The Great Industry Debate 2024 | This House Believes Our Industry Is Failing Its People | Cambridge Union

The Cambridge Union | In Conversation With...

Thursday 11th January 2024 at 8:00pm in the Debating Chamber. Do we still treat the industry as somewhere you have a job rather than a career? Is hospitality promoted as a legitimate career or education path at school career fairs? Are those choosing to work in our industry respected? Proposition: RACHEL BELLIERE-WILSON Rachel is an inclusion educator, advocate and communicator, working with organisations to implement accessibility and DEI initiatives. Rachel is an Advisory Board member for Events Apprenticeships supporting the drive to bridge the resource gap and bring diverse talent into the industry, regardless of background, identity, age, disability. LINDSAY CONROY Lindsay has been a passionate advocate of apprenticeships throughout her 20 year career in the sector. Her journey, which began as an apprentice, led to Lindsay conducting a broad range of roles within independent learning providers, with her expertise in quality, curriculum, and employer solutions. In her current role, as a member of the UCAS leadership team, Lindsay is on a mission to bridge the gap between traditional undergraduate pathways and apprenticeships, as well as technical education. She is dedicated to establishing parity of choice and unlocking the full potential of apprenticeships as a valuable educational route. MARTIN FULLARD Martin Fullard is Director, News & Content at brand communications agency Davies Tanner, where he fronts The Business of Events, an independent Think Tank and platform for Policy, Advocacy, Content, and Engagement, which works to research and develop Government policy initiatives for the events industry. He was previously an industry journalist at Conference News and Exhibition News, where he also contributed to BBC News, LBC, CNN, and to a host of national and regional titles, advocating for the events sector. Opposition: KATE NICHOLS Kate was appointed CEO of UKHospitality, the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector, in April 2018, having previously worked as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the ALMR. After gaining a degree in English and a post-graduate diploma in competition law, Kate worked as a researcher in the House of Commons and European Parliament before joining Whitbread as Government Relations Manager, starting her careers in hospitality in 1993. SALLY BECK At the helm since 2013, Sally is responsible for leading one of London’s largest independent and iconic hotels. Sally and her team are also passionate about giving back to the community and work tirelessly to ensure that the hotel’s commitment to social responsibility is first rate within the industry. They regularly support the homeless by sleeping on the streets of London and raising money for The West London Mission, they also help the isolated and lonely as well as working closely with The Clink Charity as well as Springboard and Hospitality Action. PETER HANCOCK Peter Hancock is a professional conference and awards host. Ambassador for: James Hallam (insurance), Independent Hotel Show (London) & Gold Service Scholarship. Recently appointed Chair of the Quality Advisory Board for VisitEngland and the AA. Chief Exec at Pride of Britain Hotels 2000-2021. Publishing Director at Johansens 1988-2000. A hotel general manager in his early career, starting as a waiter in the late 1970s. Winner of the Hotel Catey in 2021 for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.' ............................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................ Connect with us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCambridgeUnion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambridgeunion Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambridgeunion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-union-society