Pictured before the Tourism 2020 Debate got underway at Hospitality Exchange are Russell Campbell, editor of LCN, which sponsored the debate; Margaret Ritchie, MLA, special speaker and Mark Simpson, chairman.
The Northern Ireland Hotel Federation – organiser of the 15th annual Hospitality Exchange – has declared this year’s sell-out event a success, with more than 35 suppliers taking part in the trade exhibition alongside a packed-out seminar and workshop programme.
Held this year in its new home at The Europa Hotel in Belfast, the event welcomed special guest, celebrity chef, Aiden Byrne, the youngest ever chef to be awarded a Michelin Star.
Among the events that took place were the Student Exchange session, compared by Marc Mallet, and designed to give students an insight into the modern hospitality industry; the Tourism 2020 Debate, chaired by Marc Simpson, which featured a debate on the effects of present VAT rates on the industry locally and, of course, the grand gala ball, attended this year by the First Minister.
Attending the Narnia-themed gala ball at The Europa are Howard Hastings with Maragaret Kasa, Dan Binchy and Linus Murray of O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors.
Guests at the gala ball included broadcaster, Julian Simmons; Flybe’s Andrea Hayes, Paris Anatolitis and Lee Dickinson and NIHF president, Mandy Patrick.
The panel at the Student Exchange event were Gearoid Devaney of Flint Wines; Roisin McKee of People 1st; Marc Mallet, broadcaster and compere; Micheline Corr of The Firm; David Barkley of The Townhouse Group and Kevin Hunter.
Celebrity chef, Aiden Bryne at the Stephens Catering Stand with Paula Arkins of Stephens Catering and Vincent McGrath of Robot Coupe.
Attending the gala ball are Graham Keddie of Belfast International Airport; Mary Gatt and Stephen Redden of the Maldron Belfast); Mike Gatt from the Maldron Derry and Martin McCrossan of Martin McCrossan City Tours (Londonderry).
Terry McCartney of the Belmore Court is pictured with Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster and Caroline McCartney.
NIHF president, Mandy Patrick is shown on the Hugh Jordan stand with David Rowland and Ronan Skeath.
Catherine McHugh and Gemma Bell of Diageo pull a pint with Ciaran O’Neill of the NIHF and Diageo’s Kieran McIlduff.
At the gourmet lunch event in the Merchant Hotel are Martin and Pamela Mullan; Des and Melanie Reid, Issam and Liz Horshi and Philip Gilliland.
Carol and Alex Taylor of the Brown Trout Inn at Ballymoney with Cath Gradwell and Rhonda Thompson of North Down Foods.
Michael Browne and Joanne O’Hagan of Dillon Bass with Nigel Anderson of Concha y Toro
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