10:15am – Street Food, From Pitch to Profit 

Join our panel of experts and learn about everything Street Food. Enjoy an informal panel of inspiring entrepreneurs talking about the highs and lows of running a Street Food business and gain valuable insights, as well as practical tips and advice on how to succeed.

• Emma Moran, Founder Emerald Eats
• Nick Costaras, Co-Owner – Crocus Paella
• Chantel Yeung, Co-founder – Chubby Dumpling
• Josh Ebsworth, Community Manager – Togather

Chaired by Richard Johnson, Journalist and founder of the British Street Food Awards and Food Street.

11:15am – Standing Out: How to Build a Street Food Brand

In a crowded and competitive street food scene, how do you create a brand that not only turns heads but keeps customers coming back? This panel brings together seasoned traders, creative marketers, and branding experts to explore what makes a street food business truly stand out. From eye-catching visuals and social media tactics to storytelling and customer experience, we’ll dig into the real-life lessons behind building a memorable and profitable brand on the move.

• Danny Hawke, Founder – Danny’s Burgers
• Vimal Arumugam, Co-founder & CEO – Baked Bird
• Bruce Kingsley, Founder – Brum-Mi
• Vanessa Anderson, Founder – Indi Local

Chaired by Roxy Bentley, Head of Marketing at NCASS

12:15pm – Chop & Chat, Turning Culture into Community & Commerce

In this not to be missed session, join Jess and Jo aka The Flygerians and Olajide from SISU for a one-of-a-kind session that delves into foundations & culture, Jess and Jo’s business journey, culture & independence and the impact & legacy of The Flygerians.

• Jess and Jo Edun, Founders – The Flygerians
• Olajide Alabi, Co-Creator, SISU

1:15pm – Road to Restaurant, Restaurant to Road – growing your business and adapting to challenges

Are you contemplating a shift from street food to a permanent site or moving into mobile? Join us to connect with industry experts and NCASS members who have successfully grown their businesses and taken the leap.

Gain valuable insights into their journey and learn how they’ve managed everything from design and working with contractors, building and training a team and getting the right tech in place, through to ensuring you maintain your vision and hit your targets.

• David Wolanski, Co-founder – Chick ‘N’ Sours
• Henry Poultney, Co-owner – Grace & James
• James Mitchel, Owner – Gurt Wings

Chaired by Rob Machin, hospitality business expert and COO at Reimagine 

2:15pm – Events, Markets & Venues – the Insider’s Guide

What does it really take to thrive in events, markets, and venues? In this insider-led session, experienced operators and industry pros share what they’ve learned from years on the ground. From choosing the right pitches and managing logistics to building strong relationships with organisers and adapting to different audiences, this panel is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the challenges and make the most of every trading opportunity.

• Ben Newman, Owner – Spudman
• Dani Page, Owner – Beef on the Block
• Louisa Payne, Founder & CEO – The Wine Tap
• Ezinné Egbochue, Trader Acquisition Manager – BOXPARK
• Adam Atkins, Owner – Peddling Pizza

Chaired by Roxy Bentley, Head of Marketing at NCASS

3:15pm – Future Focus: The Trends, Challenges & Opportunities Shaping our Sector

What’s coming next for hospitality and street food and how can you prepare? From shifting consumer habits and tech innovations to regulatory changes and economic pressures, this session unpacks the key trends and challenges shaping our industry. Join sector insiders as they share insights, forecasts and practical ideas to help future-proof your business.

• Andy Darke, Event & Operations Manager – Bustler Market
• Jack Brabant, Director – Digbeth Dining Club / Hockley Social
• Rob Machin, COO – Reimagine
• Becca Chong, Owner – FoodPark, Cambridge

Chaired by Henry Poultney, Public Affairs Lead at NCASS

10:30am – Mastering Leadership and Management in Hospitality

Discover practical strategies from industry experts on how to lead teams, manage operations, and build a positive culture. This panel offers essential insights to help you grow your leadership skills and drive business success in a fast-paced environment.

• Patricia Colden, Owner – Colden HR
• Conrad Brunton, MD – Tonic Talent
• Cassie Davidson, Founder – Kith & Kin Hospitality

Chaired by Roxy Bentley, Head of Marketing at NCASS

11:30am – Street Food, From Pitch to Profit 

Join our panel of experts and learn about everything Street Food. Enjoy an informal panel of inspiring entrepreneurs talking about the highs and lows of running a Street Food business and gain valuable insights, as well as practical tips and advice on how to succeed.

• Vimal Arumugam, Co-founder & CEO – Baked Bird
• Tom Warwick, Owner – Meat Castles
• Sam Pentecost, Founder – The Alpine Pizza Co
• Ben Maughan, CEO – Add to Event 

Chaired by Henry Poultney, Public Affairs Lead, NCASS

12:30pm – Keynote, Kieron Bailey, People on Purpose

Get to know Guest Experience with Kieron Bailey, Hell Yeah or the Gen Z Stare? Own Your Culture or Lose Your Customer.

What does great guest experience really look like today and are you delivering it? In this fast-paced, no-fluff session, experience expert Kieron Bailey takes a deep dive into the detail of what customers expect today, exploring how hospitality businesses can connect meaningfully, consistently, and memorably. Expect bold ideas, straight-talking advice, and the tools to turn “meh” into “hell yeah!”

1:15pm – Events Uncovered: Tips, Truths & Trade Secrets

Would you like to learn about what it takes to be successful in event and festival catering? From starting out in events and festivals to adapting, growing, and staying at the top of your game, our panel will help you understand how to succeed in this challenging but exciting part of the sector. Find out how to stand out and capture the attention of decision makers to help you secure the right opportunities year after year for your business in this inspiring seminar.

• Nick Friedman, Founder – Jamon Jamon
• Greg Gabriel, Founder – The Mixing Jug
• Tom Maher, Co-Founder – Original Patty Men / Kilder
• Digby Vollrath, Founder & CEO, Togather

Chaired by Roxy Bentley, Head of Marketing at NCASS 

2:15pm – Future Focus: The Trends, Challenges & Opportunities Shaping our Sector

What’s coming next for hospitality and street food and how can you prepare? From shifting consumer habits and tech innovations to regulatory changes and economic pressures, this session unpacks the key trends and challenges shaping our industry. Join sector insiders as they share insights, forecasts and practical ideas to help future-proof your business.

• Alan Fox, CEO – NCASS
• Henry Poultney – Public Affairs Lead NCASS / Grace & James
• Roxy Bentley, Head of Marketing – NCASS
• Fiona West, Environmental Health Specialist – NCASS