequently, it feels like there is renewed energy, optimism and determination among the market's business leaders and it is with that in mind that we have structured this year's annual gathering.

"This high-level congress will focus on some of the current issues, but also the future, and on some of the fundamentals that apply no matter where we are in the business cycle — such as innovation, new markets and people."

Restaurant 2010, which is attended by senior executives — typically board-level directors — from leading eating-out groups, suppliers and the finance community, will take place at Plaisterers Hall in the City of London on November 4.

• To be a part of this key event or for more information visit www.therestaurantconference.co.uk​​ or call Asif Ali on 01293 610324.