Hospitality Now

Hospitality Now is a forum for food and drink professionals who want to learn, polish, or share the skills needed to survive and thrive in the toughest market the trade has ever seen. This is not a forum to debate abstract theories, or commiserate about how things used to be. It’s focused on the realities of doing business right now – on how to get customers through the door and how to make money – and the opportunities the immediate future holds for this business that we love and believe in.   

Your ticket includes access to all panels at Hospitality Now:

How to Make Money in Hospitality
Keynote address: Some of the industry’s most innovative players discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s tough market.

Featuring: Con Christopoulos (City Wine Shop, Kafeneion, The European), Chris Lucas (Lucas Restaurants) and Lyndon Kubis (Diggin' in the Cellars).

Hosted by Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

The Easy Wins in a Hard Market
Things you can do straight away to optimise your business.

Featuring: Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook, SilkSpoon), Fleur Studd (Market Lane Coffee) and Nathen Doyle (Heart Attack and Vine, Sunhands, Residence). 

Hosted by Angie Bradbury.

Unconventional Wisdom
New and different models for hospitality businesses.

Featuring: Zoe Birch (Greasy Zoes), Derek Boath (Underbar) and Sophie McIntyre (Club Sup).

Hosted by Pat Nourse, Creative Director, Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

Tomorrow’s Customer Today 
Gen Z and Gen A: What they want, how to get them through the door, and how they can help you succeed.

Featuring: Tess Stewart (HQ Group), Kantaro Okada (Hareruya Pantry) and Kelsie Gaffey (Gracie’s Wine Room).

Hosted by Renee Buckingham.

All ticket-holders enjoy coffee and tea on arrival, lunch and a tour of the fabulous Pt. Leo Estate, and we’ll be serving drinks afterwards to give you more of a chance to talk about the issues and how to stay ahead of them. It’s hospitality – now.