FCSI conferences are hotly anticipated by members across the world – they offer unrivaled educational and networking opportunities and a chance to discuss collective solutions to industry challenges with colleagues and friends. This year’s Europe, Africa, Middle East (EAME) conference at the fabulous Titanic Hotel Liverpool is set to fulfil that promise.
For Julian Edwards FCSI, chair of FCSI EAME, the highlight of the conference will be its theme of humanity running through every facet, and the opportunity to gather, make connections, and find common ground.
“We’ve got some phenomenal speakers at this conference, and I like to think FCSI will demonstrate to the industry at large that we do a conference with style, panache and professionalism, and engage in subject matters that may not always be mainstream stories,” he says. “We’re going beyond our normal scope and looking at other sectors of the industry, which colleagues may or may not have that much activity in, so we’re trying to really diversify the program.”
This year’s event program is particularly multilayered, centering on the acronym HEART: H for humanity, E for environment, A for AI and automation, R for responsibility, and T for togetherness. With a carefully selected line-up of esteemed keynote speakers, attendees will gain insights into a vast array of topics, as we hear from Nisha Katona, restaurateur, cookbook author, TV chef and founder of Mowgli Street Food restaurants; Professor Bryce Evans, food historian at Liverpool Hope University, fellow of the Historical Society and a Churchill Fellow; Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla; and Emma Best, operations director at Eurest.
“The real value is in the mix of people. We’ve got different perspectives, markets, people solving similar problems in different ways, consultants and manufacturers in the same space,” says Glenn Campbell FCSI, founder and MD of Cohesion Consulting. “When you bring all that together, that’s where it gets interesting. I always say: you can access information anywhere now, but you can’t replicate the quality and depth of conversation you can only get in a unique space like the FCSI Conference.”
Building connections
As always, the real heart of these events is the opportunity to build in-person connections that can evolve into friendships or long-term work partnerships that bring fresh perspectives and alternative solutions to business and industry challenges. Often, these are the conversations where ideas are sparked in breaks over coffee, or when you least expect them.
“For me, it is always about the people. I’m looking forward to bringing the FCSI family together again,” says executive director of FCSI EAME Elonique Dalhuisen. “Welcoming members from all over the world, reconnecting and meeting new faces – that is what makes this community so strong. I am also especially excited that we will have our young professionals from EPiC (Emerging Professionals in Consulting) joining us for the first time. That next generation brings fresh energy and perspective, and it is great to see them becoming part of the community.”
The agenda aims to navigate the path ahead for the industry, with the opportunity to identify the key themes, trends, and, most importantly, solutions to today’s challenges – bringing everyone together to collectively share skills, knowledge, insights and support to keep improving and evolving the industry in a joint effort.
“It reflects where the global sector is heading. We are not dealing with one issue at a time anymore; everything is interconnected,” notes Campbell. “Sustainability, technology, commercial pressures, AI versus the human experience… It’s all intertwined. I think the program leans into that, which is great because the real challenge now isn’t just innovation – it’s balance. Getting that mix right, now
and for the future, is a core theme running throughout HEART26.”
The ‘wow’ factor
The conference planning committee hope delegates will be thrilled by the venue. The hotel itself is an iconic venue in a city renowned globally for its rich cultural history and industrial character, along with a unique food history, which attendees will learn about from Professor Bryce Evans’ opening keynote on Friday, 29 May.
“Liverpool is a city with character, history and a strong sense of identity. It is vibrant, creative and deeply connected to culture and hospitality, which makes it a perfect fit for our conference,” says Dalhuisen. “Our venue really adds to that experience. It is not just a place where we meet; it is part of the story. The hotel offers a fantastic setting, combining comfort, style and atmosphere. At the same time, we have built the program in a way that allows delegates to truly experience Liverpool, not just stay inside the conference rooms,” she adds.
“Liverpool has reinvented itself over the centuries and I think that resonates with what’s happening in foodservice globally,” adds Campbell. “We’re at the Titanic Hotel for the conference and the HEART26 theme juxtaposes the past, present and future in an iconic venue. The EPiC program epitomizes that as well, the whole environment reinforces the message. Reinvention isn’t optional anymore – it’s how you stay relevant that matters.”
The choice of venue also aims to support interaction in different spaces throughout the conference to reflect the program. This is not a typical boardroom-based conference, but, rather, one that has the ambition to foster discussion and encounters in unique ways, beyond keynote speeches and networking opportunities to enable delegates to experience Liverpool on the ground, getting a real taste of the city as they navigate the River Mersey, while forming lasting connections.
It goes beyond sharing or obtaining knowledge to create or inspire new perspectives. Whether it’s a new solution to a challenge or an idea they can try out, a new technology or piece of equipment or a conversation that stays with or inspires them, there is something for everyone to gain.
“Ultimately, delegates will leave with many ideas and connections and a view on new technology or ways of thinking… that’s where the value is,” concludes Campbell. “That’s what creates momentum, for individuals, for the industry and FCSI as a whole.”
Lauren Hurrell
