For the first time in history The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) has taken its winter conference, which seeks to inspire and educate attendees working in education or public sector catering, online.
Under the conference theme of Managing Disruption and Change in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) World it will be hosted entirely online on Wednesday 18 November from 10am till 4pm.
In addition to the usual stellar line-up of speakers, a virtual exhibition will take place ahead of an innovative cook-along awards dinner. Those taking part will be sent the ingredients needed to create an incredible two course meal during a live professional chef tutorial. Attendees who haven't booked the cook-along in time, will still be able to join the evening event and post dinner networking in the breakout rooms.
Mike Haslin, CEO of The University Caterers Organisation said, “This year has been all about being adaptable and nimble to change amongst some very challenging circumstances.
'We know how valuable learning and networking with peers is, which is why we felt it was important to go-ahead with our winter conference, even if it did mean having to be adaptable and innovative ourselves with the online format.
'What hasn’t changed is that delegates will leave the conference feeling inspired, motivated and equipped with resources to enhance their operations.”
Speakers include Graeme Jones from Elite Training who will share practical management techniques to be more adaptable and agile in your business. While Tony Hunter, a celebrated expert in the industry thanks to his food scientist background, will be discussing the five steps for planning in a pandemic.
Amanda Ursell, a former health columnist for the Los Angeles Times will be discussing nutrition and Eric Montell, Executive Director of Residential and Dining Enterprises at Stanford University in California will be doing a short presentation on what Stanford is doing in these unprecedented times and will take some pre-sent questions from members.
The lineup is completed by Toni Manwani from People Unboxed who will offer ideas on supporting individual and team wellbeing and advice on where to find helpful resources.
The TUCO winter conference is aimed at caterers operating in universities, schools, colleges and the public sector and is free for full members, including the evening event, or £99 + VAT for associate members.