From unravelling neuroscience to a rooftop party: Five reasons not to miss The Caterer’s People Summit 2026

Connect and collaborate

Designed to be more interactive than ever, the summit gives delegates the chance to connect, exchange ideas and tackle challenges together. From group discussions unpacking the key findings from the Best Places to Work in Hospitality survey to an interactive hackathon sparking creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, the results are fresh perspectives and practical solutions you can take straight back to your business.

Learn what top employers are doing differently

Be the first to hear exclusive insights from The Caterer’s Best Places to Work in Hospitality survey, run in partnership with Korero. The session will draw on feedback from more than 1,000 employees to reveal what drives engagement, trust and retention across the sector.

Expect practical, actionable strategies from Korero co-founder Jo Harley and an expert panel, including Liz McGivern, vice-president of people and culture at Red Carnation Hotels, winner of the Best Employer Award at the 2023 and 2025 Cateys.

Turn AI into a people advantage

AI and people performance can go hand-in-hand. Culture and experience lead at Holiday Extras Nicola Boston says AI technologies are “creating a level playing field”, allowing people, including those who are neurodivergent, to use tools in ways that support their learning and development.

Hear from Boston as well as other sector leaders, such as head of people at Flat Iron Gina Knight, to discover how to integrate AI in ways that help teams to thrive. Knight recently shared with The Caterer that technology and AI can “enable you to do the human things that really matter in helping a business to succeed”, citing succession planning as a good example of this.

She noted such decisions require “empathy, curiosity and drive”, which is something AI cannot do. “What AI bots can do is give you good data, which enables you to have good coaching conversations and to work smarter so you’re more time-efficient,” Knight said.

A rooftop party to end the summit on a high

The day wraps up with the ultimate celebration: the unveiling of the top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality at the awards’ first rooftop party. Set on the terrace at the Line on London’s Victoria Embankment, guests will enjoy sweeping views of the Thames and some of capital’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tate Modern and the London Eye. Raise a glass, make connections and celebrate the operators setting the standard for people and culture.

Feeling inspired? Book your place at the People Summit now

Main photo: insta_photos/Shutterstock