Hospitality Exchange

Chef & Industry Legend, the original culinary bad boy will be in conversation with Pamela Ballantine about survival, a 30-year career and solving the chef shortage.

Acclaimed author, Award-winning restaurant critic and columnist shares his amazing experiences, great eats and talks about what the future holds for the world of hospitality.

Two-star Michelin Chef will create a gourmet dinner to mark the start of the 19th Hospitality Exchange with dishes from his brand new book, Rogan! Highlighting his revolutionary approach to food and ingredients.

Chef, Former Roux Scholar and Operations Manager at Roganic & Aulis. Harry will be in the kitchen demonstrating the food from Roganic, showcasing the food philosophy from Simon Rogan’s leading restaurant group.

Chef Patron with husband Mark at Marcus in London, another Derry Girl success demonstrates the culinary skill that has made her a leading figure in the London “Murphia” and contestant in this year’s Great British Menu.

Tourism and hotels are in the news with great stories of investment and expansion. Get the facts and the figures as Gareth explains the economic impact, investment and job creation.

It’s been a year of massive expansion. STR will launch a forecast at the Business Breakfast with an overview of the Northern Ireland market and an in-depth study on the hotel hotspots!

Bar supremo and drinks ambassador, Phum creates cocktails to match local ingredients, defines what makes great beverage and sublime hospitality experience.

A record year in 2017, lots of new supply in 2018. John will outline how we can build on success, increase the sector to a £1bn industry and overcome barriers to growth.

As tourism south of the border continues to break records, Brendan Griffin’s commitment to the industry is undeniable. He will outline the government’s position on the sector, support for the future and the importance of the industry going forward.

Tourism Ireland promotion in overseas markets is key to our future success – Niall will give the inside track on this year’s performance, how the industry can give support and the challenges ahead.

With over a decade of experience in Tourism, Justin will speak about the phenomena of Tripadvisor, the role of reviews and how to manage your reputation.

Insights from Journalist and Lonely Planet contributor Fionn Davenport, one of Ireland’s best-known travel writers and broadcasters, on how to attract more visitors and make this region a must-see destination!

A well-respected figure on the local hospitality scene with a encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry, Michael will add an invaluable insight to the breakfast panel.

Leading economist, Andrew Webb, will give an update on the impact of hotel expansion, job creation and the value of the industry to the local economy.

Property expert with local insight gives a commercial viewpoint into the hotel market adding a new dimension to the panel discussion.

Compere Extraordinaire, joins the Exchange line up again this year. Overseeing the kitchen demos, meeting with the legendary Marco Pierre White and interviewing Giles Coren. For the grand finale Masquerade Ball, Pamela will be donning her glad rags.

Brian joined AIB Group in 2003 and has worked in a number of senior Business Banking and Branch Banking roles in Belfast and Poland. Brian was appointed as Head of Business Banking and Corporate Banking in April 2010. He will be a panellist at the Business Breakfast.

Newry native and award-winning journalist returns home to compere panel discussions, introduce the industry forecast and welcome Minister Brendan Griffin.