Friday 16th – Tuesday 20th September 2022 Unitas Conference 2022 Tenerife Ritz Carlton Abama Resort Hotel, Tenerife
During the conference we will bring to life and communicate our developing strategy of becoming a more member-centric organisation and how we are looking to the future as we embrace and adapt to a new reality. The conference also gives us the opportunity to better understand the changing needs and behaviours of our customers, their consumers and end-users as a result of the impact of the pandemic, closely followed by the cost of living crisis.
For some the 2022 Unitas conference in Tenerife will represent a welcome back to a traditionally held annual event and a chance to reconnect with colleagues and friends from the industry, while for others this will be the first time you have attended a Unitas conference.
We will also explore a number of key messages centred around managing and developing solutions to help future proof the channel and the businesses that operate within it.
Based on the huge changes that are happening in our industry, we will investigate the rapid shifts in this very competitive landscape and the challenges and opportunities this presents to us. We will also consider the ways in which organisations must adapt to the new normal when change happens, and by re-appraising and re-energising collaborations to respond positively.
Dear Delegate
As we emerge from a time that has witnessed unprecedented changes and challenges throughout the world, the UK and our own sector, it is our pleasure to be able to welcome you to our first overseas conference for 3 years.
2
A sustainable conference 2022 will see the Unitas Wholesale conference take further strides in our policy to become increasingly environmentally friendly, sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint. We have significantly reduced our reliance on printed materials therefore cutting down on the amount of paper, cardboard and ink that we have historically used, favouring instead a more digitally focussed approach from which to present our conference information, deals brochure, delegate listings and more. You will notice this year that we have dispensed with ticket wallets, the “little book” conference itinerary and luggage labels in a further bid to create a more environmentally friendly event. All show materials around the conference venue have also been sourced and printed on the island and are fully recyclable.
To avoid the need for plastic water bottles, there are a number of points around the hotel where you can refill your own water bottles. Please remember to bring your reusable bottle with you!
Your venue
UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE 3
The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife is surrounded by the incomparable beauty of Spain’s Canary Islands and is situated along Tenerife’s secluded southwest coast and is home to Abama Golf, one of Tenerife’s most exalted golf courses. Designed by Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas, the par 72 course pays tribute to Tenerife’s varied terrain with 22 water hazards and white sand bunkers that demand focus from players at every level.
What’s in store?
Our conference will open traditionally on Friday evening as we gather for an informal buffet at the poolside of the Abama hotel giving you an opportunity to relax and network with colleagues and friends following your journey. Our business sessions This year will see our conference itinerary take on a new approach with the plenary sessions being made up of formal presentations from both industry experts, senior members of the Unitas Wholesale team together with 3 exclusive panel sessions hosted by experts in their fields across our three main areas of business - retail, foodservice and on trade. The panel sessions will include an element of interactivity and will therefore require some delegate participation!
John UnitasManagingKinneyDirectorWholesaleServices
Please note that there is a limit to the number of players that can compete in the golf tournament, so it will be very much on a first come, first served basis.
Meet the Member The Meet the Member sessions will run for a full day on Monday with the ability to pre-book your meetings via the conference event app. All delegates will by now have received log-in details to book their one to one meetings.
Farewell Dinner Monday afternoon’s Meet the Member sessions will conclude our business agenda and will leave everyone with more than enough time to prepare for our farewell dinner. Please note that this year the dress code will be smart casual. Important information So, we have everything organised, all we need now is you! My team and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Tenerife from 16th – 20th September 2022 for what promises to be another memorable conference.
Time out There will of course be sufficient time for you to enjoy your beautiful surroundings of the island of Tenerife and we have arranged a series of excursions for you to enjoy. Our evening agenda has once again been carefully constructed to maximise networking and casual business discussions away from the conference room, however, with your enjoyment being the priority. Following the huge success of the Golf Competition over the last few years, we will once again be hosting a golf tournament on Sunday afternoon at Abama Golf, one of Tenerife’s most prestigious and sought to play golf courses. The par 72 course pays tribute to the varied terrain with various water hazard and difficult bunkers that will demand focus from all that play the course.
Kind regards
4 UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE
Blake Spivey, Controller
- On Trade, Unitas Wholesale Panel session 3 Member wholesalers - On Trade Panel session 4 The suppliers view - On Trade We are delighted to invite you to La Torra del Mirador, an award winning, authentic Canarian restaurant situated in Adeje, Santa Cruz UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE 5
Trading
Gladman, Strategy and Insight Director, KAM-Media Untias Wholesale and the On Trade channel Martin
Tom Hope, Director of Trading and
Fender, Development Director, TWC Unitas Wholesale and the Retail channel Cheryl
Development, Unitas Wholesale Panel session 1 Member wholesalers - Retail Panel session 2 The supplier’s view - Retail MemberLUNCHandSupplier break-out sessions COFFEE A closer look at the On Trade channel
Conference Itinerary 19:00-0:00 Day 1 Friday Arrival Day WelcomeARRIVALSReception Poolside at the Abama hotel 10:109:00 12:45-13:4010:50-11:2014:40-15:1013:40-14:40 15:10 19:00-0:0016:10-16:30 11:20 Day 2 Saturday Business Sessions Conference welcome Mark Aylwin, Chair John Kinney, Managing Director The Big Picture: Political and Economic overview Paul Johnson, Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies The Wholesale channel - FWD/SWA perspective James Bielby, CEO, FWD Colin Smith, CEO, SWA 2022/23 Food and Drink trends Charles Banks, Co-Founder, The Food People COFFEE A closer look at the Retail channel
Conference Itinerary (continued) 10:009:00 10:20-10:5012:10-12:3019:00-0:00 10:50 Day 3 Sunday Business Sessions A closer look at the Foodservice channel Jill Livesey, Managing Director, Lumina Intelligence Unitas Wholesale and the Foodservice channel Cheryl Hope, Director of Trading and Development Panel session 5 Member wholesalers - Foodservice Panel session 6 The Suppliers view - Foodservice COFFEE Room 1 Let’s talk digital Anita Oakhill, Marketing Controller, Unitas Wholesale Room 2 DRS legislation Colin Smith, CEO, SWA Room 3 Sustainability James Bielby, CEO, FWD Room 4 Health & well-being in the workplace Ashleigh Cheetham, Trading Controller, Tracey Redfearn, Category Controller, Unitas Wholesale An overview John Kinney, Managing Director, Unitas Wholesale AfternoonLUNCH at leisure Come as you are and enjoy an informal evening of great food and drink at the El Mirador cliff top restuarant at the hotel13:30-16:3012:30-13:3013:309:00-12:3012:30-13:30 Day 4 Monday Business Sessions Meet the member sessions LUNCH Meet the member sessions Join us at our gala dinner for an evening of great food and entertainment19:00-0:00 Day 5 TuesdayDEPARTURESDepartures 6 UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE
Dress Code Social events and conference business sessions –all social evening events are designed for your maximum enjoyment and are smart casual.
A dedicated Unitas Wholesale hospitality desk will be situated in the conference area. Should you have any difficulties during your stay in Tenerife please contact a member of the team at the hospitality desk.
Travelling with liquids: We strongly advise you to pack any liquids that you don’t need whilst on board the aircraft in your hold baggage. However, if you do need to travel with liquids please be aware of the following restrictions which apply to all liquids being carried in hand luggage. All liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent bag, no larger than 8 x 8 inches (20cim x 20cm) in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so that it can be fastened closed. Only one bag per person is allowed and must be clear and re-sealable, e.g. zip-lock bags or bags with pressed seals. These bags must be put through the x-ray machines separately. All sharp items must be packed in hold luggage.
Doctor Please advise a member of the Insynq team should you require medical attention either at attending the hospitality desk or by telephoning Russell Gilbey on M: 07710 344989. During the conference
Baggage and liquids
Currency The Euro is the official currency.
Tenerife banks are usually open from 08:30-14:00 Mondays to Friday. Tenerife has a broad network of bank offices, especially in the main cities and tourist areas, as well as a great many ATM machines dotted all over the Island that are available 24/7.
A-Z Information UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE 7 Airport
Banking hours
Tenerife South Airport is located approximately 20 miles south of The Abama Resort and subject to normal traffic, the transfer time is 30 minutes.
Please ensure all luggage is clearly named. To support our commitment to becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly organisation, Unitas Wholesale will not be providing branded luggage labels for this Pleaseconference.note that with the exception of British Airways, all flights have been booked with checked-in luggage only and therefore you will not be able to take large pieces of hand luggage.
When flying on scheduled flights such as British Airways the baggage allowance is 23kgs. If Insynq has booked flights on your behalf on the ‘No Frills’ airlines such as EasyJet, Jet 2 or RyanAir we will book and pre-pay for ONE piece of hold luggage weighing up to 20 kilos.
Climate The average daytime temperatures in the month of September are around 27°C (approx 80°F), whereas the average minimum temperatures drop down to 21°C (approx 70°F).
If you experience any health issues during your stay in Tenerife, please advise a member of the Unitas Wholesale team or via the Unitas Wholesale hospitality desk. You should have adequate travel insurance to covers any medical needs.
Hotel
Excursions (Sunday afternoon)
Please refer to the Booking Form where you can book onto the Catamaran Excursion or Golf Tournament.
The standard of health care in Tenerife is very good. Some planning can save you trouble later. Bring medications in their original, clearly labelled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medication, including generic names, is a good idea.
8 UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE
Calle María Zambrano 2, Carretera General, TF-47, Km 9 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 38687 Spain Tel: +34 922 126 000
Health
Flying time The average non-stop flight time between the UK and Tenerife is between 4 hrs 10 mins and 4 hrs 50 mins.
The Ritz Carlton Abama Resort Hotel is located about 8 miles north of Playa De Las Americas. By car, the journey to Playa De Las Americas will take approx. 15 minutes. The hotel boasts 459 luxurious rooms and suites, a luxury Spa with indigenous therapies and a large selection of culinary experiences. In total, the resort offers 7 swimming pools and state-of-the-art fitness center along with direct access to the Abama Golf Course.
UNITAS CONFERENCE 2022 TENERIFE 9 Insurance Insurance is required primarily for medical coverage but also for loss or damage to luggage, theft or loss of property. Travel insurance is easily obtainable either on-line or from your local Post Office
Safety As in all destinations, Tenerife does have a (small) crime element albeit mainly petty pick-pocketing. Please ensure that you keep handbags, wallets and cameras etc. secure when you are out and about. It is advisable to take extra care at night by not being out on your own.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER.
Night life Whilst the hotel’s immediate area is quite rural, Playa De Las Americas has a fabulous night life scene that will appeal to almost all tastes. Restaurants, bars and cafés as well as nightclubs and a casino, all located within a short driving distance.
Please note that, in general, travel Insurance only covers personal belongings up to the amount of £200. Any property you are taking on the trip of a higher value such as cameras, video cameras, laptops etc. should be covered separately. You may find these are covered on your home insurance policy. Please note mobile phones are not covered under most travel insurance policies.
Passports & Visas Visas are not required for UK and European passport holders. All documentation must be current, have a minimum validity of three months and have been issued within the previous ten years. Please check with Russell Gilbey if you do not hold a UK or EU Passport as you may require a visa.
Shopping Shops are open Monday to Saturday between 09:00 and 13:00/13:30. They open again from 16.00 for another 3 or 4 hours (most are closed on Saturday afternoon). In the major tourist areas many stay open throughout the afternoon and into the early evening.
Time The Canary Islands use Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means the time zone is the same as the UK while mainland Spain is one hour ahead. Spring officially begins in March meaning the clocks go forward by one hour for daylight saving time.
Special dietary requirements If you have any special meal requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc. and have not already advised Russell Gilbey of this please do so before your departure, as arrangements are more difficult to arrange once in Tenerife.
Telephone When calling the UK from Tenerife the following dialling code is required 0044 + UK STD code (Minus 0).
our sponsors
