James Hacon (Moderator)

He has worked with more than 80 hospitality brands in more than 30 countries, from independent Michelin starred restaurants to leading restaurant brands, international hotel companies, contract caterers and investors. He is regularly called upon for industry foresight, as a commentator, writer, speaker and facilitator; being featured by the BBC, New York Times, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera & Radio Australia. He guides study tours, leads workshops and travels extensively globally for work, giving him a unique insight into global hospitality trends. Having worked in operations, insight, development, marketing, people and executive leadership, he combines 360° cross-disciplinary experience with an intellectual strategic mind set. He is the founder of the Restaurant Marketer & Innovator event; long-time advisor to the Global Restaurant Investment Forum; has moderated UN Dialogue Discussions relating to hospitality and is an advisor to two UK-based charities supporting young and vulnerable people into the hospitality workforce.