Food Futures 2030 Event
Laois County Council in association with Laois LEO and Laois Partnership are hosting the first ever Food Futures 2030 event will take place in the Heritage Killenard on March 21st 2018. The event is being run as part of the Connect 2 Laois for Food programme. This exciting trade event will bring food service operators, food producers and buyers together under the one roof.
Event Programme
| 09.00 – 10.00 | Registration and networking with tea/coffee |
| 10.00 – 10.05 | Opening by Project Co-ordinator Liz Kennedy, Laois County Council
Welcome by An Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming, Laois County Council |
| 10.05 – 10.15 | Context and introduction by James Burke, James Burke & Associates |
| 10.15 – 10.35 | The future of food SME’s: Agility, positivity and dealing with the challenges and changes in hospitality.
Domini Kemp, ITSA |
| 10.35 – 10.55 | The Boyne Valley Food Journey
Olivia Duff, Boyne Valley Food Series, Headfort Arms and Fáilte Ireland Food Ambassador |
| 10.55 – 11.15 | Trends from The Thinking House, Bord Bia
Grace Binchy, Insight and Innovation specialist, Bord Bia. |
| 11.15 – 11.35 | Paddy O’s Granola, a producer’s perspective on the future of food
Paddy O’Connell, Paddy O’s Granola, 
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| 11.35 – 12.00
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Panel discussion: How will the role of food will change in the next decade (Domini Kemp, Olivia Duff, Grace Binchy, Paddy O’Connell) |
| 12.00 – 14.00 | Producer Showcase including a lunch of locally produced food |
| 14.00 – 14.20 | When nothing goes right, go left – how to stand out in a crowded market place through digital media.
Andi Jarvis, Eximo Marketing |
| 14.20 – 14.50 | Perspectives from the Speciality Retail Sector
Colin Jephson, Director, Ardkeen Quality Food Store |
| 14.50 – 15.20 | A taste of this place – serving our local and traditional food proudly.
Darina Allen, Ballymaloe Cookery School 
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| 15.20 – 15.30 | Q&A Session & Closing Remarks |
Please find attached Product Profiles of the food and beverage businesses that will Showcase their products at the Producer Showcase event from 12:00-14:00 as outlined in the event programme above.
Food Futures 2030 is a must attend industry event targeting buyers, suppliers and those working in the food, tourism, hospitality & retail sectors. If you are thinking of starting a business in the food or hospitality business, join us to hear our exciting speakers, panel discussions and Showcase of Laois food. Registration is essential. Spaces limited. Lunch will be included on the day.