Speakers at a Newcastle conference have been inspiring hospitality businesses to boost the region's offer to visitors.
A wide range of industry figures, including restaurateurs and small business owners through to representatives of larger corporates such as Greggs and Monstarlab, feature among the lineup of speakers at this week's Hospitality, Innovation, Tourism Supply (HITS) Expo. The event is part of a wider programme being delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) in partnership with Food and Drink North East (FADNE) and Northumberland Business Services Limited (NBSL), and funded by the North East Combined Authority.
The event features panel sessions, trade stands and live demonstrations, and has brought together companies and organisations operating across food, drink, hospitality, and tourism to highlight the role they play in making the North East's identity and offering. Guests include Kate Howell, communications director at London's successful Borough Market, Michelle Percy, director of place at Newcastle City Council and Keith Merrin of NewcastleGateshead Cultural Venues.
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The two-day expo will also see the North East Chef of the Year crowned from a shortlist of professional chefs. Entrants to the North East Culinary and Trade Association's competition had to develop a three-course meal that was then judged by an expert panel. A Beyond The Kitchen Table pitch event will see small and micro businesses sell-in their products to buyers, retailers and suppliers as well as showcase their ranges in the expo's Producers Market.
Ian Thomas, destination director at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: "The tourism and hospitality industry in the North of Tyne area is worth just under £2.6bn and employs over 33,000 people. Therefore, it is incredibly important to celebrate and support it with insights and inspiration at events like these.
"It will be fantastic to see so many exciting businesses under one roof to drive innovation within the sector. There will also be huge scope and opportunity for tourism and hospitality students to learn from industry and find out more about future careers within the sector. As well as inspire future generations, it is also incredibility important to share insights and learning around recruitment, skills, sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility – all key areas for growth and vital to the future success of our industry”.
Chris Jewitt, founder and CEO, FADNE, said: "The work that we do is all about the coming together of industry - removing the barriers and connecting the dots between hospitality, tourism and food and drink supply chain. The HITS Expo is an ambitious attempt to do just that by celebrating the very best of what's on our doorstep. Two days of industry insight, inspiration, and showcasing the region's emerging culinary talent. It’s an exciting moment in our collaboration with NGI."
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