The Arena Autumn Event

In an ever-changing digital world, with AI exploding and hospitality businesses seeking new ways to drive customer experience and business efficiencies, digital transformation was the obvious topic for Arena’s Autumn Event. As the leading foodservice agency, we jumped at the opportunity to catch up with industry friends and contacts, whilst getting to hear from innovative events catering company Freemans Event Partners and Jeremy Blain CEO of Performance Works International, not to mention the chance for a sneaky peak behind-the-scenes at Lords Cricket Ground.

The weather was suitably wet for the home of the MCC, but rain did not halt play, as the day kicked-off with a welcome talk from Lorraine, who then handed over to Freemans for an overview of their history and current impressive event portfolio. As a progressive event caterer, they explained how they tailor their offering to each event or venue and their respective audiences. By incorporating food trends and technologies like pay kiosks to reduce the dreaded queue times and enhance customer experience, they have become the go-to caterer for the sports and leisure sector.

Then it was on to hear all about ‘Transformational Leadership’ with Jeremy, who shared his extensive experience consulting for leading organisations across a variety of sectors, from banking to hospitality. The interactive session on Slido touched on how digital transformation can and should be managed. With only one in three digital transformations succeeding, it is no easy task, but it can be done with the right culture and leadership mindset. Having a clear and concise purpose is essential, as is investment, commitment, and the ability to be agile and work at speed, whilst bringing everyone on the journey together. Obviously, the right platforms are a crucial part, but the human element of digital transformation is something that cannot be overestimated.

With a lot of digital food for thought it was then time to take a tour around Lords itself, which was fascinating, as it took in the museum, the famous Long Room and even the changing rooms. With fabulous views across the pitch, it was a real treat. Then, having worked up an appetite, it was time to move on to the two-story food village run by Freemans for some delicious street food including shawarma, tacos and boa buns washed down with canned bubbles from the Uncommon Wine Company. There was ample time to network before we headed back into the event space to hear the panel discussion.

The line-up may have changed last-minute, with some more well-oiled than others , but the speakers from Freemans, Fep Pay (payment platform), Aramark and Buns from Home were all great and openly shared their take on digital transformation. From keeping digital solutions relevant and genuine, to tokenisation of data and the power of big data and enhancing customer experience, through to the value of failure, driving efficiencies in the face of rising labour costs and bringing the whole team with you on your digital journey by explaining the ‘why?’ – there were some great insights to take away.

Following closing remarks from Steve Norris, Arena Chair, and the Springboard raffle winner announcement (well done Natasha at KP Snacks!) it was onto the bar for some more networking before heading home.

Well done to Lorraine and the team at Arena on another great event. To find out more about Arena visit https://arena.org.uk/ (as Steve Noris Arena Chairman takes every opportunity to point out, membership it is only just over ￡4 per day excluding VAT – now that’s good value!)