Edge Hotel School Conference 2026
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
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
HOW SHE DOES IT
Chair: Dr Whitney VernesSmith
Edge Hotel School
Caroline Gould Entrepreneur
Donatella Cerrutti
Park Tower Knightsbridge
Zoe Monk
Boutique Hotelier
Brett Smith Hotel Saint
Stefan Jordan University of Sunderland
Michelle Moreno QAB Leadership
Karen Bowlby University of Essex
SPOTLIGHT ON: WOMEN’S
WORKPLACE WELBEING
Chair: Jennifer Kaye Edge Hotel School
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
Thank
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
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
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.
This event is brought to you thanks to the generosity of Edge Foundation