Delegates arriving on Monday began their Conference experience with a choice of three tours: a campus tour of Edge Hill University, giving attendees an insight into the area's heritage, culture and charm as well as the campus' key catering and retail outlets, or one of two football stadium tours – a visit to Liverpool Football Club's iconic Anfield Stadium, or for the blues, a visit to Everton's new, bold, state-of-the-art stadium. After a quick refresh, delegates gathered in the University's new Student Union building for an evening of conversation, food and fun, before the main event began on Tuesday.
Hosted by none other than Paul 'The Sinnerman' Sinha, Tuesday's event started with a welcome to Edge Hill from the university's Chief Operating Officer, followed by TUCO Chair Amanda Pettingill and a recap on the last 12 months at TUCO from CEO Mike Haslin. Amanda and Mike announced the launch of a new TUCO initiative; STUDENT COOKING - designed to help students build kitchen confidence, save money, reduce food waste and improve their physical and mental well-being. The new project will consist of the STUDENT COOKING Hub - a centralised digital platform accessible to all members at no additional cost – alongside the STUDENT COOKING masterclasses a live cook-along held at TUCO member campuses to give students hands-on cooking skills.
Guests were in for a treat next as Monica Galetti – one of the most highly renowned female chefs in the country – took to the stage for an intimate and informative discussion around her interest in food and how it has taken her to some of the best fine-dining restaurants, as well as her roles as judge, mentor and television presenter.
Next, Alex Polizzi – best known as the host of The Hotel Inspector – presented on her experience advising family-run companies on how to overcome operational and financial challenges. After lunch, delegates were rapt by Nisha Katona's Q&A, the owner of Indian street-food restaurant chain Mowgli. Nisha's conversational and engaging style energised the audience as she discussed her creation of the authentic, home-style Indian restaurant chain. Tuesday's keynote line-up closed with Nic Hamilton, who inspired the audience with his story of entering competitive motorsport after being born with cerebral palsy.
On Tuesday evening, the social event embraced the campus's proximity to Liverpool with a Beatles-themed night, culminating in an epic performance from the world's biggest Beatles tribute band, the Bootleg Beatles.
Wednesday's inspiring talks picked up where they'd left off, with Paul welcoming delegates back and continuing the day's hosting with his sparkling wit. First up was Celia Gaze, a passionate advocate for sustainability, who touched on how businesses can create experiences that really engage their customers. Shabnam Islam and her team discussed using Behavioural Science and AI to drive diner choice, followed by Tom Cheesewright – an Applied Futurist – on how he helps leaders see the future more clearly. The day wrapped up with a motivating speech from The Tempest Two, two ordinary friends who have taken on some of the world's most ambitious adventures and become experts in resilience and team culture.
Between sessions over the two days, the bustling exhibition space gave delegates a chance to discover new products, connect with over 100 suppliers, and sample innovative food and drink.
The Conference culminated in the annual Gala Dinner, a black-tie extravaganza where the results of the TUCO Awards were announced – a fitting finale that celebrated individual and team achievements across the TUCO membership.
£5,310 was raised for the charity Dementia UK, and conference sponsor Brakes once again donated any surplus food to local charities.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Conference.
VIEW THE PHOTOS HERE.
And the highlights video below:
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