31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

James O’Connell

For over 30 years, James has loved being involved in the Hospitality Industry. He has been a hands-on practitioner in almost every position; kitchen hand, waiter-of-the-year, a partner in a fine-dining waiter school, manager, caterer, tertiary lecturer, restaurant-of-the-year judge, restaurant and bar owner, COO of a large hospitality franchise and hospitality coaching & consulting business owner. He loves the industry and loves to teach.

His experience and institutional knowledge form the key building blocks of The Hospitality Company (THC). THC specialises in teaching business and hospitality skills to business owners, managers and key team members responsible for delivering exceptional business and hospitality practice.

James started The Hospitality Company in 2016 which now delivers online business coaching and training courses to hundreds of ‘friends’ all over New Zealand and Australia.