FEA unveils full speaker lineup for 2026 edition
The full speaker lineup for FEA’s 2026 Industry Conference has been unveiled. For anyone interested in delving into the future for foodservice and hospitality, the event promises insights aplenty, with presentations from, amongst others, high profile government officials, economic specialists, market-leading operators, zero carbon specialists and even a polar explorer.
The conference takes place on 18th to 19th November at the stylish Staverton Park Hotel in Northamptonshire, which has numerous leisure facilities including a PGA European tour standard golf course. Alongside the main conference, the two-day programme features a variety of networking events, with a charity dinner on the Wednesday night and the prestigious industry awards dinner on the Thursday.
The stellar speaker lineup includes Mika Halttunen, chair of Halton Group Ltd, who will be interviewed by conference facilitator Michael Jones of The Consultant. Vicky Pryce, chief economic advisor at the Centre for Economics and Business Research will look into the future of foodservice, and Joe Elgar, partnerships manager at Zero Carbon Forum will consider the operators of the future. Deliveroo’s Henry Francis will deliver the powerhouse session and later Chris Stevens from Quintex and Alex Burley from Electrolux Professional will host the NextGen: One Year On session, before John Spraggett of the Department for Work & Pensions looks at recruiting young people.
Next up is Emily Teh, CEO of Zambrero UK, who will discuss how the Mexican quick serve chain selects foodservice equipment. Then she will join the afternoon panel discussion, with Giorgia Lardner of Cooper 8 and Michele Romano, business and brand development director at Ali Group, to delve into how effectively the industry helps customers adopt, use and benefit from the equipment they purchase.
It’s all brought to a head by the afternoon’s keynote speaker, Alan Chambers MBE. He’ll talk about leadership and pressure – subjects he’s familiar with, having led numerous expeditions to the North Pole. They include the first successful British unsupported expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole, walking 672 nautical miles in temperatures as low as minus 65°C, dragging a sledge the weight of a baby elephant.
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.