Taste of Tourism Summit
A major one-day conference which will explore the role of food and drink within the tourism sector is to take place next month at the Culloden Estate.
The Taste of Tourism Summit, organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), will take place on Tuesday, April 19 and will be addressed by a range of high profile speakers. Addressing current hot topics such as Food Trends, Service and Standards, Partnership and Promotion and authenticity of ingredients, the event is aimed at the hospitality and food tourism sectors.
Preceded by the Taste of Northern Ireland dinner at the same venue the evening before, both events will showcase an array of Northern Ireland produce, stressing the importance of placing high quality local food and drink at the heart of the tourism experience.
Speaking of the summit this week Janice Gault, Chief Executive of NIHF said, “If your business revolves around food or drink, you can’t afford to miss this event.”
“We’ve brought together a range of speakers who’ve used food and drink to attract new customers, improve profits and up their reputations” said Janice.
“Our topics include future food, trends, service, collaborations and partnerships and how to use these factors to stand out from the crowd. Each of our ten internationally acclaimed speakers have been chosen because of their immersion in the food and drink industry. Each has a unique story to tell and all have great ideas to make food and drink a better part of your business.”
The panel of ten acclaimed speakers includes Michelin Star chef Angela Hartnett, one of the highest profile women in the restaurant world; JP McMahon, also a Michelin Star chef and the brains behind a number of tourist events built around Galway’s culinary scene; Food Futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye and food critic, restaurant reviewer and hotel inspector, Simon Parkes.
“Angela will join compere Pamela Ballantine on stage to discuss her views on the industry and her expanding culinary business,” continued Janice. “JP McMahon, who epitomises the vibrant face of food in Galway, will speak about his Food on the Edge initiative which brought over 50 internationally-renowned chefs to Galway to celebrate all things food.
“Dr Morgaine Gaye, who uses trend analysis, economic data and socio-cultural analyse in her role as an acclaimed Food Futurologist, will look at the food of the future, giving an illuminating and often surprising insight into what we eat and what will be on future menus. Simon Parkes will draw on his international and extensive experience to speak about the changing world of restaurants and how service is evolving.”
As well as the tantalising line-up of speakers, delegates will also enjoy a Taste of NI Breakfast featuring iconic brands, traditional fare and a range of healthy options. This will be followed by a Picnic NI Lunch which includes a food hamper for sharing, grazing and enjoying the best local products. Curated artisan food and drink will also be served up at an Artisan Marketplace throughout the day. In addition, each delegate will leave with a Takeaway Bag filled with the best local produce and mementos.
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation is working with a range of partners to deliver the Taste of Tourism Summit. Lead sponsorship is being provided by Tourism Northern Ireland, Invest NI, Tourism Ireland, Food Standards Agency NI and Bunzl McLaughlin. Additional support is being provided by Hastings Hotels, Food NI/Taste of Ulster, Get Fresh, Henderson Foodservice, Woodford Bourne, Carnbrooke Meats and La Rousse Foods.
For further details see tasteoftourism.com or call 028 9077 6635
