British chef, restaurateur and author Gary Rhodes OBE, has confirmed his attendance as a VIP speaker at The Big F&B Forum, to be hosted by Catering News on 20 September at Westin Mina Seyahi Dubai.
With a number of Michelin stars under his belt, Rhodes is a well-known ambassador of British cuisine, and has two restaurants operating in Dubai: Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House Hotel and Rhodes Twenty10 at Le Royal Méridien.
Commenting on his participation, Rhodes said: “The reason I’m taking part in the forum, is to take in, realise and recognise the professional thoughts of the many top F&B representatives Dubai holds.
“The industry has become almost a fashion world, with styles and concepts constantly changing. It’s good to discover what might be happening next.”
The on-stage interview with Rhodes will take place at 12.20pm, just before a networking lunch with interactive workshops.
Welcoming more than 150 F&B professionals from across the region, The Big F&B Forum will tackle the key topics, trends and challenges impacting the industry, with a morning of thought-provoking panel debates, expert speaker sessions and interactive workshops.
A networking breakfast will take place from 8am, with Dubai Tourism senior communications manager Aida Al Busaidy to offer a keynote address at 8.40am on the value of the F&B industry as part of the wider tourism conversation in the emirate.
Following this is an on-stage interview with Dr. Basem Abdul Moneim, public health specialist, National Tobacco Control Programme on how the UAE’s impending smoking ban will impact the F&B industry.
Other expert speakers confirmed are Damien Rizzi, Colliers MENA senior asset manager – hospitality, who will unveil an exclusive new report on maximising profitability in hotel restaurants; and Ali Sinaei, managing partner, Roundmenu, discussing consumer behavior trends and dining decisions.
Panel sessions include “Creating a more sophisticated F&B landscape”; “A rising talent pool: but at what cost?”; and “The trends shaping the UAE’s F&B landscape”, with a strong line-up of panellists combining a wealth of F&B industry knowledge and experience.
A networking lunch with interactive workshops will take place at 12.50pm, allowing attendees the opportunity to meet with peers and learn more about the latest products on the market.
Some of the most prominent, influential catering and hospitality suppliers in the region are sponsoring the event, with Coffee Planet confirmed as Exclusive Coffee Sponsor and Al Rawdah (Emirates Modern Poultry Co.) as Official Breakfast Sponsor.
Also supporting the event are alcohol distributor African + Eastern; foodservice equipment supplier, TSSC; and tableware and uniforms supplier, A. Ronai LLC.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact Diarmuid O’Malley: dom@bncpublishing.net or Nick Clowes: nick@bncpublishing.net.
To register attendance, contact Mark Anthony Monzon: mark@bncpublishing.net
Access the full agenda and details of confirmed speakers by clicking on this link.
