Lightning Talks

Experience the power of impactful storytelling with Lightning Talks. Delivered by industry professionals, these short, focused presentations will entertain, inspire, and spark new ideas.

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Keynote Speaker

Alexandra Carlton

With a career spanning two decades in journalism, Alexandra has covered a broad spectrum of topics from travel to women's issues to current affairs, but her primary passion has always been food.

Alexandra will delve into the criteria for selection in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, offering invaluable insights into what makes an occasion or establishment memorable. She will discuss the factors that drive interest in new dining spots and what this means for New Zealand restaurateurs and establishments. With a keen eye on how Kiwis can shine on the world stage, Alexandra will explore the steps needed to achieve and maintain international recognition and whether she believes New Zealand has the potential to break into the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list

Albert Cho - eat lit food

Dining with the critics: navigating the restaurateur-reviewer relationship in the social media era

Known for his cutting-edge restaurant reviews and his unfiltered, candid style. Albert, or "Alby," has transitioned from food blogger to restaurateur, co-owning Tobi restaurant on Ponsonby Road.He continues to run Eat Lit Food, one of New Zealand’s most influential food platforms, known for its authentic and witty flair. Albert writes for various publications including Canvas and Viva where he serves as one of the judges for Viva’s Top 50 Restaurants.

Albert will bring his unique perspective on what makes a dining experience stand out,handling negative reviews, and the lessons he has learned since entering the hospitality industry. His multifaceted approach and unique outlook aim to inspire attendees and provide practical strategies for enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement.

Navigating Failure:

From Closed Kitchens to Bottled Success

In an inspiring talk, Chef Luis Cabrera will share his remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention after being forced to close his two successful restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with mounting debts, rental disputes, and a dwindling customer base, Luis found himself at a crossroads. Rather than giving up, he channelled his passion and creativity into a new venture, Besos Margaritas, a line of bottled margarita drinks that has since become a hit. Through his story, Luis offers invaluable insights on how to navigate failure, embrace change, and find new paths to success even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Join him as he takes you through his culinary comeback and the lessons learned along the way.

The Food Cost Advantage:

Proven Strategies for Maximising Profitability

Join Tony for an insightful talk where he introduces a powerful tool that has been instrumental in optimising food costs and significantly boosting profitability across his venues. Tony will share practical strategies and real-world examples demonstrating how this tool can transform your approach to food cost management, helping you achieve greater financial success in your business. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a proven solution and take your profitability to the next level.

Unfinished Business:

A Culinary Comeback

Judith Tabron, a trailblazing restaurateur whose renowned eatery Soul was bought out at the peak of its success, will share her journey of rediscovery and resilience. After stepping away from the culinary world, she has made a triumphant return with her new venture, 'First Mates, Last Laugh.' Judith's story is one of passion, perseverance, and the undying pursuit of unfinished business, offering inspiration to anyone looking to reignite their dreams and redefine success.

Revolutionising Mental Health in Hospitality:

The Barstool Brothers Initiative

Join Daniel Chin from the Raising the Bar Foundation as he unveils his groundbreaking initiative to transform mental health perceptions within the hospitality industry. Through the inspiring story of The Barstool Brothers, a men's mental health support group in Wollongong, Australia, discover how they are expanding their reach to provide vital mental health training for hospitality workers. His innovative programme equips staff with the tools to manage their own mental health and teaches them to recognize warning signs in their customers. Addressing the unique challenges posed by the intrinsic link between alcohol and mental health, this initiative fills a crucial gap in the market, empowering hospitality workers, and paving the way for a more supportive industry.