Conference Programme 2026

Edge Hotel School

Conference 2026

The View,

Holborn

21.01.2026 11.00-16.00 | Networking Continues until 18.00

Creating Space for Women in Events, Hospitality and Tourism This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

The ‘Why’ Here at Edge Hotel School, University of Essex, we are firm believers in equal opportunity for all and passionate about creating a more equitable world for the future leaders of the Hospitality, Events and Tourism industry.

With shocking figures revealing that in the UK, women make up close to 70% of the workforce, and yet occupy only 8% of leadership roles (Uppal, 2024), we are seeking to challenge this narrative and explore how we can help shape the landscape of tomorrow so that our students graduate into diverse workplaces that value their voices and recognise their achievements regardless of their gender identity.

So, we welcome you to join the discussion. We aim to have created a safe space for collaboration and conversation where we can begin to unpick how we move forward Creating Space for Women in Events, Hospitality, and Tourism.

Emily Clark, Industry Engagement Officer and MSc International Events Management Student Uppal, R. (2024) ‘Gender Equality can Generate more Employment Opportunities in the Hospitality Sector’, BWHotelier, available from: https://www.bwhotelier.com/article/genderequality-can-generate-more-employment-opportunities-in-the-hospitality-sector-536398

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Agenda 11.00 - Delegates to arrive (Student Coaches Sponsored

by Constellation) 11.15 - Opening Remarks 11.20 - Celebrating 5 Years of Hertelier!

11.30 - Professor Stroma Cole, Equality in Tourism 12.10 - Fireside chat with Kalindi Juneja, PoB Hotels 12.45 - Networking lunch to be served 14.15 - How She Does It Panel 15.10 - Spotlight on: Women’s Workplace Wellbeing 15.50 - Final Thoughts 16.00 - Networking Reception to commence (Wines sponsored by Hallgarten and Novum Wines) 18.00 - Event to close, all to depart This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

As always, Edge Hotel School gives immense thanks to the Edge Foundation, without whom Edge Hotel School would not exist. Their generosity has meant that this conference Edge Foundation are the independent foundation working to inspire the education system to give all young people across the UK the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to flourish in their future life and work.

We believe in a broad and balanced curriculum, interactive and engaging real world learning, high quality technical and professional training and rich relationships between education and employers.

Making education relevant for... all – promoting greater equity in our society the real world – making sure that learning is engaging and exciting employability – ensuring that all young people are ready for work communities – tailoring solutions to the different nations, regions and place around the UK the future – preparing young people for our changing world and economy This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Emily Goldfischer

Celebrating 5 years of

hertelier

This year marks the 5th anniversary of hertelier, the online platform championing women in hospitality through interviews, career insights, and leadership conversations. Founded by Emily Goldfischer and Nancy Mendelson, hertelier has published nearly 800 interviews and articles, spotlighting the people and ideas shaping a more inclusive future for the industry. Find out more at www.hertelier.com and sign up to our free online newsletter delivered every Sunday

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Professor Stroma Cole

Equality in Tourism

Equality in Tourism is a registered nonprofit organisation transforming the lives of women in tourism by advocating for gender equality across the industry. We envision a just tourism industry that empowers women and girls, promotes diversity and inclusion, and contributes to the social, economic and environmental well-being of local communities.

Dr Stroma Cole combines her academic career with action research and consultancy. Her research explores the interconnect between tourism, gender and water rights. She is a codirector of Equality in Tourism, an international charity seeking to increase gender equality in tourism. With research interests in gender, responsible tourism development, and the links between tourism, the SDGs and Human Rights (particularly to water), Stroma is an activist researcher critiquing the consequences of tourism development.

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Kalindi Juneja

PoB Hotels PoB Hotels was formed in 1982 by a small group of British hoteliers. And since then, we've grown our hand-picked collection and now proudly represent over 50 city-based, countryside and coastal hotels dotted all over the British Isles

Kalindi is CEO of PoB Hotels, the UK’s foremost marketing consortium for exceptional independent hotels. Since taking the helm, she has driven a bold brand repositioning, launching a new website, magazine, gift collection, and annual book, broadening reach to today’s discerning traveller while honouring PoB’s heritage since 1982.

With over 20 years in luxury hospitality, including senior roles at Relais & Châteaux, Kalindi brings deep expertise in hotel management, brand strategy, digital marketing, and commercial growth.

I’m passionate about elevating guest experiences, building strong partnerships, and supporting the independent hotel sector to thrive.

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Caroline Gould Entrepreneur Chair: Dr Whitney VernesSmith Edge Hotel School

Brett Smith Hotel Saint

Zoe Monk Boutique Hotelier

Donatella Cerrutti Park Tower Knightsbridge

HOW SHE DOES IT This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Stefan Jordan University of Sunderland

Michelle Moreno QAB Leadership Chair: Jennifer Kaye Edge Hotel School

Karen Bowlby University of Essex

SPOTLIGHT ON: WOMEN’S WORKPLACE WELBEING This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Thank you to our sponsor Constellation (part of Compass Group) are a long-standing sponsor of Edge Hotel School and have supported student projects such as the Edge Ball and event placement opportunities for several years now. We give our thanks to Ryan, Olivia, and the whole team at Constellation for your ongoing support.

Whether you need extra cash or fancy kicking off a new career, join the Constellation team - where exciting hospitality jobs take you where you want to go. From permanent chef positions to temporary cleaning jobs, you’ll get to work at the most talked-about venues and events across the UK and Ireland. Sound good? Make your next big move and hit apply today or if you're already onboarded, download our app.

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Compass Group Knowledge Transfer

Partnership

Compass Group has partnered with the Edge Hotel School on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) research project.

The project runs for two-years the Compass approach to Human Resource Management, evidencing that their approach provides benefits to people and business while embedding analytical people science skills into the organisation creating a toolkit of HR best practises for the hospitality sector.

The project has recruited Rishabh Gupta as the Research Associate who, as a Human Resources Strategist, is based in Compass offices whilst employed by the Edge Hotel School. Rishabh has written a workplan which includes observing areas of the business and tracking a group of new recruits.

This research is being led by Dr Philip Berners who is supported by Dr Elaine Yerby and is joint-funded by Compass and the UK Government.

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Thank you to our sponsor With over 90 years of experience, Hallgarten & Novum Wines is one of the UK’s leading specialist wine distributors. In 2025, the business was honoured with multiple industry awards, including The Drinks Business ‘Drinks Company of the Year’ and International Wine Challenge ‘On-Trade Wine Supplier of the Year’, reflecting its market-leading portfolio and commitment to exceptional service.

More than a supplier, Hallgarten works in true partnership with its customers to ensure long-lasting success. The business is deeply committed to sustainability and ED&I, driving positive change and supporting the wider hospitality industry wherever it can.

Interested in a conversation about wine?

Find our representatives at their table or reach out to: Molly (Head Start Apprentice) – molly.eccleston@hnwines.co.uk Ed (Account Manager East) – ed.keith@hnwines.co.uk Amanda (Sales Manager London) – amanda.currie@hnwines.co.uk or sales@hnwines.co.uk

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

Saint Clair ‘Origin, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2024 A herbaceous, crisp wine showing intense flavours of ripe gooseberry and pear over a creamy texture.

Michele Chiarlo Nizza ‘Cipressi’, Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2022 A silky Barbera showing aromas of ripe Morello cherry and raspberry with sweet notes of wild herbs and tobacco and a rich, savoury expression on the palate.

Undurraga Extra Brut, Valle de Leyda NV This fresh, vibrant and fruity Blanc de Blancs reveals delicate aromas of citrus blossom and white floral notes over a creamy background.

Thompson & Scott NOUGHTY Dealcoholized Sparkling Chardonnay NV An elegant and pale Sparkling Chardonnay with crisp green apple and pear aromas leading to a refreshing palate with a beautifully balanced touch of sweetness.

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation

20% Discount with Code 25AFLY4 The Practical Guide to Managing Human Resources in Hospitality, Hotels and Events Jennifer Kaye Thehospitality industry is one of the fastest growing industries globally, incorporating hotels and other lodgings, restaurants, cafés, pubs/bars, and nightclubs. Hospitality is interrelated with events and travel industries, with food and drink offerings, transport, and accommodation often needed, alongside events. The key factors for Human Resources to consider when implementing a change regarding roles within an organisation, is clear, consistent, and open communication towards current team members. This is essential as it ensures our current team feel reassured throughout the process of receiving a new manager and member of the executive team.

Dec 2025: 412pp 18 B/W illustrations Pb: 978-1-032-74551-0 £41.99£33.59 Hb: 978-1-032-74552-7 £155£124 eBook: 978-1-003-46980-3 For more information visit: www.routledge.com/9781032745510

"This edition of the practical guide is written by an author with first-hand knowledge of the sector, who writes in a style that is informative, current and easy to follow. This guide is clarifies the role of Human Resources and explains the recruitment and procurement process, with relevant examples to support the content. It will prove essential reading for students wanting to gain a more applied understanding of how Human Resources works in context within the events and hospitality industries."

Liz Quick, Senior Lecturer, University of West London, UK; Author of Managing

Events, Real Challenges, Real Outcomes "The Practical Guide to Managing Human Resources in Hospitality, Hotels and Events offers what the hospitality sector has long needed: a clear direction through the realities of people management. Jennifer Kaye tackles everything from recruitment and payroll to global team leadership and workplace inclusion with refreshing clarity. This book will become a trusted desk reference for students learning the ropes and professionals handling daily HR challenges in hotel and events settings."

Alexandros Paraskevas , Professor in Strategic Risk Management, University of West London, UK

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1.TheRoleof HumanResources 2. Recruitment and Selection 3. Payroll. 4. Types of Employment Contract 5. Onboarding, Training, and Development 6. Performance Management 7. Reward Management 8. Employee Well-being, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity 9. Global Human Resources and Managing International Teams 10. Communication 11. Employment Law 12. Policy-Writing 13. Change Management

Scan the QR code to order your book or visit: www.routledge.com/9781032745510

*Please note that this discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and only applies to books purchased directly via www.routledge.com. This code expires on 31st March 2026.

20% Discount with Code 25AFLY4

The Practical Guide to Organising Events Philip Berners

Fully updated in its second edition, The Practical Guide to Organising Eve short, accessible, and practical guide on how to successfully plan and org variety of event types in a wide range of contexts. International in sco appeal, the core sections of the text are logically structured around the key of event management - pre-event, onsite, and post-event - offering es practical insight and guidance throughout the whole process. This new includes content on hybrid/live events, the MICE sector, event culture, so of professions, event tourism, experiential events, the experience economy attitude to risk, emerging event locations, and quali%cations versus exp amongst other relevant topics. Based on experience, using real-life case and anecdotal examples, this guidebook is essential reading for students, s and academics with an interest in events, tourism, and hospitality manag as well as practitioners working within the field.

Mar 2026: 278pp 3 Colorillustrations Pb: 978-1-032-97030-1 £41.99 £33.59 £155.0 £124.0 Hb: 978-1-032-97024-0 For more information visit: www.routledge.com/9781032970240

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Part1:Introduction. 1.The Culture of Events. 2.The Structure of Events. 3.The Role of the Event Organiser. Part 2:Management Pre-event. 4.The Enquiry to Con%rmation Stage. 5.Management of the Lead-in.

6.Catering and Beverages. 7.Client Liaison and Communications. Part 3:Management On-site: Operational Event Management. 8.Event Organiser Responsibilities. 9.Inside the Event. Part 4:Management Post-event. 10.Debriefs and Reports. 11.Case Studies. 12.Event Management as a Career Choice. 13.The Author's Career Path. Appendices.

Scan the QR code to order your book or visit: www.routledge.com/9781032970240 * Please note that this discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount and only applies to books purchased directly via www.routledge.com. This code expires on 31st March 2026.

LOOKING TO DEVELOP YOUR MANAGERS OR EMBELLISH YOUR GRAD SCHEME WITH A MASTERS QUALIFICATION? Just one day per week over two years, excluding Easter, Summer and Christmas.

No undergraduate degree required (based on having industry experience).

Start in October or January, whichever best suits your business needs.

Upper-management-level teaching by subject-specialist academics with industry experience, including people management, luxury marketing, and finance.

Options include MSc programs in International Tourism Management, International Events Management, and International Hospitality Management, each tailored for managers in tourism, events, F&B, and accommodation.

PART TIME MASTERS STUDY

EDGE HOTEL SCHOOL For an informal discussion, please contact Philip (p.berners@essex.ac.uk)

This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation