Six reasons to book your place at The Caterer’s Sustainability Summit 2026
Tap into a wealth of specialist knowledge and discuss issues with fellow operators at this year’s in-person summit
With sustainability now firmly established as a business imperative rather than a box-ticking exercise, hospitality operators are increasingly turning to sustainable solutions as a genuine business strategy for reducing risk, building resilience and staying competitive.
The Caterer’s free Sustainability Summit 2026, taking place on 8 September at the Line, London, will bring together leading operators, sustainability experts and industry innovators to share practical advice, real-world case studies and actionable strategies for building resilience and future-proofing hospitality businesses.
From expert keynote sessions and award-winning operators to valuable networking opportunities, here are six reasons why you should secure your place.
Gain practical insights from leading sustainability experts
Hear from hospitality operators, sustainability specialists and policy experts who are driving change across the industry, with practical advice and real-world examples you can apply to your own business.
Keynote speaker Professor Christina Vogel, director of the Centre for Food Policy at City St George’s, University of London, will explore how food systems can become healthier, more sustainable, resilient and fair. She will also discuss the role of initiatives such as the Chef’s Manifesto – a global network of chefs championing sustainable food systems – and why hospitality professionals have the power to influence both food policy and consumer behaviour.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Vogel said that chefs, their teams and front of house are “key actors in food systems change. Cooking and food systems are fundamentally linked, and professional cooks and chefs play an essential role in society. Yet their contribution is often overlooked, and they are not celebrated or valued to the extent they should be”.
Experience the Sustainability Summit in person for the first time
The summit will be held as a live, in-person event at the Line in London. Caroline Baldwin, deputy editor at The Caterer, said: “It’s fantastic to bring delegates together in the same room for the Sustainability Summit for the first time. This year, attendees will be able to fully engage with the content, ask questions of our speakers and network with fellow sustainability-focused operators, all in a beautiful, sustainable venue. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and share our incredible line-up of speakers on 8 September.”
Enjoy a packed morning of expert-led content
With seven sessions spanning keynote presentations, panel discussions and a live Q&A, the Sustainability Summit offers a packed morning of practical learning and inspiration.
Discover the agenda for the Sustainability Summit 2026
You’ll hear from leading hospitality operators as well as experts from outside the sector, bringing fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping sustainability. From food policy and consumer behaviour to ESG, resilience and commercial strategy, every session is designed to leave delegates with actionable insights they can take back to their businesses.
Learn from award-winning hospitality leaders
Hear directly from some of the hospitality industry’s most respected operators as they share how sustainability is delivering tangible business benefits. Dan Wait, general manager at South Lodge, whose team won Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year at the 2025 Hotel Cateys, will join a panel exploring how strong sustainability credentials can help businesses secure corporate clients, meet increasingly stringent ESG requirements and gain a competitive edge.
Speaking to The Caterer, Wait said the award had “raised our profile in the industry and provided additional confidence for clients that are looking to host with us”. Combined with the hotel’s sustainability credentials, he said it had helped achieve a corporate enquiry conversion rate of between 50% and 60%.
Discover all the speakers at the Sustainability Summit 2026
Wait will be joined by Jonty Hylands, director of hospitality at Lettice Events, one of the UK’s earliest contract caterers to achieve B Corp certification.
Elsewhere in the programme, Ben Champkin, head chef at Catch at the Old Fish Market, winner of the Sustainable Business Award (SME) at this year’s Cateys, will join Veryan Palmer, executive director of the Headland hotel, winner of Sustainable Hotel of the Year at the 2025 Hotel Cateys. Together, they will explore how environmental initiatives are strengthening supply chains, meeting evolving customer expectations, supporting local communities and helping hospitality businesses build long-term resilience.
Make valuable new connections
The summit isn’t just about learning from industry experts – it’s also an opportunity to expand your network.
A 40-minute networking brunch break will give delegates time to discuss the morning’s sessions, exchange ideas and share best practice with fellow professionals. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration, potential collaborators or practical solutions, it’s the perfect chance to build industry connections.
Discover what consumers really think about sustainability
Explore the psychology behind changing consumer attitudes and learn how to communicate your sustainability initiatives in ways that genuinely resonate with guests and customers.
Register for your free place at The Caterer’s Sustainability Summit 2026
Drawing on behavioural science and consumer psychology, Grace Greensitt, founder of sustainability consultancy the Global Sustainability Index, will examine how hospitality businesses can make sustainability messaging feel simple and engaging, rather than overwhelming guests with policy-heavy language.
Greensitt said: “I hope delegates leave my session feeling inspired and equipped to communicate sustainability in a way that feels simple, human and meaningful to their guests. I hope I inspire the audience to make positive change without compromising the experiences people love.”
Main photo: Zamrznuti tonovi/Shutterstock
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