FEA starts to unveil the energising lineup for the 2026 edition
FEA’s 2026 industry conference is looking to shake up the foodservice equipment sector with a variety of new ideas and concepts from an energising speaker lineup. The conference programme is split, with the morning session focusing on economic and business insight, while the afternoon looks at training and development – with an eye on the rousing success of FEA’s NextGen initiative, which is looking to attract young people to the industry and support them once they are here.
What does the future hold for hospitality? Vicky Pryce, chief economic adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research, will give an economic update and projections, while Mike Jones, editor of Foodservice Consultant, will look at foodservice trends around the world. Then conference will hear from the Zero Carbon Forum about ‘operators of the future.’
The conference’s powerhouse session has a presentation from Henry Francis, senior strategy and projects manager of Deliveroo. .’ That’s followed by one of the keynote speakers, Mika Halttunen, chairman of Halton, who’ll end the morning with a bang with his talk, “Building a winning culture, globally.”
Attracting young professionals is key to the industry’s future. Following an update on NextGen’s progress, DWP’s John Spraggett of the Strategic Relationship Team will take a look at government initiatives, such as the youth guarantee, and consider strategies for moving forward. More youth-focused presentations will include a panel session looking at training, and considering whether we’re doing it right, asking, for example, are we supporting operators?
“This year’s speaker platform looks incredible, and we’re not finished yet,” says Emma Brooks, chair of FEA. “Our conference team is doing a fantastic job – I can’t wait to see the final lineup.”
A variety of Early Bird discount packages are still available, as well as bespoke packages for, for example, first time attendees. To select a package and secure places, visit the conference booking page: https://feaconference.co.uk/3/book-places or contact Rob Gibson at FEA, rob.gibson@fea.org.uk.
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA)is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing over 190 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk