The World of Hospitality Issue 68 2026 | Page 65

FOOD, DRINK & HOSPITALITY WEEK SHOW PREVIEW
The Hospitality Leaders Forum will provide space for operators to share practical experience on staffing, leadership, brand development and responsible business. Finally, the Tech Talks Theatre will delve into digital transformation, AI, automation, data and much more with practical case studies and operator insights.
Alongside the stages, The Pub Show will bring The Power of Us theme to life by spotlighting collaboration and shared experience across the pub sector. The programme will draw on the expertise of key partners including the British Institute of Innkeeping( BII) and the British Beer & Pub Association( BBPA), who emphasise the essential role pubs play in communities and the importance of operators coming together to discuss new ideas, challenges and opportunities.
Emma McClarkin OBE, CEO of the BBPA, comments:“ Pubs have always been places where people come together, where conversations flow and communities take shape. The Pub Show’ s theme of‘ The Power of Us’ captures that spirit perfectly, highlighting the vital role people play in shaping our sector. As an industry built on human connection, it’ s a welcome reminder of the value of working together and celebrating our teams and the customers we serve every day.”
Exhibitors will present solutions for modern pub operations, from drinks and dispense systems to service innovations and environmental improvements.
At HRC, visitors can explore equipment, foodservice products, interiors and hospitality solutions designed to support efficient, guest-focused operations. The show continues to act as a key meeting point for the sector, providing a clear overview of emerging approaches to sustainability, workforce management and service adaptation.
HRC’ s 2026 Chef Ambassador, Adam Handling MBE, comments:“ These events shaped my journey, so I’ m buzzing to give back and share what I’ ve learned. Now’ s the time to support each other and strengthen our industry, and the best way is by coming together, creating an environment where we can show what we do best, and talking openly.”
Hospitality Tech360 will be presenting a wide range of digital tools designed to streamline operations, reduce friction and support staff development, with ambassadors from across hotels, restaurants and technology contributing to the shaping of its programme.
Historic chef competition International Salon Culinaire will provide a platform for chefs at all levels to demonstrate technical skill, creativity and
precision. More than 90 competitions will run across the three days, including returning challenges such as the Tilda Chef Team of the Year and the Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef Team of the Year, alongside new additions including the Valrhona Live Tea Pastry Challenge and the Global Eggcellence Challenge. The line-up of judges, drawn from leading hotels, contract caterers, education providers and culinary institutions, reflects the depth of expertise that continues to shape the profession.
Networking sits at the heart of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, with countless opportunities for operators, suppliers and industry bodies to connect. From informal meetups and tastings to structured discussions and supplier-brand introductions, the week is designed to help visitors build meaningful relationships, exchange practical insight and identify solutions that can elevate their businesses.
Together, HRC, The Pub Show, Hospitality Tech360 and International Salon Culinaire offer a comprehensive and connected view of the industry’ s current trajectory. Whether visitors are seeking new products, operational improvements, digital tools or inspiration from peers, the week provides a concentrated environment in which to explore the ideas and innovations shaping the future.
Under the banner of The Power of Us, the events highlight not only the scale of the sector, but the shared ambition and collaborative spirit that continue to drive hospitality forward.
Find out more about everything happening this year at hrc. co. uk.
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