The Hospitality Show (HRC) 2026 will return to ExCeL London from March 30 to April 1 as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. The event introduces a new programme featuring panels and interviews on the Vision Stage and Future of Drinks Stage with over 100 industry leaders. Sessions address challenges like leadership, equality, and evolving consumer trends.
HRC 2026 is shaped by industry feedback to foster conversations on sector challenges and build business connections. The event takes place over three days and is free for trade professionals, with registration now open on the HRC website.
The Vision Stage will host discussions on key topics. Adam Handling MBE, chef ambassador to HRC, will converse with food writer Clare Finney about his career, sustainability approach, and leading his collection in a tough environment. Sally Abé, HRC ambassador chef, leads a panel on women's futures in hospitality, following an open letter by 70 female professionals on sexism. The session will unveil a 10-point pledge for better progression, representation, and retention.
Kate Nicholls OBE, chair of UKHospitality, will share views on industry resilience in an interview with Mark Stretton, CEO of Fleet Street Communications, emphasizing collaboration. Sacha Lord, chair of the Night Time Industries Association, joins Robert Richardson for a fireside chat on nightlife realities and support needs.
A panel with NCASS on street food success features Emma Moran of Emerald Eats and Vimal Arumugam of Baked Bird, moderated by Henry Poultney of Grace + James. It covers launching and scaling businesses, tying into HRC's new Street Food section.
Charles Banks of thefoodpeople and Kelly Dowson of Good Sense Research will update on the Future Food Trend Tracker for 2026, based on consumer insights. Alison Battisby of Avocado Social explores social media's role in food trends versus professional forecasting.
On the Future of Drinks Stage, Steve Alton, CEO of the BII, leads a panel on workplace wellbeing's impact on business performance. Vicky Painter discusses how GLP-1 weight loss drugs affect drinking and socializing, interviewing Michael Beeson of Drinkaware.
Laura Willoughby MBE of Club Soda moderates on functional beverages, noting 79% of UK adults are open to drinks aiding relaxation or focus. Jade Craig of the Gamechangers Organisation covers competitive socializing's transformation of venues.
More programme details and speakers will be announced soon.
