Last week’s Art of Hospitality event was nothing short of fantastic. Held at the Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre, it was a refreshing change from our previous events in Liverpool, and the new setting added a burst of fresh energy.
This time, thanks to our amazing headline sponsor, Silentnight Contract, we were able to provide tickets to the event free of charge, making it accessible to even more of our community. Their support played a huge role in the success of the day, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We’re so thankful to everyone who joined us and made the event what it was. Personally, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off our third event in this movement.
The day began at 10 a.m. with me welcoming everyone and sharing a bit about myself. Having just returned from a whirlwind three-week trip to Bangkok, Tokyo, and Australia, I couldn’t resist talking about my experiences, especially in Japan. Tokyo’s hospitality was something else—I mean, even in the tiniest bars in local markets, I was treated like royalty. The service was second to none, and the city’s attention to detail, from spotless trains to impeccable customer care, blew me away.
It was something I had to share with everyone because it left me thinking about how we, in the UK, can learn so much from that level of care and efficiency.
Plus, the safety and cleanliness were unmatched—it was a real eye-opener. I couldn’t help but encourage everyone to think about how we can elevate our own standards here at home.
After my reflections, we kicked off with our first speaker, Hannah Shore, Silentnight’s sleep expert. Let me tell you, Hannah brought such an interesting perspective to the table.
She delivered a captivating mini presentation, explaining how essential sleep is for the guest experience. It was one of those “ah-ha” moments, where you realise that while we focus so much on the food, the service, and the decor, we sometimes forget that at the end of the day, guests come to hotels to rest.
Hannah broke it down, explaining how factors like noise, lighting, and temperature can significantly affect sleep quality. She shared actionable tips, from blackout blinds to remote-controlled air-conditioning units by the bedside—simple things that can make a world of difference to a guest’s comfort. This was such a valuable discussion, especially for hoteliers who are always looking to improve the guest experience.
Next up was one of the highlights of the day—a brilliant panel hosted by the lovely Izzy Grey, owner of WeLoveGoodTimes. I can’t thank Izzy enough for the energy and passion she brought to the event.
She interviewed our headline speaker, Sally Abé, consultant chef and author of A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen. Sally’s career is nothing short of inspiring, having worked her way up in some of London’s top kitchens, including the Savoy, to running her own restaurant, The Pem.
Sally’s insights into the professional chef world were eye-opening. What struck a chord with me was her approach to managing her team—she understands that everyone works differently, and she tailors her leadership style accordingly.
Her kitchen is built on respect, not fear, which I think resonated with many in the room. Interestingly, while Sally initially aimed for a 50/50 gender split in her kitchen, she now finds herself with a team predominantly made up of women, which she attributes to women seeking her out because of her supportive work environment. I found that fascinating!
We were also lucky to have JoJo Smith, also known as creativSAS, join the panel. JoJo’s story added another layer to the discussion.
She used to be a pastry chef, even working in France, but left the kitchen to focus on her branding business and her family. She spoke candidly about the demanding hours of working in kitchens and how that lifestyle wasn’t sustainable for her as a mother. It was a real reminder of the sacrifices that come with the job and the importance of finding balance.
After this insightful panel, we broke for lunch. The Holiday Inn outdid themselves with a fantastic buffet that not only filled us up but also provided the perfect opportunity for networking. It was great to see everyone chatting, exchanging ideas, and making new connections. I always think these moments between the formal sessions are where some of the best conversations happen.
After lunch, we dove straight back in with a fascinating panel on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Matt Townley, Operations Director of Dakota Hotels and part of the Manchester BID board was the perfect moderator.
We were joined by Kumar Mishra, Chairman of Manchester ABID, Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID, and myself, representing Chester.
I loved the interactive start, where we asked the audience through Slido if they knew what a BID was—67% said no, which shows how much work we must do in raising awareness.
This panel quickly became a crowd favourite because it was so informative. We talked about how BIDs enable cities to host major events like Eurovision and the MTV Awards, and how quick decision-making is crucial in winning these bids. The feedback we received was overwhelming, and I think people left with a much better understanding of the value BIDs bring to cities.
The final panel was the perfect conclusion to an already incredible day.
We welcomed Sacha Lord, founder of Parklife and Warehouse Project, and Manchester’s Nighttime Economy Advisor, alongside Frank McKenna, Chief Executive of Downtown in Business.
This panel was full of real-world insights, focusing on the entrepreneurial spirit of Manchester and how the city is willing to push boundaries—Sacha’s club next to a prison being a prime example!
They also touched on the challenges of dealing with local authorities, particularly the balance between respecting regulations and allowing for flexibility to support innovation. It was an eye-opening discussion that showcased the need for more open dialogue between entrepreneurs and city councils to foster growth in hospitality and nightlife.
The event wrapped up with more networking, and I couldn’t have been happier with how the day went. The feedback was so positive, and we’re already gearing up for our fourth event in January.
The Art of Hospitality is more than an event; it’s a community that continues to grow, inspire, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry. Last weeks discussions have sparked new ideas, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter of hospitality takes us.
We are so grateful to all the speakers, attendees, and sponsors who made this day so successful—we could not have done it without you.
Here’s to even more collaboration, innovation, and inspiration in the future!
