There is a stellar range of speakers for the conference, which will be hosted at Wunderbar on Thursday 18 June.
We’ll be hearing from the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Stephen Montgomery and Signature Group’s Louse Maclean who’ll share their views on the Glasgow and wider Scottish pub and bar scene.
Senior leadership insight will also take centre stage, with Stonegate Group chief executive David McDowall outlining how the UK’s largest pub company is evolving its business model and operations to respond to ongoing sector challenges.
Panel details
The agenda will then turn to a broader “State of the Nation” panel, where Buzzworks co-founder/CEO Kenny Blair and Amber Taverns property director Sam Frankland will assess current market conditions, balancing the challenges facing hospitality with opportunities for growth.
Policy and advocacy are also on the programme, with UKHospitality chief executive Allen Simpson set to discuss the Government’s industrial strategy and what it means for the pub sector, alongside the wider role hospitality plays in the UK economy.
Zonal will highlight how to unlock the secrets to accommodation, looking at the growing opportunity for pubs with rooms as the staycation market continues to expand.
Annica Wainwright, co-founder of 2Forks, will offer insight on how to maximise menus to meet inflationary challenges.
Social impact and safety will also be high on the agenda. Delegates will hear how pubs can support initiatives such as Ask for Angela from the initiative’s CEO Sylvia Oates, as well as the role venues can play in tackling loneliness through community-led campaigns like Empty Chairs, which was set up by Dean Perryman who will share how pubs are crucial to the campaign.
Study tour sites
We’ll then hit the streets of Glasgow to visit the vibrant venues that city has to offer.
This includes a site that combines historic character with a lively social atmosphere across multiple floors, Sloans is Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant.
We’ll also see what the Spiritualist has to offer - a city-centre cocktail bar and restaurant popular for its after-work drinks, social dining and private events in a central Merchant City location.
Furthermore, pairing cosy interiors with a sophisticated social vibe, we’ll also take a look at the Last Bookstore, which is inspired by the feel of a classic library lounge.
