2026 Agenda - more to be announced
Loungers: private, prolific & pressing On
Nick Collins, CEO, Loungers
After returning to private ownership with Fortress Investment Group last year, Loungers is pressing on with the day job, and working towards a ‘conservative’ target of 600 sites. As the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside operator pushes forward with expansion, CEO Nick Collins sits down to discuss preserving the company’s people culture amid rapid growth, the operational headwinds affecting the business and wider sector, and the intensity of maintaining a 14-hour all-day operation, as a new location opens every ten days.
The Urban revolution: the vision behind London’s leading independent pub group
Urban Pubs and Bars have acquired 15 sites in the last 12 months, expanding to 66 pubs and restaurants across the capital, with annual sales well in excess of £100m. Founded 12 years ago by experienced operators Nick Pring and Malc Heap, the multi-award winning business includes some of London’s most iconic pubs, the Salt Yard restaurant group and the experience led concept, Bat and Ball. In this keynote Q&A, founder Nick Pring and managing director Chris Hill will share the vision and ambition behind the market leading operator-led group and the huge opportunity for future growth. They will touch on their uniquely differentiated proposition and how sites are empowered to build their offer around their local communities. Finally, they will share how the senior management team have led a relentless focus on operational excellence, with buy-in throughout the company.
Speakers:- Nick Pring, founder, Urban Pubs and Bars
- Chris Hill, managing director, Urban Pubs and Bars
Pub sector financial landscape & deals
Craig Rachel, director, AlixPartners
As economic turbulence continues to impact the global markets, AlixPartners director Craig Rachel explores the financial landscape for M&A activity in the pub sector. Looking at transactions and asset values in the market, Craig examines how consumer and structural trends are influencing the outlook for pub and bar prospects and deals in the short and medium term.
Family values: the regional pub companies combining heritage with innovation
With some family brewers approaching 200 years in business, Britain’s regional pub operators have generations of tradition to draw from. But how do they tap into this rich brand heritage while ensuring they remain relevant in 2026? Our panel will hear from leaders at McMullen, Everards and Robinsons about how they are adapting to a shifting economic and consumer landscape, while facing up to issues such as business rates hikes, cost inflation and changes to business inheritance tax.
Panellists:- William Robinson, joint managing director, Frederic Robinsons Ltd (Robinsons Brewery)
- Heydon Mizon, joint managing director, McMullen & Sons
- Andy Wilson, managing director, Everards
Innovation showcase: the premium pubcos shaping contemporary experiences
From critically acclaimed gastropubs in London to rural living in Wiltshire, the innovation showcase features a selection of dynamic, up-and-coming operators shaping the modern pub experience. We will hear from Ardent Pubs, whose founder will speak on redefining the 'gold standard of public houses' and curating a standout offer across food, drink, and experience. Chickpea Group will share their journey building a collection of 12 venues across Wiltshire, known for their proper hospitality and distinct pubs-with-rooms offering.
Panellists:- Dominic Jacobs, managing director, Ardent Pub Group
- Ethan Davies, co-founder, Chickpea Group
Panel - pillars of the community: the wet-led pubs bucking market trends
Pubs may be operating in a challenging cost environment, but strong community-minded operators, with a tailored offering and strong value for money are still thriving. In this panel we’ll hear from the leaders of stand-out pub companies about how they’re cultivating social hubs and community values, partnering with local operators, and implementing innovative operating models.
Panellists:- Frazer Grimbelby, chief executive, Craft Union Pub Company
- Robin Belither, managing director, Punch Pubs & Co
- James Baer, executive chairman, Amber Taverns
Lumina Intelligence: key growth trends shaping the pub sector
Flora Zwolinski, insight lead, Lumina Intelligence
Presenting the latest data and analysis from Lumina Intelligence’s Pub Market Report 2026, insight lead Flora Zwolinski will explore how the UK pub sector is faring amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The session will unpack the latest consumer habits, menu innovations, and operator strategies driving performance across the industry. Attendees will also hear projections for how the channel is expected to evolve into 2026, offering valuable foresight for businesses planning for the year ahead.
Panel: creating cultures where people thrive
Investment in people is vital – even when costs are tight. During this session our panellists will share which initiatives are having the biggest impact on team members’ engagement and performance, and why nurturing a welcoming and inclusive culture forms the backbone of business success.
Panellists:- Laura Cavendish, group people director, Punch Pubs & Co
- Josie Adams, people director, Incipio Group
- Chantelle Christy, director of people and culture, Drake & Morgan
- Karen Bosher, portfolio NED and strategic advisor (panel host)
Room at the inn: the persistent appeal of accommodation in pubs
The pubs with rooms model is continuing to gain traction as pub operators look to sweat their assets and build new revenue streams. This panel will explore how combining high quality accommodation with distinctive, locally rooted food and drink can enhance higher profit margins and spend per head, extend dwell time, and strengthen a venue’s position within its community.
Panellists:- Richard Lewis, group chief executive, RedCat Hospitality
- Jayson Perfect, chief operating officer, Butcombe Group
- Philip Turner, founder and managing director, Chestnut Group