Early bird tickets for Ignite Hospo 2024 are now on sale and attendees can take advantage of special ticket pricing.
The event promises to be an inspiring and informative event, featuring a lineup of exceptional “igniters” (speakers) who are leaders in their respective fields.
Ignite Hospo 2024, proudly hosted by the Restaurant Association, is set to take place on Monday, October 7, at the stunning Hyundai Marine Events Centre on Auckland’s Tamaki Drive.
This inaugural event is tailored exclusively for New Zealand hospitality business owners, designed to confront industry challenges head-on and ignite a passion for innovation and growth. The conference will connect attendees with respected local and international speakers and mentors, as well as a network of like-minded business owners and operators from across the NZ hospitality sector.
Ignite Hospo 2024 will offer intimate, interactive workshops that provide practical, tangible tools for businesses to thrive. Each attendee will be invited to complete a short survey ahead of the event to provide invaluable insight into individual preferences, interests, and goals, allowing for a tailored experience.
As tickets go on sale, the Restaurant Association is able reveal three of the four Igniters who will be sharing their expertise and insights during the conference:
Debbie Humphrey
Debbie Humphrey has been a successful business owner since the age of 19. She launched an outsourced corporate venturing services company and was awarded Startup Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005. For the past decade, Debbie has focused on supporting ambitious business owners with market intelligence to help clarify their growth strategies. She has worked more than 100 companies per year and is now developing a market-led strategic planning tool aimed at maximizing wealth through business investment.
Recently, Debbie raised friends and family capital for Disrupt, a Fintech venture.
She will lead a workshop session on ‘Revenue Reimagined: Discovering and Developing New Income Streams.’
Benedikt Bouillon
With 20 years of experience in the hotel, restaurant, and wine industries, Benedikt Bouillon’s career has spanned roles from waiter and porter to senior management of ultra-luxury lodges such as Matakauri and Kauri Cliffs. His journey took him from Germany to London, Vienna, Melbourne, and New Zealand, working for renowned companies like Mandarin Oriental and Luxury Collection by Marriott, as well as boutique businesses like Adelphi Hotel and Stonyridge Vineyard.
Benedikt founded Habit to give back to the hospitality industry, focusing on guest experience, leadership skills, and business strategy.
His practical workshops and mentoring are based on real-world experience. Benedikt will speak on ‘Gen Z Unlocked: Strategies to Engage, Train, and Empower the New Generation.’
Sean Foster
Sean Foster is a business coach and advisor who specialises in collaborating with other business coaches to enhance expertise in business strategy, planning, culture development, and management-based financial management. He works primarily with SME business owners in the trades and services industries, providing a robust framework and structure through Sukuma, a business software program designed to help businesses operate more effectively. The program includes business strategy, business planning, sales development and 360 reviews, business systemization, and management-based financial accounting.
Known for being a great listener, empathetic, and a straight shooter, Sean’s mantra is “Clarity In Business,” which helps clients manage both business and personal development with a focus on open-book management (OBM).
Sean will speak on ‘Financial Literacy for Workforces: Mastering Open Book Management for Long-Term Financial Viability.’
“We’ve envisaged Ignite Hospo 2024 to be a practical, hands-on event,” says Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois.
“Our goal is for attendees to walk away with something tangible that will help them in their business. Whether it’s a new strategy, a useful connection, or a fresh perspective, we want everyone to leave feeling empowered and equipped to drive their business forward.”
Among the event’s many highlights are the Lightning Talks, where industry professionals will deliver short, focused presentations designed to entertain and inspire. Additionally, Flash Connect will offer a unique networking experience, providing attendees with the opportunity to collaborate and solve real-world challenges together. To complement these engaging sessions, esteemed chef Nic Watt will provide a specially curated menu aligned with the event’s fire theme, promising both nourishment and inspiration.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your business and connect with industry leaders at Ignite Hospo 2024. Register now and take advantage of our early bird ticket offer at https://www.ignitehospo.co.nz/
