From recruitment to retainment, and looking after our teams. Hear all about staffing and wellbeing from some of the most knowledgeable industry leaders, recorded live at HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025.

Tech-Driven People Engagement: Empowering HR and People Teams in Hospitality

In this session we’ll explore how technology is transforming employee engagement, retention, and development in the hospitality sector. For HR Directors and Chief People Officers, tech tools are helping to drive meaningful engagement, improve communication, and enhance team performance. Discover the latest platforms and solutions designed to streamline recruitment, boost staff satisfaction, and create a culture of continuous learning and feedback.

Our expert speakers will discuss the role of AI, employee engagement platforms, and data-driven insights in fostering a positive workplace culture and optimising people management processes. From personalised learning paths to real-time performance tracking and feedback loops, this session will offer actionable strategies for using technology to empower your people team and create an environment where employees thrive. Perfect for CPOs, HRDs, and people leaders in hospitality, this session will provide the tools needed to build a more engaged, motivated, and loyal workforce.

Speakers:

  • Peter Martin (Peach 20/20)

  • Ceri Gott (Hawksmoor)

  • Fernanda Antonio (Caravan Restaurants)

  • Jonatan Rasmussen (All Gravy)


 

We are Family: Building High Performing Teams in a Shifting Landscape

A strong team is the heart of any successful hospitality business—but how do you stay ahead of budgetary and regulatory changes, make smart financial decisions, and cultivate a resilient, motivated workforce in today’s shifting landscape? Less than a month before the impact of the recent budget comes into place, this panel brings together industry experts to discuss the changing legislations, their likely impact, and how operators can survive. Whether you're leading a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality group, join us for invaluable insights on how to prepare for what's coming, and nurture a team that thrives.

Speakers:

  • Katy Moses (KAM)

  • Dan Hawkie (TiPJAR)

  • Kate Nicholls OBE (UKHospitality)

  • Oli Cavaliero (Pizza Pilgrims)

  • Richard Hartley (S4Labour)


 

Tech Driving Recruitment in Hospitality

Finding and retaining top talent has become one of the biggest challenges in hospitality. With talent shortages, high turnover rates, and shifting workforce expectations, businesses can no longer rely on traditional hiring methods. Technology is now at the forefront of recruitment, helping operators attract, engage, and retain the best people in the industry. This panel will explore how AI-driven solutions, automation, and data-powered recruitment strategies are revolutionising hiring in hospitality. From smart applicant tracking systems that streamline the hiring process to digital onboarding platforms that ensure new hires hit the ground running, technology is reshaping how businesses build and maintain strong teams.

We’ll hear from industry leaders who are leveraging tech to improve candidate experiences, reduce recruitment time, and create engaged, long-term employees. Is AI the answer to better hiring decisions? Can automation ease the pressure on operators and HR teams? And how can brands use technology to showcase their culture and attract the next generation of hospitality professionals? With the industry evolving rapidly, recruitment must evolve with it. This discussion will uncover how businesses can harness technology not just to fill vacancies, but to build world-class teams that drive long-term success.

Speakers:

  • Abbi Simms (Tech on Toast)

  • Dan Razavi (Leisurejobs)

  • Emma Wood (Planday)

  • Jordan Moore (GAIL's Bakery)

  • Mike Phillips (Nightcap)