Plus: all you need to know about AI – and how it’s shaping the foodservice industry
FEA Conference 2025, Wednesday 12th to Thursday 13th November 2025, De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel
Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards will be the keynote speaker at this year’s FEA Industry Conference. For anyone who knows his story, it’ll come as no surprise that he’ll look at the importance of taking risks and getting up and trying again if you fail!
Eddie’s talk will round off a fascinating afternoon as conference speakers unpick one of the great themes of our age, AI. The topic will be covered from several angles: Tim Davies, CEO of Projekt Rising, looks at AI with an operator’s point of view; Emanuela Delgado, senior VP of Parts Town, covers using AI for business agility and growth; Chang Ge, Head Lecturer at Lincoln University, talks about understanding AI with a focus on ethics, policy, governance and regulation; and Google’s James Shaw, Global Programs Design Lead, looks at how the search giant is using AI. Then the four experts will get together to form an AI panel with discussion and a Q&A session from the floor.
All that is after an insightful morning that covers topics including food to go, with Matt Cundrick of FTG Navigator; front of house design trends from Claire Smith and Tansin Blankley of ABDA Design; and kitchen and FOH technology with Mark Reynolds, regional executive chef of Levy UK and chair of the Craft Guild of Chefs. Conference facilitator Mike Jones of the FCSI will open proceedings with an industry update and a look at global trends, while the morning keynote address comes from Dr Peter Stadelmann, CEO, Rational AG.
“This year’s conference offers a fascinating mix of stimulating presentations, all linked to the theme of ‘Business Agility,’” says Kelly Barrell, chair of FEA’s revenue and marketing committee, which plans the event. “And it’s topped off by the legendary Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards, who made a triumph out of heroic failure. If anyone knows about pushing outside your comfort zone, it’s him!”
Anyone looking to attend the conference should secure their place as soon as possible. “Early Bird ticket sales have been extremely strong”, says FEA’s marketing manager, Adam Lawrence. “We’ve worked hard to broaden the appeal of the conference through a strategic approach to the programme. For the next phase we’re partnering with affiliate associations to attract attendees from the wider industry, so it’s an exciting time.” FEA is offering a variety of ticket options, from conference-day-only to the full two-day package. There are also several first-time delegate tickets remaining for anyone wishing to bring a fresh face to the conference. To book a place at the FEA 2025 Industry Conference click here.