Future
‘Voices of the Future’
As an Edge Hotel School alumni, and proud member of Gen-Z, this conference topic really speaks to me. The idea has been floated around in the media for years, that our generation are lazy, entitled and workshy, an idea which I completely refute. We are a generation of hard-working, liberated individuals who embrace change and champion ideas from way outside of the box.
In true Gen-Z spirit, when it came to this conference, I had a real urge to shake things up and throw out the proverbial rule book of conferences past This year, we will be hearing from some real movers and shakers from across the Hospitality and Events sector, as well as having the opportunity to hear from the true Voices of the Future - our students!
In keeping with Edge tradition, we have organised our 8th annual conference to provide our students, alumni and partners the opportunity to meet, network, and share ideas about the industries that truly unite us all. Only with the support of our friends across the events, hospitality and tourism sectors, are we able to remain an esteemed hospitality education institution, with a continual focus on industry engagement.
With that in mind, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Hilton, especially the team at The Waldorf Hilton London for their generous support when it came to organising this conference.
Emily Clark Industry Engagement Officer
Thank you also to Constellation, for your unrelenting support of Edge Hotel School and sponsorship for many of the cornerstone activities in our students’ education.
And as always, thank you to the Edge Foundation for continually facilitating the education of industry professionals and championing the ethos of learning by doing.
So to you, our conference delegates, whether student, alumni, staff or industry partner, I truly hope you find the day enjoyable, insightful and rewarding.
Thank you to our generous sponsors
Introducing the new Head of Edge Hotel School Professor Marcus Stephenson
Marcus Stephenson is Professor and Head of the Edge Hotel School at the University of Essex. He was Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management as well as Dean of the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University (Malaysia) (20172024)
Marcus is the editor of the 'Routledge Handbook on Tourism and Small Island States in the Pacific', co-author of ‘Tourism and Citizenship: Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities in the Global Order’ (2014), and co-editor of ‘International Tourism Development and the Gulf Cooperation Council States: Challenges and Opportunities’ (2017). He has also published extensively on the sociology of tourism and hospitality, especially concerning nationality, race, ethnicity, culture, and religion His current research focus is on tourism development in the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Marcus has carried out research and consultancy for various tourism-related institutions at regional and international level and has also supervised a range of PhD programmes
He is a member of the editorial advisory board for several academic journals and has been an external examiner, academic adviser and reviewer for various institutions in Australia, Iran, United Arab Emirates and the UK
Earlier in his career, Marcus worked in various sectors of the hospitality industry, including country hotels, restaurants, an event centre and museum, and his parents have owned and operated several hospitality and tourism related businesses for almost thirty years.
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One of the founder shareholders of Zibrant (acquired by BCD M&E in 2016), one of the largest Global MICE agencies, Fay has over 40 years’ experience working in the hotel, hospitality, event management and venue sourcing arena
In 2015 Fay launched the Fast Forward 15 Women’s mentoring initiative, recognised by industry associations and her peers, members of the programme include corporate, agency, government and regulatory bodies. In 2018, Fay was awarded the ‘Mentor of the year’ and an Honorary Doctorate for her services to the sector from UWL.
Recognised in the Queens awards for her work in Equality and Charity she received an OBE in 2022. Passionate to support good causes, Fay has completed numerous charity challenges. 7 years Chair of Trustees of the Muscle Help Foundation, has raised over 150k for Charities cycling 500k, completing the 3 peaks twice, sleeping rough for homeless charities to name a few. She is a Mum of 2 and an all round Can do Role model.
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As Head of Learning and Development at Leonardo Hotels, Edward’s focus is firmly on the growth and promotion of quality workplace learning. It’s important that everyone at all levels, roles, locations, cultures and needs have the opportunity to grow at work to achieve more in their current role and in the future for themselves and the business
With 5500 team members, over 60 locations across the UK and Ireland this has required the adoption of a range of learning delivery methods with flexibility and access at it’s core.
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Tom is the People & Culture Manager at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, where they've been a driving force in the hotel's recent diversity, equity & inclusion efforts.
In recent years their work has seen them named as one of Checking IN's inaugural LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champions and the Athenaeum nominated in D&I categories at the HR in Hospitality and Springboard Awards. They believe that the hospitality industry, where we excel at making people feel welcomed, is ideally positioned to create inclusive working environments.
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Zoe Monk, a dynamic educator and HR & L&D specialist, holds multiple roles at Edge Hotel School, University of Essex. Drawing from over 13 years of industry expertise, including 8 years in event-focused HR roles predominantly focused on L&D, training, CPD, talent acquisition, and HR generalist functions, Zoe brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her teaching and leadership positions.
Prior to her academic career, she honed her skills in various operational and management capacities, specializing in the luxury weddings and events sector across the UK and Europe. Throughout her career, Zoe has orchestrated and managed events for renowned organizations such as Disney, NFL, Saatchi and Saatchi London, and foreign dignitaries, showcasing her prowess in navigating high-pressure environments and delivering exceptional results.
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As General Manager of The Waldorf Hilton, Guy Hilton is overseeing one of London’s most iconic hotels. Joining in October 2016, The Waldorf is his sixth Hilton property, following time at Hilton Leeds, Hilton Edinburgh Grosvenor, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Hilton Brighton Metropole and Hilton Gatwick Airport – all as General Manager. He held his first General Manager position at the age of 28 at the Royal Hotel in Llangollen, Wales and was presented the prestigious Acorn Award which was given to the "Top 30 under 30 year olds". In 2021 Guy was awarded Most Engaged General Manager during the Hilton International Week of Engagement Guy is an Executive Director of the Northbank BID Board representing the hotel business community on public engagement plans. Guy was promoted to Area General Manager (in 2023), and is now responsible for The Waldorf Hilton, Hilton London Hyde Park and Curio Hart Shoreditch Guy was also awarded the Hilton UKI Special Recognition Award – London Luxury, Ireland. In 2024 Guy was recognised in the Top 100 General Managers in the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
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My name is Katariina Reissaar, and I currently have the privilege of serving as the Director of Operations at the Royal Air Force Club. My passion for hospitality was ignited at an early age, inspired by my mother’s work managing a catering business. This early exposure set the foundation for a career defined by a love for creating exceptional experiences. Following a graduate programme, I began my journey with the RAF Club, where I’ve grown immensely from Front Office Manager to promotion as Director of Operations. Alongside my professional role, I actively contribute to the industry as Co-Secretary of the IoH London Committee, and I am currently also chairing the Youth Council, connecting with future leaders and showcasing the wealth of opportunities within hospitality.
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With more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, I am currently the Director of Constellation, the bespoke staffing arm of Levy Restaurants, one of the UK's leading hospitality providers. I lead a team of over 20000 professionals who deliver exceptional service and memorable experiences to clients across various sectors, including sports, entertainment, leisure, and corporate.
My core competencies include business planning, problem solving, analytical skills, negotiation, and budgeting I have a passion for innovation and excellence in the hospitality industry, and I constantly seek new opportunities and challenges to enhance the quality and value of our services. I graduated from the University of Wales, Cardiff with a degree in Hospitality Management, and I am committed to continuous learning and development in my field. My mission is to create a positive impact on the hospitality sector and the communities we serve.
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Joanne is a passionate Master Innholder with a wide range of experience across branded and independent hotels.
Originally from South Africa, Joanne made the UK her home in 1995. She is happily settled as the GM at the Five Star Athenaeum Hotel and Residences, where she has led the team for nearly 6 years.
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Adrian Ellis has built a career managing properties in the UK and overseas for 28 years. A career of success centred on understanding the delicate balance between; demanding only the best service standards with the necessity to nurture industry champions of tomorrow and, running a successful and profitable enterprise with the responsibility of giving back and engaging with the community in which it operates.
Adrian joined the five-AA-star Lowry Hotel, Manchester in 2015, and worked there until his retirement in 2024. He now works as an independent hospitality consultant, as well taking on a role as Director of Hospitality Connect Adrian is also a Board member for Hospitality Action and sits on the Executive committee for Springboard UK. In 2022 Adrian won the accolade of ‘Hotelier of the Year’ and also proudly received an industry ‘Catey’ for his work in Education and Training.
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I enrolled at the Edge Hotel School as a way of pursuing a career in an industry that I’m incredibly passionate about after dropping out of school at 16.
I am currently employed as a Sales Manager at an ibis Budget in Amsterdam City South where I lead the hotel on commercial strategy.
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Before joining Edge Hotel School, I worked in a variety of supervisory roles in both bars and high end restaurants, during which I developed a passion for wine and beverages. I was also lucky enough to undergo WSET Level 1 and 2 early in my career. During my time at Edge, I assisted with wine dinners in The Brasserie, arranged my own work experience with the wine team at The Pig at Bridge Place, represented Sipsmith as a student brand ambassador and focused on consumer perceptions of English wine as the topic of my dissertation. It was these experiences that led me to pursue wine as a career and I have now taken the role of Head Start Apprentice for specialist wine supplier Hallgarten and Novum Wines.
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My name is Sebastian Schraag, I am currently Reception Supervisor at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, and I graduated from Edge Hotel School in 2022. Since I left EHS, I have undergone a Graduate Management Programme at Whatley Manor off the back of EHS. On that programme, I have worked alongside every department, which then allowed me to take up a permanent position in Reception.
When looking for a university to study Hotel Management, Edge Hotel School stood out in an instant The experiential learning you receive at Wivenhoe House is unmatched because the hotel staff really push for students to have input and take on responsibilities for themselves. EHS also stood out because of its links to industry. Having had so many guest lectures from esteemed and respected hospitality institutions was priceless and its proximity to London meant amazing opportunities to see these hotels and venues in the flesh
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I’m an Event Service Manager at the Royal Lancaster London, where I oversee and deliver a wide range of events, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional experiences for clients.
I chose Edge because I wanted to pursue a career in event management and needed hands-on experience to build my skills. It was the perfect starting point for my career.
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I never thought a degree would be an option for me as I have always struggled with my dyslexia. At college, I couldn’t stop planning so I had a look at what university courses there were, and when I found Edge I knew it was an great option for me as it allowed practical experience within the degree which takes some of the pressure of the written assessment side. I have so many great memories from Edge and am most grateful for the many industry opportunities I got to experience along side my degree, including Disney, the Brit Awards, Royal Ascot, Twickenham Six Nations, Chelsea Flower Show, wedding venues and many more! I also felt I could used the skills I learn in class and put them into the practical setting. Edge help me to grow my knowledge within the industry and I continue to learn now.