William Murray intern Finley Young shares learnings from his first foodservice and hospitality industry event
I’ve always believed the best conversations happen over food, so walking into Seven Dials Market for the latest Arena Futures event felt like the perfect setting. The place was alive with the sound of chatter, laughter and sizzling pans. It wasn’t your typical conference venue. It was vibrant, informal and full of energy.
The event was part of the Arena Networking Navigator Programme, a new initiative designed to help rising talent in hospitality build confidence and make lasting connections. It didn’t feel like a training session; it felt like a genuine coming together of people who care deeply about where the industry is heading.
After a bit of networking (and a bite of something delicious, I recommend the Bacon Double Cheeseburger from Bleecker, it was unbelievable), we gathered for the main session.
This year’s panel, hosted by our own Lucy Britner, included Richard Franks from Shake Shack, Ryan Candy from Sodexo and Rachel House from Impetus. The panel discussion struck an honest, down-to-earth tone, no corporate jargon, no polished scripts, just three people sharing their journeys, the mistakes they’ve made and the lessons that stuck.
What really resonated with me was how much of the conversation came back to people. Richard talked about leadership as being present, actually taking the time to know your team and help them grow. Rachel spoke about curiosity and how it drives confidence and creativity, while Ryan reminded me that networking is about making genuine, human connections – not collecting contacts.
That one really landed with me, especially in a world where networking can sometimes feel like a box to tick rather than something normal and meaningful.
As I looked around the room, I could see heads nodding, people laughing, exchanging details, or chatting quietly between questions. There was a real sense of community, like everyone there, no matter their role or level, wanted to be part of building a better, more connected industry.
Throughout the afternoon, I found myself chatting with people from all corners of the sector, each with a story to tell and with an infectious enthusiasm. There was a genuine buzz; a sense that everyone there believed in the future of hospitality, even amid the challenges.
I left feeling energised. The openness, the collaboration, the sense that everyone’s rooting for each other really struck a chord with me.
So, a big thanks to KERB, Arena and the brilliant panellists for an afternoon that was as inspiring as it was authentic. Proof that when you bring good people together, great things happen. I left with a full stomach, a brain full of ideas, and, most importantly, a reminder that connection really is the heart of hospitality.
