With the first ceda Digital Event now just one week away, we’re delighted to confirm our full event programme and introduce our impressive industry speakers and exhibitors.

The event, supported by Cedabond, AutoQuotes and Commercial Kitchen, takes place one week today, on Thursday 4th March. With guest speakers such as UKHospitality’s Kate Nichols and NHS Food Review Chair Philip Shelley giving their expert thoughts and opinion on the future of their sectors, the event promises to be both informative and enlightening.

Host Peter Martin will be kicking off proceedings and setting the scene by mapping out the five big behavioural shifts in the market that are already shaping and thinking about the future of the out-of-home food and drink market.

Peter is followed by Mowgli’s CEO and Founder, Nisha Katona MBE, who will talk about the challenges of keeping an entrepreneurial business alive and on track.

Next up is Noel Mahony, Chief Executive at BaxterStorey. Noel will reveal how one of Britain’s biggest and most diverse catering businesses has reimagined the food experience for a changing post-pandemic world of work and travel.

After a lunch interval Philip Shelley, Chair of the NHS Food Review will share the experiences, collaboration, involvement and recommendations to ensure that there is a clear pathway forward to improve our food and drink services in the NHS.

Last, but certainly no means least, is the head-to-head interview with Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality and Ralph Findlay, CEO of Marston’s PLC. With the reopening of hospitality in sight, Peter Martin will be asking these two industry giants what they perceive to be the big political and business challenges that still lie ahead. What shape is the sector in and what is the plan for navigating the new, emerging market landscape?

Find out more about all our Speaker here: ceda.co.uk/conference/2021-speakers/

ceda’s Director General, Adam Mason, is excited with the line-up and can’t wait to hear what each of the speakers has to say. He said, “This is arguably the best speaker, presenter and guest line-up we have had for any event, and I’m most grateful to everyone that has agreed to join us to share their thoughts, opinions, knowledge and expertise. There will be so much to learn for all of our attendees both from our programme but also in visiting the exhibition booths and we are delighted to have AutoQuotes, Cedabond, Commercial Kitchen Show, Electrolux, Falcon, First Choice, Hobart UK, Liebherr GB, Maidaid Halcyon, MCS, Mechline Developments, Meiko, MKN, Rational UK and Welbilt supporting us.”

Mason adds, “Due to the timing of the event, with the Budget the day before on Wednesday 3rd March, we hope to have some exclusive reactions and comments from our speakers on any announcements made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.”

Following a short break, the event programme continues with Chris Brazier who will host the ceda Grand Prix Awards 2020 ceremony, sponsored by Falcon Foodservice Equipment.  Chris will announce the winners of the various categories for projects completed in 2019, as well as the Rising Star Award which celebrates upcoming talent in the industry.

“Our Rising Star and Grand Prix Awards are a really important part of our year and although announced virtually there is no less importance or credibility to be derived. The short-listed people and projects are all outstanding and they wouldn’t have made it this far if they weren’t. Good luck to all. ” concludes Mason.

The full list of shortlisted projects can be viewed here: ceda.co.uk/conference/grand-prix-awards-2020-nominees/

For more details on the ceda Digital Event 2021, the full speaker line-up, Grand Prix Awards, and how to register, please visit ceda.co.uk/conference/