Publican Conference 2004: Putting People First

Putting People First, one of the niche conferences at this year's new-format Publican Conference, addresses the key issues of recruitment and staff development.

Licensing laws, the Disability Discrimination Act, social responsibility and sundry rules and regulations are all heaping increasing pressure on pub operators. If there is one factor that can help to tackle all these challenges it is the quality of publicans and their staff.

Those responsible for improving recruitment and staff development in the pub industry will come together for a special conference to debate various aspects of this key issue. Putting People First, organised in association with the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), forms part of the new-format Publican Conference.

It is one of five specialist conferences being run this year on November 4 alongside the main Executive Conference which attracts the industry's top people to debate and network.

Putting People First, chaired by BII chief executive John McNamara, is aimed not only at HR professionals and trainers but all those in pub operations who know how vital people are to their success. Delegates will get the chance to hear from leaders in the field, debate the issues with others facing similar challenges and to informally meet people working at high levels across the industry.

In addition to the specialist conference they will be able to attend the opening address of the Executive Conference by licensing minister Richard Caborn, who will be attempting to answer the question currently testing the brains of everyone in the business: "Licensing Reforms - have we got it right?"

Delegates are also invited to the closing motivational speech by former athlete Kriss Akabusi.

In between, the Putting People First sessions will include:

• The benefits of training​
  Ian Harris, WSET​

Training often falls off a pub company's budget because it's difficult to measure its value to the business. In a unique experiment the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has set up cameras behind pub bars to watch the behaviour of staff both before and after training. In a Publican Conference exclusive, WSET director Ian Harris presents some fascinating findings.

An academic question?​
Professor Conrad Lashley, Nottingham Trent University​
Cathie Smith, BII​

How can education work better within the pub industry? And how can the pub industry better educate itself? Professor Conrad Lashley of Nottingham Trent University puts forward some radical ideas on how young people can be prepared for a career in pubs while Cathie Smith of the BII argues that training is vital if the pub trade is to handle challenges thrown up by changing legislation.

Inspiring people​
Ed Heaver, former commercial manager, Wizard Inns​

Pubs thrive on the interaction between customers and staff. But how do you inspire your people in turn, to enthuse your customers about your pub? Ed Heaver, the former commercial manager of Wizard Inns, is writing a book on the subject and offers some practical - and inspiring - advice on how to get the best out of your employees.

Panel debate: what kind of licensees do we want?​

Today's pub industry is dominated by independent business people who rent and lease their pubs from pubcos and brewers. The relationship breeds much controversy.

So how can landlords respond positively to the challenge and help pub businesses to thrive? Independent consultant Phil Dixon chairs a debate between Peter Grieve (pictured)​ of Enterprise Inns, Francis Patton of Punch Taverns, Paul Lloyd of Greene King Pub Partners, Alistair Arkley of New Century Inns and Stephen Gould of brewery Everards.

On the agenda​

Putting People First - in association with the British Institute of Innkeeping​ Thursday November 4Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster

• Tickets cost £230 + VAT per delegate, with a group discount available for 10 or more tickets. The price includes refreshments throughout the day and a buffet lunch. Alternatively, you can attend the Executive Conference for £396 + VAT per delegate and drop into any of the five niche conferences: for business development managers, on pub food, on human resources and training, on design and planning and on marketing.
• To book your place you can contact Foy Harries on 020 8565 4482 or email her on sblu@dhnaghzohfvarffzrqvn.pbz​. There is also a booking form on available on thePublican.com - click here​ to find out more.