Tech, trends and transformation: 7 reasons to be at The Caterer’s Tech Confex

“Humans plus AI is a recipe for success”

Dr Nicola Millard, principal innovation partner at BT and morning keynote speaker, wants to “quell the anxiety” surrounding AI and get the sector excited about the potential benefits of technology.

Millard says her keynote speech will focus on figuring out what humans are good at, what technology is good at and how their combination can bring about success. She explains that some tasks are uniquely human but can be augmented by AI, so if we get it right, she says, “humans with AI is a recipe for success”.

Learn how to implement a seamless end-to-end process

Compass One’s E15 Business Intelligence is a client-focused insights and analytics platform, supported by a community of data professionals who collaborate with clients to deliver insights to drive business growth.

Its head of business intelligence, Ben Dawson, will explore how hospitality businesses can turn this data into action. With so many stakeholders to consider, Dawsons says the “magic” of it working seamlessly is down to him and his team who “join the dots”, to ensure streams of data are turned into decisions and outcomes.

Tech Confex speakers from left: John Magill, European head of store design at Sky; Nicola Millard, principal innovation partner at BT; Ben Sillitoe, founder/editor at Green Retail World; Grace Nichols-Singh, social value analyst at Compass One; Shaon Talukder, chief executive and founder of Geotourist; Danica Smith, founder of Morning Star GX; and Andrew Xeni, founder and chairman at Nobody’s Child

Lore Group’s tech secrets revealed

After experiencing fragmented property management and point of sale systems and inconsistent door lock upgrades, international hospitality company Lore Group needed a whole new tech system.

Faced with this complex puzzle, global head of IT Gavin Allison set about replacing inherited systems with a unified, cutting-edge tech stack to deliver a consistent, guest-first experience across the group’s seven hotels.

“When Lore Group was established, we essentially inherited properties from a variety of third parties,” said Allison. “So along with creating the Lore brand came a big standardisation project.”

In a revealing in-depth conversation with The Caterer editor James Stagg, Allison will outline the group’s ambitious tech overhaul and will share how the group rebuilt a standard, industry-leading guest journey from the ground up.

The AI touch

As automation becomes the norm, how can hospitality keep experiences human, warm and memorable? Our three expert panellists, including speakers from telecommunications firm Sky and data and technology insights business MorningStar X, will tackle this question. The panel will share how to balance AI and chatbots with genuine empathy and look at what hospitality can learn from retail’s digital evolution. Expect practical advice on blending technology with human connection to drive guest satisfaction without losing the soul of great service.

Surround yourselves with “giants of industry”

“The real opportunity to meet with true experts,” says Johnson. With 14 confirmed speakers spread over 10 sessions, the audience will be “surrounded by giants of the industry”, so it’s a great opportunity to talk, learn and be in the room with those who are at the forefront of this changing sector.

To gain insights from thought leaders, tech innovators and peers who are successfully navigating this ever-evolving landscape, sign up to the full-day Tech Confex.

Photo: DC Studio/Shutterstock