Jonathan Worsley, Chairman
H&C News meets with suppliers regularly to keep up to date with the latest product and service innovations, aiming to get the inside track on what companies offer to the market and how it is delivered.
This week, we met with Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench Events who earlier this year launched the Global Restaurant Investment Forum to get an insight into this new industry event. The Global Restaurant Investment Forum is an event designed BY the restaurant investment community FOR the restaurant investment community. The event brings together top-level executives from all areas of the restaurant investment community including: investors, owners, financiers, franchisors, brands, operators, lawyers, advisors, architects and F&B consultants to network and forge new business relationships.
H&C News – What made you launch the Global Restaurant investment Forum (GRIF) earlier this year?
Bench Events has been hosting hotel investment conferences for over 16 years, bringing together investors, owners, financiers, operators, advisors and architects to do the deals that drive the industry. Over the last couple of years by listening to our clients it came to light that the hotel owners are demanding more from their F&B outlets. There has been an awakening to the opportunity to drive revenue through bringing in outside operators, franchising and treating their restaurants as a separate business. This increased competition is changing the face and practices of the industry as it has created a more competitive and sophisticated dining out scene.
It came to light that hotels are in fact a small part of the equation and there was no global event bringing the restaurant investment industry together. The Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) is the only platform that brings together industry experts from around the globe to discuss the new emerging concepts, upcoming brands, trends in the market, franchising and investment opportunities.
Why did you decide to launch GRIF in Dubai?
The Middle East in particular is one of the most talked about growth markets in the hospitality industry. There is huge opportunity for operators, investors and franchisors. While there; many brands already have a presence there are still significant opportunities. The region’s territories are home to many cultures—young cultures. As much as 50% of the population is under the age of 18. Those young people translate into a ready consumer base willing to try the next new thing with a disposable income to support that desire. However, the conference programme for GRIF will take on a global view and this year we will be having specialist focus rooms on the UK, Shanghai, Dubai and New York.
Who are the big names we can expect to hear from at GRIF?
We are delighted to confirm a fantastic speaker line-up including: Nicholas Lander, Author of “The Art of the Restaurateur” (Phaidon) and FT Restaurant Correspondent; Brian Johnston, Managing Director, International, Wagamama; Three Starred Michelin Chef Heinz Beck, Waldorf Astoria, Dubai Palm Jumeirah; Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive, Nobu Hospitality Group; Marc Blazer, Chairman & CEO, Overture Investment Partners; Chairman of the Board, Noma; Farah George, General Manager, Food & Beverages, AKI Group; Levent Veziroğlu, Chief Executive Officer, D.Ream; Peter Martin, Vice President, CGA Peach; Peter Backman, Managing Director, Horizons; Jillian MacLean, Managing Director, Drake & Morgan; Paul Campbell, Founder, Hill Capital Partners to name just a few.
Do take a look at the website for the full list here
Why is GRIF such an important event for the industry?
GRIF provides a unique platform which brings together key stakeholders in the restaurant investment community together in one place to share best practice, innovation, knowledge and address current issues that face the sector. We have designed a conference programme that really delves into how to: create successful concepts; generate growth through franchising; internationalise your business and innovate and improve existing operations. No other forum like it currently exists making it a must attend event for those in the industry wanting to keep on top of industry knowledge and progress their business forward.
What Networking Opportunities will be on offer at GRIF 2015?
Networking at GRIF starts even before you arrive at the event, through our online contact system. You can view, make contact and pre arrange appointments with attendees to make the most of your time at the event. For GRIF 2015, we have organised a culinary tour of Dubai on the first day so attendees can view a range of real estate options in the local market, see what’s currently on the menu and assess the pipeline. During the programme in addition to the usual conference format there are specially designed discussion tables and focus rooms to allow for interaction and facilitate networking. In the evening attendees will enjoy lavish networking receptions to continue the discussions in an informal setting. Overall, we have built in over 13 hours of dedicated networking time!
How can interested parties confirm their attendance?
Registration is through our website at www.restaurant-invest.com alternatively you can contact our Event Manager, Mala Patel mala.patel@benchevents.com for further information.
H & C News comment
Media meets the media – We were more than impressed with the details and planning of the event as outlined by Jonathan at our meeting where we were able to talk shop. The line-up of speakers we feel particularly demonstrates how the international restaurant community has embraced a much needed event and as such we feel confident we will be reporting on its success.
Contact details: Mala Patel, Event Manager, Bench events
E: mala.patel@benchevents.com T: +44 (0)20 3318 5800 ext 8
Website: www.restaurant-invest.com
Twitter: @GRIF_news
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