<\/p>\n"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/daniel-pasquali\/","slug":"daniel-pasquali","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["17679"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Daniel"],"speaker_last_name":["Pasquali"],"speaker_full_name":["Daniel Pasquali"],"speaker_company_name":["Dan Pasquali \/ Dan's Bake Lab"],"speaker_job_title":["Tv Chef \/ Food Content Creator"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["a97a87fa4f03d5a80a9bb534a873220c"],"_thumbnail_id":["66352"],"speaker_sessions":[63995],"_eael_post_view_count":["9839"],"_elementor_page_assets":[],"_edit_lock":["1768358787:28"],"_edit_last":["28"],"speaker_title":[""],"speaker_topics":[],"speaker_event_id":[""],"speaker_contact_id":[""],"speaker_display_priority":[""],"speaker_contact_photo_modified":[""],"speaker_biography_modified":[""],"speaker_date_modified":[""],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_speaker_category":[""],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":["Dan Pasquali"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Meet Dan Pasquali. TV chef, scientist, and dynamic food creator blending Italian heritage with playful innovation. Runner-up on The Great Australian Bake Off and Dessert Masters contestant."],"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":["72"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["90"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["1"]},"speaker_category":[103,163,165,102],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":163,"name":"ACF Culinary Challenge","slug":"acf-culinary-challenge","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":163,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":165,"name":"Paid Show Tours","slug":"paid-show-tours","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":165,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":63993,"title":{"rendered":"John Hart"},"content":{"rendered":"John Hart is Executive Chair of Australian Chamber \u2013 Tourism, Chair of Australian Grape and Wine, Tourism Training Australia, Capacity Optimisation Group, Ondeen, Restaurant & Catering Australia and on the Board of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand and Rangelands NRM.\n\nHe was Chief Executive of Restaurant & Catering Australia between 1999 and 2017. John holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Business Law), a Master of Business Law and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for service to tourism.\n\nJohn also served as Chair of the Commonwealth Vocational Education and Training Advisory Board and was previously on the Prime Ministers Business Advisory Council."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/john-hart\/","slug":"john-hart","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["11962"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["John"],"speaker_last_name":["Hart"],"speaker_full_name":["John Hart"],"speaker_company_name":["Tourism Australia"],"speaker_job_title":["Director of Policy FSAA"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["3b8a2faa4aff6d7f3bc0c0e2bbfeb2bd"],"_thumbnail_id":["67180"],"speaker_sessions":[63997],"_eael_post_view_count":["9640"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,163,165,102],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":163,"name":"ACF Culinary Challenge","slug":"acf-culinary-challenge","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":163,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":165,"name":"Paid Show Tours","slug":"paid-show-tours","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":165,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":63991,"title":{"rendered":"Leo De Bartolo"},"content":{"rendered":"With experience spanning over 25 years Leo has successfully operated, supported and led renowned brands across various customer-focused sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom. \n\nHe is proud to have worked at every level of the industry he loves, holding various roles, starting as a waiter whilst still at school and working his way up to restaurant and venue manager in a short space of time. \n\nUltimately though Leo found his niche and passion in helping operators thrive within multi-site and national operations. Leo has worked with global brands such as Nandos and Chatime, and most recently in the high end restaurant industry as Operations Director for Marco Pierre White Restaurants in the UK.\n\nHe has a proven track record for building strong teams and turning businesses around . \n\nAs the founder of Toast Hospitality Consulting, Leo provides fractional Hospitality expertise to the industry.\n\nAdditionally he has joined The Hospitality Company out of NZ, as their first Australian based specialist Hospitality Business coach."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/leo-de-bartolo\/","slug":"leo-de-bartolo","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["112"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Leo"],"speaker_last_name":["De Bartolo"],"speaker_full_name":["Leo De Bartolo"],"speaker_company_name":["Toast Hospitality"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["a3b18d1842553c0241865a48fec94460"],"_thumbnail_id":["67134"],"speaker_sessions":[63996],"_eael_post_view_count":["10042"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,163,165,102],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":163,"name":"ACF Culinary Challenge","slug":"acf-culinary-challenge","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":163,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":165,"name":"Paid Show Tours","slug":"paid-show-tours","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":165,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62713,"title":{"rendered":"Victoria Kyzintas"},"content":{"rendered":"Owner and Baker of Bakehouse by Vic! Bringing New York inspired flavours and treats to Melbourne."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/victoria-kyzintas\/","slug":"victoria-kyzintas","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14583"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Victoria"],"speaker_last_name":["Kyzintas"],"speaker_full_name":["Victoria Kyzintas"],"speaker_company_name":["Bakehouse by Vic"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["a18411f5dbc7152e8bb747a1ea138edd"],"_thumbnail_id":["67191"],"speaker_sessions":[52985],"_eael_post_view_count":["9231"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62700,"title":{"rendered":"Colin Birney"},"content":{"rendered":"Colin Birney leads business development for Square Australia, helping hospitality and retail businesses unlock growth through innovative payment and commerce solutions. With a strong track record in the food and beverage sector, Square partners with caf\u00e9s, restaurants, and bars to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustainable success."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/colin-birney\/","slug":"colin-birney","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14804"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Colin"],"speaker_last_name":["Birney"],"speaker_full_name":["Colin Birney"],"speaker_company_name":["Square"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Of Business Development"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["b6b15eda95d29733657ae9f5f0c17266"],"_thumbnail_id":["67193"],"speaker_sessions":[53001],"_eael_post_view_count":["9417"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62698,"title":{"rendered":"Travis Harvey"},"content":{"rendered":"Trav Harvey is the CEO of HospoDECLARE, a pioneering initiative empowering hospitality venues to lead in sustainability through practical, everyday actions that reduce waste, emissions, and disposables.Trav is a chef, educator, and food sustainability leader known for his work in zero-waste cooking and social impact. As Exec Chef at OzHarvest, he was instrumental in launching Refettorio Sydney with Massimo Bottura, coordinating international sustainability events for the UN Environmental Program in Sydney, Lima, Bangkok and Saigon, and he created Australia\u2019s first zero-waste pop-up, \"Harvested,\" in 2013.\n\nHis career blends hands-on culinary expertise with large-scale program design, always grounded in community and inclusion. He has appeared regularly on national TV and food festival stages, Trav continues to advocate for food systems that are smarter, fairer, and better for the planet."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/travis-harvey\/","slug":"travis-harvey","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["15582"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Travis"],"speaker_last_name":["Harvey"],"speaker_full_name":["Travis Harvey"],"speaker_company_name":["Hospodeclare"],"speaker_job_title":["Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["571c16c90778203c39a98f3a3cf0a015"],"_thumbnail_id":["67197"],"speaker_sessions":[52969],"_eael_post_view_count":["9656"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62696,"title":{"rendered":"Tony Sleiman"},"content":{"rendered":"Retail Operations for Stitch Cafes."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/tony-sleiman\/","slug":"tony-sleiman","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14724"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Tony"],"speaker_last_name":["Sleiman"],"speaker_full_name":["Tony Sleiman"],"speaker_company_name":["Stitch Coffee"],"speaker_job_title":["Retail Operations Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["32d1fffb7c5739d69519e200ee4ea422"],"_thumbnail_id":["62697"],"speaker_sessions":[53001],"_eael_post_view_count":["9596"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62694,"title":{"rendered":"Lucas Howe"},"content":{"rendered":"Lucas Howe is Head of Communications for Square in Australia and Japan, helping share the stories of small businesses using technology to thrive. A champion of hospitality and its role in building stronger communities, Lucas works closely with operators, innovators and industry leaders to spotlight the people shaping the future of food and drink."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/lucas-howe\/","slug":"lucas-howe","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14581"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Lucas"],"speaker_last_name":["Howe"],"speaker_full_name":["Lucas Howe"],"speaker_company_name":["Square"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Of Communications"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["c31302d28e79c20395d90899b0950212"],"_thumbnail_id":["62695"],"speaker_sessions":[52969],"_eael_post_view_count":["9468"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62692,"title":{"rendered":"Alfia Karim"},"content":{"rendered":"Started as a home baker in 2019. A self learnt cake designer and Cafe owner now with 2 pop up locations."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/alfia-karim\/","slug":"alfia-karim","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["16544"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Alfia"],"speaker_last_name":["Karim"],"speaker_full_name":["Alfia Karim"],"speaker_company_name":["CCT Sydney Group Pty Ltd"],"speaker_job_title":["Owner And Cake Designer"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["cf15d3052fffe1c0a6d85003b3355eee"],"_thumbnail_id":["67201"],"speaker_sessions":[52985],"_eael_post_view_count":["9538"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62690,"title":{"rendered":"Lorenzo Fantarella"},"content":{"rendered":"Lorenzo Fantarella is the co-founder of Pasta Prego, one of Melbourne\u2019s fastest-growing pasta brands. With a background in finance, he brings a strategic edge to scaling hospitality businesses."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/lorenzo-fantarella\/","slug":"lorenzo-fantarella","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["15691"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Lorenzo"],"speaker_last_name":["Fantarella"],"speaker_full_name":["Lorenzo Fantarella"],"speaker_company_name":["Pasta Prego"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["eab3ab08279f2538833df4f860589fa1"],"_thumbnail_id":["67198"],"speaker_sessions":[52985],"_eael_post_view_count":["9019"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62688,"title":{"rendered":"Nick Lo"},"content":{"rendered":"Nick Lo is the Head of Operations at The Big Group, managing some of Melbourne's most iconic venues and majors and high-profile events. He is passionate about blending smart systems, great teamwork, and creative problem-solving to create unforgettable guest experiences."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/nick-lo\/","slug":"nick-lo","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["15466"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Nick"],"speaker_last_name":["Lo"],"speaker_full_name":["Nick Lo"],"speaker_company_name":["The Big Group Pty Ltd"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Of Operations"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["487e9fc267ebb8124c930ebd974317d3"],"_thumbnail_id":["67195"],"speaker_sessions":[53001],"_eael_post_view_count":["9156"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62686,"title":{"rendered":"Jess Colgan"},"content":{"rendered":"Jess Colgan is the CEO of All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise caf\u00e9 and catering operation that creates award-wage hospitality careers for people with disability through hands-on training, practical support, and a structured three-stage employment pathway. She is also the co-founder of GingerSnap Patisserie, a plant-based dessert brand created by her brother Brett, a proud deaf man and talented pastry chef, supplying to major sporting outlets and catering businesses across Melbourne. With over 15 years\u2019 experience as a CFO and business advisor in hospitality and social enterprise, and a lifetime of lived experience as the sister of a proud deaf man, Jess combines strategic acumen with personal experience to turn inclusive values into inclusive action\u2014building workplaces that fuse inclusion with smart business."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/jess-colgan\/","slug":"jess-colgan","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["15416"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Jess"],"speaker_last_name":["Colgan"],"speaker_full_name":["Jess Colgan"],"speaker_company_name":["All Things Equal"],"speaker_job_title":["Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["3e1af04ea856d40fc2493507f8418157"],"_thumbnail_id":["62687"],"speaker_sessions":[52969],"_eael_post_view_count":["9522"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62679,"title":{"rendered":"Jody Leslie"},"content":{"rendered":"Jody joined Toby\u2019s in 2018 and comes from a Finance and Supply chain background having worked in some of the world\u2019s largest companies in Australia and Internationally.\nShe loves the passion and pace of the coffee industry and loves seeing people and customers grow as a result of partnering with Toby\u2019s."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/jody-leslie\/","slug":"jody-leslie","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["16478"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Jody"],"speaker_last_name":["Leslie"],"speaker_full_name":["Jody Leslie"],"speaker_company_name":["Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters"],"speaker_job_title":["General Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["bb804d0ea1639624d4f931169538a9c7"],"_thumbnail_id":["67200"],"speaker_sessions":[52980],"_eael_post_view_count":["9538"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62677,"title":{"rendered":"Isaac Varano"},"content":{"rendered":"Isaac Varano is the co-founder of Pasta Prego, a growing Melbourne pasta brand known for its high-quality takeaway at an affordable price. With a background in medical science, he brings an analytical and evidence-based approach to scaling hospitality \u2014 from operations and marketing to customer loyalty and growth strategy. Since opening Pasta Prego\u2019s first store in South Yarra, Isaac and Lorenzo have expanded the brand into a second location, focusing on building a modern food business that resonates with today\u2019s diners."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/isaac-varano\/","slug":"isaac-varano","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["15692"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Isaac"],"speaker_last_name":["Varano"],"speaker_full_name":["Isaac Varano"],"speaker_company_name":["Pasta Prego"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["7f6cd4bc42d0e358319b18e3e63309cc"],"_thumbnail_id":["67199"],"speaker_sessions":[52985],"_eael_post_view_count":["9588"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62674,"title":{"rendered":"Angelica iuliano"},"content":{"rendered":"Angelica iuliano is an award-winning pastry chef and the Group Pastry Chef at MoVida, Melbourne. Representing Queen Professional since 2023, Angelica brings over a decade of experience and a reputation for reimagining classic desserts with bold, innovative flair. Her work spans top venues including The Langham, Dinner by Heston, and Burch & Purchese, and she\u2019s known for her creative use of Queen\u2019s product ranges to craft visually stunning, flavour-forward creations.\n\nAs Co-Chair of the Victorian Young Chefs Club and 2025 Pastry Mentor for Proud to Be a Chef, Angelica is passionate about inspiring the next generation of culinary talent."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/angelica-iuliano\/","slug":"angelica-iuliano","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14267"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Angelica"],"speaker_last_name":["iuliano"],"speaker_full_name":["Angelica iuliano"],"speaker_company_name":["Queen Professional"],"speaker_job_title":["Brand Ambassador"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["84c78c01ad40fec067de1c906add8215"],"_thumbnail_id":["67190"],"speaker_sessions":[66339,66341,62516],"_eael_post_view_count":["9485"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,159],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":159,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":159,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62602,"title":{"rendered":"Lucy Ruff"},"content":{"rendered":"Lucy Ruff is a Sales Team Lead at Too Good To Go, the world's largest marketplace for surplus food. Based in Sydney, Lucy leads the expansion of the platform across New South Wales and WA, working closely with food businesses to help them fight food waste while growing sustainably. With a background in sales and a deep passion for purpose-led work, she blends commercial acumen with mission-driven leadership. Outside the office, Lucy\u2019s a curious traveller and a big believer in the power of good food."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/lucy-ruff\/","slug":"lucy-ruff","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["9901"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Lucy"],"speaker_last_name":["Ruff"],"speaker_full_name":["Lucy Ruff"],"speaker_company_name":["Too Good To Go"],"speaker_job_title":["Sales Team Lead"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["d2698f9c1ae221fdee9f9eb7152da138"],"_thumbnail_id":["62603"],"speaker_sessions":[53002],"_eael_post_view_count":["9822"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62569,"title":{"rendered":"Bianca Brady"},"content":{"rendered":"Bianca Brady, co-founder of Axify, is a hospitality-turned-tech leader with 20 years\u2019 operational expertise. She blends deep hospitality industry insight with advanced AI capability, delivering solutions that capture bookings, streamline workflows, and free teams to focus on exceptional guest experiences.\n\nCurrently completing her Master\u2019s in Statistics & Data Science at MIT, Bianca brings a rigorous analytical lens to product development and strategic growth. She works closely with hospitality operators worldwide to ensure AI solutions enhance guest experience and deliver measurable ROI while amplifying, not replacing, the human connection at the heart of service. Under her leadership, Axify is already delivering sector-leading results in hospitality."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/bianca-brady\/","slug":"bianca-brady","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["12528"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Bianca"],"speaker_last_name":["Brady"],"speaker_full_name":["Bianca Brady"],"speaker_company_name":["Axify Ai"],"speaker_job_title":["CEO & Co-founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["ca020d645d3c028c5dae872cfd3796f7"],"_thumbnail_id":["67186"],"speaker_sessions":[52981],"_eael_post_view_count":["9922"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62567,"title":{"rendered":"Emily Chen"},"content":{"rendered":"Emily is a product leader at Tyro Payments, where they help thousands of hospitality businesses deliver smarter, more seamless customer experiences. With over a decade in fintech and a strong track record in AI innovation, Emily specialises in turning emerging technology into practical, human-centred tools that make service faster, operations smoother, and growth easier to achieve.\n\nBeyond the world of payments and technology, Emily is an avid photographer who loves experimenting with new cameras and the occasional food photography project - making today\u2019s conversation on innovation in hospitality a perfect match for both their professional expertise and personal passions."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/emily-chen\/","slug":"emily-chen","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["11864"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Emily"],"speaker_last_name":["Chen"],"speaker_full_name":["Emily Chen"],"speaker_company_name":["Tyro Payments"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Of Digital"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["9f8ca96b8f9e74ed96761766d32f198b"],"_thumbnail_id":["67177"],"speaker_sessions":[52981],"_eael_post_view_count":["9545"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62565,"title":{"rendered":"Adrian Meder"},"content":{"rendered":"As the manager of GoodFish\u2019s Sustainable Seafood guide for 8 years, Adrian has a near encyclopaedic background knowledge of fishing, sustainability and seafood in Australia. His passion for fishing, surfing, and being underwater drives him to work towards healthy oceans forever."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/adrian-meder\/","slug":"adrian-meder","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14635"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Adrian"],"speaker_last_name":["Meder"],"speaker_full_name":["Adrian Meder"],"speaker_company_name":["GoodFish"],"speaker_job_title":["Sustainable Seafood Program Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["5de7a44689cb9dc843546a0d801fe207"],"_thumbnail_id":["67192"],"speaker_sessions":[54103],"_eael_post_view_count":["9304"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62563,"title":{"rendered":"Carolyne Helmy"},"content":{"rendered":"Bio info for Carolyne Helmy \nOriginally from New Caledonia, I draw upon my French culture and background to design and create menus. Food has always held a special space in my heart and in the household growing up. My mom has always been an amazing cook and I knew early on sharing a meal around the table creates a special memory.\nI moved to the gold coast in 2008 to complete a bachelors and masters in corporate communications at Bond University, before moving to San Diego in California. During my time in California, I had roles which covered recruiting, sales and marketing which was a great experience to enter the workforce.\n\nReturning to the GC several years later, I then started my culinary journey and quickly realized this was what I was passionate about. Focusing on the sweet skills at the start learning about all things pastry and baking, before homing in on the savoury and experiencing with all kinds of new ingredients and flavours.\n\nWorking with very passionate chefs early on in my career highlighted the importance you can have on shaping someone\u2019s journey thru sharing passion and skills. This was a turning point for me and where I am today, currently Chef de cuisine at the Star Gold coast curating menus and experiences for our VIP guest at the Darling hotel and restaurant. \nBeing able to have a platform to work with young chefs and apprentices and sharing the same lessons and skills that I was though has been such a rewarding part of my journey. Giving back your time and knowledge to the next generation is an important part of being a chef. \n\nAustralia is renowned for its high-quality produce, particularly its seafood and meat which are a prize both domestically and internationally. Having access to outstanding ingredients and understanding the significance of their origin and traceability as well as understanding the importance of sustainability is essential for the industry and chefs. Handling ingredients with respect while having a range of culinary techniques to use as resources is an amazing skill to have as a chef and so important in my opinion and what makes great chefs. \n\nTravel is vital for a chef in my opinion as it broadens culinary knowledge, sparks creativity and deepens cultural understanding. Exploring different regions and countries exposes chefs to diverse ingredients and techniques which I draw upon as inspiration in the kitchen. It has allowed me to learn from other chefs and experience authentic flavours as well as understand the cultural context behind each cuisine.\n It also plays an important role in networking with the culinary community, adding stories behind each dishes making them even more memorable. \n\nMy culinary journey is ever-evolving, while I remain dedicated to constantly expanding and learning as a chef myself, I understand the importance my voice can have as a female leader in the hospitality industry which is always facing new challenges. \nMy passion for food goes beyond the plate, food brings people together and every dish tells a story."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/carolyne-helmy\/","slug":"carolyne-helmy","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["12232"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Carolyne"],"speaker_last_name":["Helmy"],"speaker_full_name":["Carolyne Helmy"],"speaker_company_name":["The Star Gold Coast"],"speaker_job_title":["Chef de Cuisine"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["18b719fbf07161c4815227d9a7e5ebc3"],"_thumbnail_id":["67181"],"speaker_sessions":[54103],"_eael_post_view_count":["9755"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62543,"title":{"rendered":"Michael Rantissi"},"content":{"rendered":"Chef Michael Rantissi trained in Paris and New York learning great skills in the fine dining world. After relocating to Australia in 2004 Michael worked as the Sous Chef in the fine dining Restaurant at The Bathers\u2019 Pavilion, Balmoral Beach. His career moved to more casual dining working at Pink Salt, Double Bay then the Bar 100 Group. Fast forward to 2012 when Michael opened his first establishment, Kepos Street Kitchen. Kepos Street Kitchen is a favourite amongst Redfern locals but also a destination venue with is modern Mediterranean menu and Middle Eastern twist. Shortly after that he opened Kepos & Co, a more upmarket restaurant he operated for 7 years. He now runs the successful Kepos Catering as well as Salma\u2019s Canteen in Rosebery and a weekly stand at Carriageworks Farmers Markets. Michael is the co-author of 4 cookbooks with his latest, Salata, due for release in September 2025."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/michael-rantissi\/","slug":"michael-rantissi","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["8876"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Michael"],"speaker_last_name":["Rantissi"],"speaker_full_name":["Michael Rantissi"],"speaker_company_name":["Kepos Street Kitchen"],"speaker_job_title":["Chef\/owner"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["1e9274e88bb3f50d81e1c01f32201b36"],"_thumbnail_id":["67167"],"speaker_sessions":[52984],"_eael_post_view_count":["9903"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62540,"title":{"rendered":"Marilyn Annecchini"},"content":{"rendered":"Marilyn Annecchini's dedication to culinary excellence alongside her husband and business partner, Giovanni Pilu, has earned her acclaim as one of Australia's foremost restaurateurs. \n\nTogether, they helm two esteemed establishments on Sydney's Northern Beaches: Pilu at Freshwater and the Pilu Baretto. With over two decades of dedication, their 'Sardinian' inspired venues have become beloved destinations for locals and tourists alike, offering exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences. \n\nIn 2004, they opened the stunning Pilu at Freshwater, recognised in its opening year by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide as \u2018Best New Restaurant\u2019, it has secured two, coveted chef\u2019s hats every year since then. The restaurant continues to receive numerous, prestigious accolades. \n\nMarilyn masterfully oversees operations across venues, from Reservations to Finance, with a blend of grace and strength. Her extensive role underlines her multifaceted expertise and her vision for modernizing Italian dining in Australia.\n\nShe is a respected figure and mentor, admired for her role-model presence and her advocacy for the hospitality industry. Marilyn's commitment extends to mentorship, supporting career growth in hospitality, and championing women's roles in the industry.\n\nHer contributions to the field include judging for the Appetite for Excellence Restaurateur of the Year Awards and founding the Council of W.A.R., a network supporting female restaurateurs.\n\nWhatever hat she wears, Marilyn is fully committed to developing and mentoring young people in hospitality and is particularly committed to championing women in the industry. \n\nMarilyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Leisure Studies) and is mother to Martino and Sofia and two Russian Blue Cats called Enzo and Gino."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/marilyn-annecchini\/","slug":"marilyn-annecchini","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14106"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Marilyn"],"speaker_last_name":["Annecchini"],"speaker_full_name":["Marilyn Annecchini"],"speaker_company_name":["Pilu At Freshwater"],"speaker_job_title":["Owner"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["414c1cb68462c278cc8a23ed581cec35"],"_thumbnail_id":["62541"],"speaker_sessions":[52992],"_eael_post_view_count":["9771"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62538,"title":{"rendered":"Michelle Grand-Milkovic"},"content":{"rendered":"Director and Founder of love.fish Barangaroo\nMichelle is a seasoned hospitality veteran with over 30 years of industry experience, having served as a Director for the past 25 years. Her passion lies in supporting and empowering women, both within her own business and through her extensive professional networks.\nWith an unparalleled eye for detail and the ability to wear multiple hats, Michelle leads a large team, oversees financial management, ensures HR compliance, drives marketing initiatives, implements operational efficiencies, and steers strategic business growth. Her expertise in managing cash flow and maximising rewards has earned her three guest speaker appearances for American Express, a segment on Market Matters on Sky Business News, and a feature on Kochie\u2019s entrepreneur in the spotlight"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/michelle-grand-milkovic\/","slug":"michelle-grand-milkovic","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["13978"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Michelle"],"speaker_last_name":["Grand-Milkovic"],"speaker_full_name":["Michelle Grand-Milkovic"],"speaker_company_name":["love.fish Barangaroo"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder & Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["0b4eb7abb2a0e48c9f4ebc8ee9dbdd32"],"_thumbnail_id":["67189"],"speaker_sessions":[52992],"_eael_post_view_count":["9586"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62536,"title":{"rendered":"Andy Gordon"},"content":{"rendered":"Driven by a passion for hospitality & how tech can transform the way the industry operates.\n\n20+ years in hospitality \u2014 from owning venues in Byron Bay to leading IT and software implementations\n\nAndy Gordon heads up Tech Pantry, helping top Australian brands build smarter tech stacks & scale with confidence."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/andy-gordon\/","slug":"andy-gordon","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["13874"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Andy"],"speaker_last_name":["Gordon"],"speaker_full_name":["Andy Gordon"],"speaker_company_name":["Tech Pantry Global"],"speaker_job_title":["Director & Team Lead"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["3c6aad807213c19747d246b3616c99d7"],"_thumbnail_id":["67188"],"speaker_sessions":[53001],"_eael_post_view_count":["9120"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62534,"title":{"rendered":"Marlon Kigonya"},"content":{"rendered":"General Manager of Two Good Co Food. Two Good is a social enterprise, not for profit organisation that supports women that have suffered complex trauma."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/marlon-kigonya\/","slug":"marlon-kigonya","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["13818"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Marlon"],"speaker_last_name":["Kigonya"],"speaker_full_name":["Marlon Kigonya"],"speaker_company_name":["Two Good Co"],"speaker_job_title":["General Manager Food"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["65329efe5735da9d8b9f927f3d383dad"],"_thumbnail_id":["67187"],"_eael_post_view_count":["9135"],"speaker_sessions":[52969],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62532,"title":{"rendered":"Alice Ellis"},"content":{"rendered":"Alice Ellis is Editor in Chief of Time Out in Sydney, Melbourne and Australia. Alice loves having a job that's all about supporting one of her biggest passions: Sydney. She works every day to encourage people off the couch and out exploring the city's diverse restaurants, bars, arts and culture venues and more.\u00a0\n\nAlice has worked in media for 16 years,\u00a0including at Women's Health magazine and the Virgin Australia inflight magazine. She has also worked in sports and fitness marketing \u2013\u00a0a diverse range of experience that reflects her diverse interests, from sport and wellness to dining, travel and the arts."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/alice-ellis\/","slug":"alice-ellis","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["10078"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Alice"],"speaker_last_name":["Ellis"],"speaker_full_name":["Alice Ellis"],"speaker_company_name":["Time Out"],"speaker_job_title":["National Editor In Chief"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["a4d0c1b7f058a41d5e547f15f8bf9a9b"],"_thumbnail_id":["67173"],"speaker_sessions":[52991],"_eael_post_view_count":["9893"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62520,"title":{"rendered":"Chris Mavris"},"content":{"rendered":"Chris Mavris \u2013 Hospitality & Franchise Operations Leader\n\nChris Mavris is an accomplished hospitality professional with nearly four decades of experience in the caf\u00e9, QSR, and franchise sectors. Renowned for his hands-on leadership and operational excellence, Chris has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of some of Australia\u2019s most recognised food brands, including Soul Origin and Brooklyn Donuts.\n\nAt Soul Origin, Chris was instrumental in driving store performance and operational consistency across the network, implementing training frameworks and support systems that empowered franchise partners and elevated the guest experience. His expertise in scaling operations, refining processes, and fostering team capability helped position the brand for sustained national growth.\n\nIn his current role with Brooklyn Donuts, Chris leads the operational strategy for the rapidly expanding franchise group. This includes overseeing store openings, training programs, product rollouts, and partner engagement, while ensuring every venue delivers on the brand\u2019s promise of exceptional coffee, fresh donuts, and outstanding customer service.\n\nA seasoned coffee expert with over 40 years of experience \u2013 Chris brings a unique blend of product knowledge and operational know-how. His collaborative approach, combined with a relentless focus on standards, has made him a trusted advisor to franchisees and a respected leader in the hospitality industry."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/chris-mavris\/","slug":"chris-mavris","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["11929"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Chris"],"speaker_last_name":["Mavris"],"speaker_full_name":["Chris Mavris"],"speaker_company_name":["Brooklyn Donuts"],"speaker_job_title":["COO- Retail"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["adf3c81007460c54c4993a24a7e0095d"],"_thumbnail_id":["67179"],"speaker_sessions":[53011],"_eael_post_view_count":["9909"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62517,"title":{"rendered":"Craig Joel"},"content":{"rendered":"Born and raised in Perth, Australia, CEO and Co-Founder Craig Joel has worked in hospitality since the start of his career. From running his own restaurant to presiding the Catering Institute of Australia (ACI) for a full decade, his 30 years in hospitality led him to discover a gap in the industry that he knows and loves.\n \nHe dreamt of creating a product that put control back in the hands of restaurant operators. So, with a group of restaurant owners, Craig set out to build the solution \u2014 a hospitality reservation platform that thrives with its service to venues, not at the expense of them.\n \nBuilt for hospitality, by hospitality - today, Now Book It is constantly innovating to help restaurants of all shapes and sizes do what they love, serve customers better and operate in seamless and sustainable ways."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/craig-joel\/","slug":"craig-joel","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["12504"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Craig"],"speaker_last_name":["Joel"],"speaker_full_name":["Craig Joel"],"speaker_company_name":["Now Book It"],"speaker_job_title":["CEO & Co-Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["a95253b8daa6f5da6a459fd52c30028d"],"_thumbnail_id":["67185"],"speaker_sessions":[62514],"_eael_post_view_count":["9933"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62470,"title":{"rendered":"Cameron Stallard"},"content":{"rendered":"I believe that technology should make people\u2019s lives easier while still allowing a sense of connection. A secure livelihood and a better lifestyle don\u2019t always have to come at the cost of time. So, after seeing hospitality venues struggling and customers waiting in lines I realized there was an opportunity. An opportunity to cut down on apps for venues, save more time and make businesses more profitable, thus Grayza was born. Life\u2019s too short for waiting in lines and even shorter for our busy venues to be stuck in the mud of inefficiencies.\n\nGrayza is a hospitality owner's dream, the complete front and back of house operations. A platform that is designed to make every venue owner\u2019s life easier. If there is one thing my team knows for sure, it\u2019s that in hospitality, every moment matters.\n\nOne hiccup can have a big downstream impact. Mixed-up orders and long wait times can cause venue owners to lose valued patrons. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve built a talented team of staff and leaders capable of building a reliable hospotech platform designed for the future of the industry, that doesn\u2019t let people down. By digitising the entire order experience, from the table to fulfilment, we\u2019re helping venue owners to focus on their passions, deliver better experiences, and become more resilient when the unexpected arises.\n\nCombining my experience in hospitality, sales and marketing, entrepreneurship, and international business, my vision is to simplify venue operators\u2019 lives, free up more of their time, and help them operate with greater ease. Because let\u2019s face it, sitting at a table with good friends and great food is one of the finer things in life - and I want to help bring people together in better ways, worldwide."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/cameron-stallard\/","slug":"cameron-stallard","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["12351"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Cameron"],"speaker_last_name":["Stallard"],"speaker_full_name":["Cameron Stallard"],"speaker_company_name":["Grayza"],"speaker_job_title":["Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["c54304ce8b849c79a39ca3b5612978b8"],"_thumbnail_id":["67184"],"speaker_sessions":[52998],"_eael_post_view_count":["9042"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62468,"title":{"rendered":"Judy McMahon"},"content":{"rendered":"Judy is the Owner\/operator of CATALINA Restaurant, Rose Bay, an enduring Sydney restaurant icon and harbourside gem, which recently celebrated its 30th birthday.\n\nJudy was born in New Zealand and made her way to Sydney in 1978. She began her career working with her late husband Michael at Len Evans' legendary Bulletin Place, then made the move to Gay and Tony Bilson's Berowra Waters Inn. In 1983, she and Michael purchased Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach, working with a young Neil Perry, and subsequently opening Perry's in Paddington with him. By 1988, Judy and Michael had sold both restaurants, and moved to work together at the legendary Bilson\u2019s at Circular Quay, where Judy was Event Manager. In 1994, Judy and Michael purchased CATALINA, and the rest, as they say, is history.\n\nJudy has been a central part of the restaurant\u2019s success for over 30 years and continues to lead the team today alongside her son, James, and daughter, Kate. \nJudy is a board member of ARCA (Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association)."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/judy-mcmahon\/","slug":"judy-mcmahon","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["12346"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Judy"],"speaker_last_name":["McMahon"],"speaker_full_name":["Judy McMahon"],"speaker_company_name":["CATALINA Restaurant"],"speaker_job_title":["Owner\/Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["6643d443b29cf13efb4ac5a5dd32d70b"],"_thumbnail_id":["67183"],"speaker_sessions":[52992,53005],"_eael_post_view_count":["9964"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62466,"title":{"rendered":"Tara Senam"},"content":{"rendered":"Tara Senam is the founder of Meraki Hospitality Group, a leading collective of venues on the Central Coast. With over a decade of hands-on experience in building, operating, and scaling successful hospitality brands, Tara is passionate about transforming the industry\u2019s reputation into one of respect, opportunity, and long-term career pathways"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/tara-senam\/","slug":"tara-senam","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["11900"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Tara"],"speaker_last_name":["Senam"],"speaker_full_name":["Tara Senam"],"speaker_company_name":["Meraki Group"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder And Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["a661b1b4aceaef96b9365dd559cd6b62"],"_thumbnail_id":["67178"],"speaker_sessions":[52992],"_eael_post_view_count":["9764"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62461,"title":{"rendered":"Joshua Niland"},"content":{"rendered":"Chef Josh Niland has transformed the way we cook, transport, age and store fish. His ethical, sustainable and revolutionary approach has received global recognition. Fellow chefs, marine experts, seafood companies and fishmongers have applauded and embraced his new philosophy. He is a multi-award-winning chef, restaurateur and author."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/joshua-niland\/","slug":"joshua-niland","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["12326"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Joshua"],"speaker_last_name":["Niland"],"speaker_full_name":["Joshua Niland"],"speaker_company_name":["Saint Peter"],"speaker_job_title":["Chef | Restaurateur"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["4775c871499015c66028f6a351fd5a1a"],"_thumbnail_id":["67182"],"speaker_sessions":[53005],"_eael_post_view_count":["9929"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":62459,"title":{"rendered":"Stevan Premutico"},"content":{"rendered":"Stevan Premutico is one of Australia\u2019s most influential restaurant tech entrepreneurs, with a career dedicated to making hospitality better, smarter, and more human. He founded Dimmi, the platform that transformed how Australians book restaurants (acquired by TripAdvisor.) He then went on to create me&u, the global leader in Order & Pay, powering $2B in sales across three continents. Today, Stevan is co-founder of Buddy \u2013 an ambitious AI platform for hospitality. With two decades at the intersection of tech and dining, his ventures have reshaped the industry, helped thousands of venues thrive, and inspired a new wave of innovation. Above all, Stevan is a passionate hospo lover, driven by the belief that the best moments in life happen around a shared meal."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/stevan-premutico\/","slug":"stevan-premutico","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["11843"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Stevan"],"speaker_last_name":["Premutico"],"speaker_full_name":["Stevan Premutico"],"speaker_company_name":["Australian hospitality tech maven"],"speaker_job_title":[""],"speaker_headshot_hash":["b48de0efb841140fab0ae87a9cee211d"],"_thumbnail_id":["67176"],"speaker_sessions":[53005],"_eael_post_view_count":["10008"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":55595,"title":{"rendered":"Marianne Ryan"},"content":{"rendered":"With a career in hospitality that\u2019s taken them across the globe, Marianne now leads the caf\u00e9 experience nationally for Allpress. Blending international insight with a deep love for local coffee culture, they focus on creating meaningful customer moments and building strong, connected teams"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/marianne-ryan\/","slug":"marianne-ryan","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["9219"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Marianne"],"speaker_last_name":["Ryan"],"speaker_full_name":["Marianne Ryan"],"speaker_company_name":["Allpress Espresso"],"speaker_job_title":["National Hospitality Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["8db9249dcb9a915da7794e3d6793b52a"],"_thumbnail_id":["67168"],"speaker_sessions":[53013],"_eael_post_view_count":["9612"],"_edit_lock":["1754601016:2"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":55526,"title":{"rendered":"Scott Allan"},"content":{"rendered":"With a passion for whisky, storytelling and creating memorable experiences, Scott is The Whisky List's events maestro, bringing tastings, dinners, whisky shows, and top shelf experiences to life around Australia. Scott honed his craft in some of Sydney's best bars serving inspired cocktails and fine spirits, but it was whisky from around the world (both with a \"Y\" and an \"EY\") that he can't stop talking about!"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/scott-allan\/","slug":"scott-allan","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["10128"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Scott"],"speaker_last_name":["Allan"],"speaker_full_name":["Scott Allan"],"speaker_company_name":["The Whisky List"],"speaker_job_title":["Events & Advocacy"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["9885c5cd90f5cfbe4bbaa619c1c1f302"],"_thumbnail_id":["67174"],"speaker_sessions":[53007],"_eael_post_view_count":["9542"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":55352,"title":{"rendered":"Frankie Robin"},"content":{"rendered":"Frankie Robin is Pastry Chef and Master Patissier from France with\nexperience in the industry for more than 20 years. He worked in France for a\n5-Star hotel, a Michelin Star restaurant and a pastry and ice-cream shop, and as\nInternational Executive Chef for a well known franchise in Dubai, London and\nKuala Lumpur.\nAt IREKS ASIA-PACIFIC SDN. BHD., Frankie is managing the brand DREIDOPPEL as\nKey Account Manager for the whole Asia-Pacific market."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/frankie-robin\/","slug":"frankie-robin","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["9360"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Frankie"],"speaker_last_name":["Robin"],"speaker_full_name":["Frankie Robin"],"speaker_company_name":["Creative Ingredients"],"speaker_job_title":["Master Chocolatier \/ P\u00e2tisserie"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["71501ecc672c536f62df845b8c29638e"],"_thumbnail_id":["67172"],"speaker_sessions":[52983,53014],"_eael_post_view_count":["10311"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,159],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":159,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":159,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":55350,"title":{"rendered":"Karthik Swaminathan"},"content":{"rendered":"Karthik began his professional career by earning a master's degree in Hotel Management from a prestigious college, later specializing in Bakery and Pastry. After working as a Gelato Chef, his passion for gelato grew, leading him to become a true expert thanks to years of research, constant study, and dedication. His areas of expertise also include pastry, chocolates, raw materials, and kitchen management. Karthik also possesses a solid understanding of developing new ideas and skills, which he combines with undisputed problem-solving skills. Proactive, talented, and friendly, his philosophy can be summed up in the motto \"Can do.\" A Casa Opima Group Ambassador since 2008, he covers the South East Asia and Pacific regions, Australia, and New Zealand."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/karthik-swaminathan\/","slug":"karthik-swaminathan","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["9357"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Karthik"],"speaker_last_name":["Swaminathan"],"speaker_full_name":["Karthik Swaminathan"],"speaker_company_name":["Creative Ingredients"],"speaker_job_title":["Gelato Master"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["9cadf0f98e8280dc493640aec804e357"],"_thumbnail_id":["67171"],"speaker_sessions":[52970,52987,66355,53003],"_eael_post_view_count":["10539"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,159],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":159,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":159,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":55348,"title":{"rendered":"Wei Loon Tan"},"content":{"rendered":"A World Pastry Champion 2019 (Coupe du\nMonde de la Patisserie) and Asian Pastry\nChampion 2018 and 2014, is undeniably one of\nthe best pastry chefs in Asia. As the Director of\nPastry Studies at APCA Malaysia, he has\nrepresented the Malaysian National Team in\nmultiple International Pastry competitions.\nHe is highly skilled in modern French pastry,\nsugar art, airbrush techniques, chocolate\ndisplays, and praline making. Aside from\ncompeting in Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie\n2015 and ranked 4th globally, He also coached\nthe Malaysian National Team in Coupe du\nMonde de la Patisserie 2017 in Lyon.\nWith the intent of quality over quantity, he\nstarted Enchante in 2019, introducing the\nfinest desserts to the market. By infusing\nEuropean pastry techniques into the local\ntastebuds, he has successfully brought up the\nquality benchmark of the local dessert scene."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/wei-loon-tan\/","slug":"wei-loon-tan","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["9340"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Wei Loon"],"speaker_last_name":["Tan"],"speaker_full_name":["Wei Loon Tan"],"speaker_company_name":["Creative Ingredients"],"speaker_job_title":["World Pastry Champion"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["fa46f27572bfcfdd20d293a944af0481"],"_thumbnail_id":["67170"],"speaker_sessions":[52967,52979],"_eael_post_view_count":["10245"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,159],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":159,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":159,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":55346,"title":{"rendered":"Paul Kennedy"},"content":{"rendered":"Paul Kennedy is a globally respected pastry chef with over 40 years of experience. His career has taken him across the world\u2014from hotels and patisseries to renowned chocolateries\u2014culminating in a 15-year role as Executive Pastry Chef & Head Educator at Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School.\n\nKnown for his mastery of chocolate, viennoiserie, pastry, and gelato, Paul has taught thousands and mentored hundreds throughout his career. He now brings that same depth of knowledge to Creative Ingredients, supporting companies with premium products and real-world expertise."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/paul-kennedy\/","slug":"paul-kennedy","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["9335"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Paul"],"speaker_last_name":["Kennedy"],"speaker_full_name":["Paul Kennedy"],"speaker_company_name":["Creative Ingredients"],"speaker_job_title":["Creative Ambassador"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["2e0df13aa13ae8cf2c6a8ed3f2829160"],"_thumbnail_id":["67169"],"speaker_sessions":[52963,52996,66355,53010],"_eael_post_view_count":["10519"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,159],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":159,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":159,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54620,"title":{"rendered":"Luke Buchholz"},"content":{"rendered":"Speaker Bio \u2013 Nautical Wholesale Seafood\n\nLuke Buchholz is the founder of Nautical Wholesale Seafood, a premium Australian seafood supplier renowned for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation. Specialising in line-caught, spiked, and gill-clipped Australian fin fish, Nautical Wholesale Seafood has become a trusted name among the country\u2019s top chefs and restaurants.\n\nWith a deep respect for the ocean and an unwavering focus on ethical harvesting practices, Luke and his team have built a business that not only supplies exceptional seafood but also champions transparency and traceability in the supply chain. This dedication was recognised in 2021, when Nautical Wholesale Seafood was awarded Harvey Norman\u2019s \u201cFrom the Sea\u201d Producer of the Year.\n\nTheir premium produce is featured in Josh Niland\u2019s acclaimed \u201cFish Butchery\u201d cookbooks, highlighting the business\u2019s reputation for excellence and innovation in seafood processing. Nautical Wholesale Seafood proudly collaborates with many of Australia\u2019s leading culinary figures, including Neil Perry, Josh Niland, Matt Moran, and Lennox Hastie, ensuring the finest Australian seafood reaches the plates of discerning diners nationwide.\n\nLuke continues to advocate for responsible fishing practices and is passionate about elevating the standard and perception of Australian seafood both locally and globally."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/luke-buchholz\/","slug":"luke-buchholz","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7810"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Luke"],"speaker_last_name":["Buchholz"],"speaker_full_name":["Luke Buchholz"],"speaker_company_name":["Nautical Wholesale Seafood"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["10496735b01cad9254b86c544a48fd4b"],"_thumbnail_id":["54621"],"speaker_sessions":[54103],"_eael_post_view_count":["10592"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54613,"title":{"rendered":"Julia Laidlaw"},"content":{"rendered":"Julia is an agroecologist building communities through local food systems and regenerative agriculture. An urban mushroom farmer since 2018, she has supplied some of Melbournes best restaurants and farmers markets, building her business around a towards-zero-waste ethic. In 2024 Julia joined forces with two other circular business founders to establish Circuiti - the Circular Economy Exchange, a match making service to connect innovative circular businesses and services with big businesses struggling to minimise waste and meet sustainability targets."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/julia-laidlaw\/","slug":"julia-laidlaw","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["8663"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Julia"],"speaker_last_name":["Laidlaw"],"speaker_full_name":["Julia Laidlaw"],"speaker_company_name":["Sporadical City Mushrooms"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder & Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["59e21c91aeb74c9fb15be9844ef32124"],"_thumbnail_id":["67166"],"speaker_sessions":[52995],"_eael_post_view_count":["10501"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54611,"title":{"rendered":"Luca Ciano"},"content":{"rendered":"Chef Luca Ciano is an Italian born culinary powerhouse with roots in Milan. Inspired by cooking alongside his mum and Nonna from an early age.\nLuca refined his craft at Milan\u2019s two Michelin star \u201cIl Luogo di Aimo e Nadia,\u201d London\u2019s Millennium Gloucester Hotel, and Bermuda\u2019s Relais & Chateaux before moving to Australia 20 years ago. \nBased in Sydney\u2019s Bondi Beach, he\u2019s a sought-after chef consultant, TV host of Luca\u2019s Key Ingredient, cookbook author of 2 best sellers, and creator of a boutique range of sauces and pastas Luca\u2019s kitchen philosophy? Keep it simple, fresh and seasonal."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/luca-ciano\/","slug":"luca-ciano","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["8332"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Luca"],"speaker_last_name":["Ciano"],"speaker_full_name":["Luca Ciano"],"speaker_company_name":["Ciano Enterprise Pty Ltd"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["82df2d7d5fcee14f080a0afc6885eb01"],"_thumbnail_id":["67164"],"speaker_sessions":[54425],"_eael_post_view_count":["10524"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54609,"title":{"rendered":"Georgie Budd"},"content":{"rendered":"Georgie Budd brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and sustainability leadership to the table. With over 13 years\u2019 experience as a chef and five years dedicated to the food waste sector, Georgie has built her career on the belief that sustainability isn\u2019t just a value\u2014it\u2019s a system. From transforming commercial kitchen operations to driving measurable impact in non-profit sustainability initiatives, she specialises in turning abstract goals into practical, cost-effective strategies."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/georgie-budd\/","slug":"georgie-budd","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["8221"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Georgie"],"speaker_last_name":["Budd"],"speaker_full_name":["Georgie Budd"],"speaker_company_name":["Better Business Partnership"],"speaker_job_title":["Business Sustainability Officer"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["0e548a1feb034fab6338c194c6f78e54"],"_thumbnail_id":["67163"],"speaker_sessions":[52957],"_eael_post_view_count":["10605"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54607,"title":{"rendered":"Dominic Van Herk"},"content":{"rendered":"With over two decades of experience as a chef across Australia and Europe, I have developed a deep appreciation for innovative cuisine and a lasting commitment to the hospitality and foodservice industries. Building on this foundation, I have since worked closely with vertically integrated agribusinesses, supporting efforts to supply and promote sustainably produced, locally grown ingredients. My focus has been on educating and engaging the industry, with the aim of encouraging broader awareness and more thoughtful sourcing practices. I remain dedicated to contributing to the future of the sector through ongoing involvement with Le Cordon Bleu and participation in food judging panels such as Fine Food, helping to support and inspire the next generation of professionals."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/dominic-van-herk\/","slug":"dominic-van-herk","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7970"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Dominic"],"speaker_last_name":["Van Herk"],"speaker_full_name":["Dominic Van Herk"],"speaker_company_name":["Australian Native Products"],"speaker_job_title":["Sales Manager - Domestic"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["265089366ac0d00659bcc7c13f6f1f95"],"_thumbnail_id":["67162"],"speaker_sessions":[52995],"_eael_post_view_count":["10489"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54605,"title":{"rendered":"Caitlyn Touzell"},"content":{"rendered":"Caitlyn\u00a0is the General Manager at Boomerang Labs, Australia's first Circular\nEconomy\u00a0Accelerator.\u00a0Caitlyn\u00a0holds unique insight into the evolving landscape of\ncircular economy\u00a0startups in Australia, and acts as a matchmaker between\ncircular entrepreneurs and private sector partners and mentors.\u00a0Caitlyn\u00a0is also\nthe General Manager of\u00a0StartSomeGood (social enterprises and crowdfunding)\nand Rocket Seeder (food innovation)."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/caitlyn-touzell\/","slug":"caitlyn-touzell","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6628"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Caitlyn"],"speaker_last_name":["Touzell"],"speaker_full_name":["Caitlyn Touzell"],"speaker_company_name":["Boomerang Labs"],"speaker_job_title":["General Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["4fba94a32c14149312b0f5b09f70b5a1"],"_thumbnail_id":["67149"],"speaker_sessions":[52995],"_eael_post_view_count":["10730"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54603,"title":{"rendered":"Lucan Creamer"},"content":{"rendered":"With a background in major events, brand and partnerships, Lucan moved into the sustainability and circular economy spaces to align his values and apply his experience to make a positive impact.\n\nNo Offence Wines is on a mission to inspire positive change through the joy of wine. Tackling the biggest contributor to wine\u2019s carbon footprint, the glass bottle (50-70%). through zero-waste and circular sp;utions which offer; fresher wine, speed of service, reduced storage, good value and a great customer experience.\n\nMore than a drink, wine is a conversation starter, an enjoyable experience which can showcase positive impact in action.\n\nCan we get you a drink?"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/lucan-creamer\/","slug":"lucan-creamer","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6189"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Lucan"],"speaker_last_name":["Creamer"],"speaker_full_name":["Lucan Creamer"],"speaker_company_name":["No Offence Wines"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder \/ Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["66d9eebed8a6fd4182cd199e869f2bcc"],"_thumbnail_id":["67146"],"speaker_sessions":[52995],"_eael_post_view_count":["10715"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54505,"title":{"rendered":"Rod Fowler"},"content":{"rendered":"Rod Fowler has over 40 years experiece in technology adaption across several indiustries. He is a leading voice in Australia\u2019s foodservice industry, recognized for his expertise in market insights and innovation. Rod shares his forward-looking insights as a food industry futurist and serves as an advisor to the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB).Rod\u2019s career is marked by a passion for following industry trends, from major shifts in consumer behavior to emerging technologies such as robotics."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/rod-fowler\/","slug":"rod-fowler","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["8657"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Rod"],"speaker_last_name":["Fowler"],"speaker_full_name":["Rod Fowler"],"speaker_company_name":["Food Industry Foresight"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["0d17c2329b96d96273d1cae13597da67"],"_thumbnail_id":["67165"],"speaker_sessions":[54507],"_eael_post_view_count":["10512"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54497,"title":{"rendered":"Adetokunboh Adeniyi"},"content":{"rendered":"Adetokunboh Adeniyi is a seasoned hospitality expert and founder of award winning Little Lagos Bistro & Bar based in Newtown, Sydney. Adetokunboh is also the founder of The Lagosians, a street wear brand inspired by Little Lagos and The Afro-Caribbean Cookout - a street food fusion brand exploring the culinary connections between West Africa & The Caribbean. \nAdetokunboh mentors at FoodLab, a not for profit social enterprise organisation that helps entrepreneurs with high barriers to entry formalise and grow food business by supporting and training food business owners with education, commercial kitchen rental and mentoring. As a culinary business incubator, FoodLab focuses on supporting migrants, refugees, Aboriginal-Australians and low income entrepreneurs. Having worked in the hospitality space for over 10 years both in Australia and overseas, Adetokunboh is dedicated to sharing knowledge, mentoring and helping other small business owners grow and reach their potential."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/adetokunboh-adeniyi\/","slug":"adetokunboh-adeniyi","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["16"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Adetokunboh"],"speaker_last_name":["Adeniyi"],"speaker_full_name":["Adetokunboh Adeniyi"],"speaker_company_name":["Little Lagos"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["555a208f20004a41d917686bc4824fdf"],"_thumbnail_id":["67123"],"_eael_post_view_count":["11019"],"speaker_sessions":[53009],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54489,"title":{"rendered":"Anita Lee"},"content":{"rendered":"Anita has over 20 years experience in marketing and relationship development in Asia Pacific and the Oceania region working across a vast number of categories and channels. Anita has been with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for 6 years as the Senior Commercial Manager in the Oceania Region, looking after New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. In her role at the MSC, Anita works with partners through the supply chain from MSC certified fisheries to retailers and brands as well as foodservice establishments to ensure that they consumers with MSC certified sustainable wild caught seafood choices when shopping and dining out so that we can all make a positive impact to heathier oceans."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/anita-lee\/","slug":"anita-lee","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7928"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Anita"],"speaker_last_name":["Lee"],"speaker_full_name":["Anita Lee"],"speaker_company_name":["Marine Stewardship Council"],"speaker_job_title":["Senior Commercial Manager Oceania"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["d99626943c07695c44d50c3e699ec94f"],"_thumbnail_id":["67161"],"speaker_sessions":[52977],"_eael_post_view_count":["10745"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54487,"title":{"rendered":"Heidi Walker"},"content":{"rendered":"Heidi Walker is owner and Managing Director of Walker Seafoods Australia & Walker's Tuna. Heidi was awarded MSC's Fishing Hero award in 2025 for her leadership in sustainable tuna fishing and her launch of Walker's Tuna brand for retail and food service. Walker Seafoods Australia is Australia's largest wild caught tuna company based on the Sunshine Coast QLD."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/heidi-walker\/","slug":"heidi-walker","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7835"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Heidi"],"speaker_last_name":["Walker"],"speaker_full_name":["Heidi Walker"],"speaker_company_name":["Walker Seafoods Australia"],"speaker_job_title":["Managing Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["51e2859dbe9b31b5c48d1c37a11a0bb3"],"_thumbnail_id":["67160"],"speaker_sessions":[52977],"_eael_post_view_count":["10695"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54485,"title":{"rendered":"Garry Stokes"},"content":{"rendered":"Garry Stokes has more than 40 years experience in the hospitality industry, working in many areas of the industry. Garry\u2019s started his career in Commercial Cookery, working in Australia and overseas Hotels gaining experience in a wide cross-section of establishments. Garry has more that 25 years teaching experience in the private and public sector and holds a Bachelors of Adult Education and a Masters of Education, from the University of Technology, Sydney. Garry also holds a \u201cFood and Beverage Management\u201d qualification from Cornell University in the USA. Garry has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in the Hospitality Industry, receiving a Legend of Hospitality Award from Tourism Training Australia, Trainer of the \u00a0from Service Skills Australia and Recognition by TAFE NSW for achievement in outstanding team development. Garry has extensive Industry contacts and is an active member of the Tourism Hospitality and Catering Institute of Australia, Director of Tourism Training Australia"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/garry-stokes\/","slug":"garry-stokes","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7525"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Garry"],"speaker_last_name":["Stokes"],"speaker_full_name":["Garry Stokes"],"speaker_company_name":["Australian Culinary Federation"],"speaker_job_title":["Owner"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["0b09f72183af3e51f715b2b5e6b22eb7"],"_thumbnail_id":["66368"],"speaker_sessions":[53004],"_eael_post_view_count":["10580"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54483,"title":{"rendered":"Roxanne Uy"},"content":{"rendered":"Roxanne joined Circana in April 2022. In her current role as Senior Manager at Circana\u2019s foodservice team, she works as a lead analyst developing insights and thought leadership for key QSR clients and partners. Prior to Circana, Roxanne spent over 6 years as a journalist and production editor at a B2B publishing company covering a range of sectors in the APAC region, including healthcare, insurance, and banking & finance. She then worked as a stakeholder relations manager at a bank\u2019s corporate communications team for a couple of years before obtaining her MBA from Macquarie University in 2021."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/roxanne-uy\/","slug":"roxanne-uy","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7473"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Roxanne"],"speaker_last_name":["Uy"],"speaker_full_name":["Roxanne Uy"],"speaker_company_name":["Circana"],"speaker_job_title":["Senior Manager - Foodservice"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["c52d64b41adc21ddd4040df8451b7bd8"],"_thumbnail_id":["67156"],"speaker_sessions":[53008],"_eael_post_view_count":["10533"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54481,"title":{"rendered":"Venessa Barnes"},"content":{"rendered":"Recognised as a trusted voice in foodservice, Venessa Barnes is known for connecting the dots between people, products and brands with clarity and impact.\n\nStarting her career as a chef, Venessa moved into senior business development and marketing roles with some of the industry\u2019s leading names, including Top Cut, Simplot and Game Farm. In 2016, she joined Australian Pork Limited as Business Development Manager \u2013 Foodservice Marketing, working closely with chefs, buyers and suppliers to drive product success and boost menu placement across the high-volume foodservice sector.\n\nHer passion for practical, results-driven marketing led her to launch FoodLogic\u2014a consultancy focused on helping food businesses grow brand awareness, customer loyalty, and long-term profitability through meaningful, strategic connections.\n\nIn her most recent role, Venessa has joined the Restaurant & Catering Association (R&CA) as Head of Growth & Partnerships, where she leads national engagement, partnership strategy, and new opportunities for member value.\n\nVenessa also contributes her time and expertise through advisory roles with Worldchefs, the Tourism Task Force, and the Royal Agricultural Society, and proudly serves as a Red Meat Industry Ambassador."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/venessa-barnes\/","slug":"venessa-barnes","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7407"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Venessa"],"speaker_last_name":["Barnes"],"speaker_full_name":["Venessa Barnes"],"speaker_company_name":["Restaurant & Catering Australia"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Of Growth & Partnerships"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["50f99f592af691c450cf6ac352765dbe"],"_thumbnail_id":["67155"],"speaker_sessions":[53004,62601],"_eael_post_view_count":["10605"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54479,"title":{"rendered":"Tamara Djokic"},"content":{"rendered":"I am a Director at KPMG Enterprise Advisory practice, with over 15 years\u2019 experience supporting mid-market clients through finance function and broader business transformation. My career began in audit and assurance, equipping me with a strong analytical background and broad industry exposure."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/tamara-djokic\/","slug":"tamara-djokic","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7127"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Tamara"],"speaker_last_name":["Djokic"],"speaker_full_name":["Tamara Djokic"],"speaker_company_name":["KPMG Enterprise"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["93837a8fd2503f06d2b51ae092cc8596"],"_thumbnail_id":["54480"],"speaker_sessions":[52966],"_eael_post_view_count":["10172"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54477,"title":{"rendered":"Emily Ng"},"content":{"rendered":"Emily is a passionate and adaptive leader with close to 15 years of experience at Unilever, having worked with diverse markets across Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand in a broad spectrum of marketing and management roles. Her background in Psychology and market research offers a strong foundation and a unique understanding of consumer behaviour and team dynamics. In her current role as Country & Marketing Lead for Unilever Food Solutions ANZ, she steers the vision and strategy for the region to land impactful brand campaigns, innovations and solutions that are built upon strong user insights, emerging trends and consumer preferences. Tapping into the global expertise and network of UFS across 76 countries covering 50 cuisines, Emily will share the key headlines and takeaways for ANZ from Future Menus - an annual comprehensive study compiled from robust global data and extensive chef inputs, including industry reports of leading third-party sources."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/emily-ng\/","slug":"emily-ng","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6743"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Emily"],"speaker_last_name":["Ng"],"speaker_full_name":["Emily Ng"],"speaker_company_name":["Unilever Food Solutions"],"speaker_job_title":["Head of UFS ANZ - Marketing Lead"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["820b2f86cbfae5badd72d6cc1dc2e86c"],"_thumbnail_id":["67153"],"speaker_sessions":[52982],"_eael_post_view_count":["10682"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54475,"title":{"rendered":"Bex Harris"},"content":{"rendered":"Bex has worked in the hospo and events space for over 2 decades. She creates memorable experiences for brands and manages a number of events across Australia. \nAs Project Manager for Crunch since April 2025, Bex has been connecting hospo venue owners and councils with Crunch. She is keen to showcase how having Crunch in your pocket, as your coach and mentor will improve many aspects of your business."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/bex-harris\/","slug":"bex-harris","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6737"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Bex"],"speaker_last_name":["Harris"],"speaker_full_name":["Bex Harris"],"speaker_company_name":["On Brand Events"],"speaker_job_title":["Project Manager - Crunch Hospo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["17f0d40c95594a4d580965a0d9d94804"],"_thumbnail_id":["67152"],"speaker_sessions":[53013],"_eael_post_view_count":["10525"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54473,"title":{"rendered":"Thomas Hart"},"content":{"rendered":"Thomas Hart is a cocktail bartender, venue manager, and certified sake sommelier based in Sydney since 2015. After working at acclaimed venues such as Door Knock, Burrow Bar, and Nick and Nora's, he transitioned to liquor retail in 2019, training under John Gauntner and becoming the Sake Buyer at The Oak Barrel.\n\nHis passion for sake led to involvement in the Australian Sake Awards and Festival from 2022 onwards. In 2023, he completed the Sake Sommelier Association\u2019s course, and in 2024, he was named NSW Sake Educator and joined the Advanced Sake Sommelier Course at Watanabe Shuzo in Gifu. That same year, he launched Kuraguchi, a platform focused on sake importation, distribution, and events.\n\nCurrently, Thomas manages operations at Burrow Bar and hosts sake and shochu events across Sydney, aiming to make Japanese drinks more accessible, educational, and fun."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/thomas-hart\/","slug":"thomas-hart","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6672"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Thomas"],"speaker_last_name":["Hart"],"speaker_full_name":["Thomas Hart"],"speaker_company_name":["Kuraguchi"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["4f4b2d4bcbb39adf06fceb74670ca5e8"],"_thumbnail_id":["67151"],"speaker_sessions":[52972,52989],"_eael_post_view_count":["10701"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54471,"title":{"rendered":"Avril Treasure"},"content":{"rendered":"Avril Treasure is the Editor of Time Out Sydney and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to her current role, she was the Food & Drink Editor. Time Out\u2019s mission has always been to encourage and inspire Sydneysiders to get off the couch and experience the best of the city \u2013 and it\u2019s one she very much believes in. In fact, she\u2019s probably due for a night on the couch herself. In her spare time, you\u2019ll usually find Avril at a restaurant, camping with friends, or hanging out with her new favourite person (who is yet to chip in for the bill) \u2013 her nephew, Fenn."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/avril-treasure\/","slug":"avril-treasure","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6517"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Avril"],"speaker_last_name":["Treasure"],"speaker_full_name":["Avril Treasure"],"speaker_company_name":["Time Out Sydney"],"speaker_job_title":["Editor"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["f66121a07937f370792f93a6bced9a65"],"_thumbnail_id":["67148"],"speaker_sessions":[52991],"_eael_post_view_count":["10792"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54469,"title":{"rendered":"Adam Theobald"},"content":{"rendered":"Founder and CEO of Ordermentum - Adam is a visionary tech entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry. With a proven track record of success, Adam has co-founded three tech-driven start-ups, including the popular order ahead app, Beat the Q (now Hey You). His passion and expertise in the industry have led to the creation of Ordermentum, a cutting-edge ordering and payments platform connecting over 47,000 venues with Australia\u2019s best wholesale suppliers, and automating much of the process. Ordermentum has seen remarkable growth, with over $6 billion in orders processed, and Adam is still passionately driving its purpose to create a more sustainable industry through trading smarter."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/adam-theobald\/","slug":"adam-theobald","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6147"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Adam"],"speaker_last_name":["Theobald"],"speaker_full_name":["Adam Theobald"],"speaker_company_name":["Ordermentum"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder & Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["74a1726cd1ef82aef90e8609fe93c319"],"_thumbnail_id":["55597"],"speaker_sessions":[52974],"_eael_post_view_count":["10656"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54467,"title":{"rendered":"Scott Renton"},"content":{"rendered":"Scott is the Editor and general operations manager at Scout, Broadsheet Media's jobs board. The platform is primarily focused on hospo and Scott has a passion for helping venues establish themselves by building a successful team."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/scott-renton\/","slug":"scott-renton","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6144"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Scott"],"speaker_last_name":["Renton"],"speaker_full_name":["Scott Renton"],"speaker_company_name":["Scout Jobs By Broadsheet"],"speaker_job_title":["Editor"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["83a08b74439977ddf2fb3d1c08fe7d7e"],"_thumbnail_id":["67144"],"speaker_sessions":[53013],"_eael_post_view_count":["10696"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54465,"title":{"rendered":"Drew Bowering"},"content":{"rendered":"Drew joined OpenTable in 2022 after spending 14 years with the Expedia Group where he occupied senior leadership roles focused on growing the business in the UK, Asia Pacific, and the US. Drew\u2019s broad hospitality experience and business acumen, combined with his human-first approach to leadership, has led to positive outcomes for the brand and industry partners alike. He\u2019s a regular public speaker at industry events, speaking to the power of technology in helping hospitality partners navigate the world of digital.\n\nDrew was born in the UK and has experience living and working across three continents. His home and young family are in Sydney and he is passionate about making an impact in everything he does, whether that be as a father, a leader, or being in service of the hospitality industry."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/drew-bowering\/","slug":"drew-bowering","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["5610"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Drew"],"speaker_last_name":["Bowering"],"speaker_full_name":["Drew Bowering"],"speaker_company_name":["Opentable"],"speaker_job_title":["Senior Director, Restaurant Sales & Services, ANZ"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["dbe381153a4ff72e662a5505bef94cf6"],"_thumbnail_id":["67142"],"speaker_sessions":[52974,53005],"_eael_post_view_count":["10821"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54463,"title":{"rendered":"Kristie Atkins"},"content":{"rendered":"A multi-award winning, commercial growth leader, Kristie has been honoured as Entrepreneur of the Year (B&T Women In Media), Australian Marketing Institute Life Member and Fellow and Australasia\u2019s top Certified Practising Marketer. She is a Fellow and Chartered Marketer of peak global body, Chartered Institute of Marketing and a member of AICD. She is a judge for the Australian Loyalty Association, B&T\u2019s renowned 30 under 30 and an international jury member for the Dragons of Asia. Kristie serves as Managing Director of customer acquisition and retention marketing company Wink, named the top loyalty and engagement agency team in APAC two years running. She previously worked as divisional Managing Director for Village Roadshow, Chief Operating Officer of Waivpay, Chief Commercial Officer for former marketing services giant Ovato and Director of Sales for Event Hospitality & Entertainment. She is on the board of Australian Marketing Institute, leading medical research institute HMRI (and Chairs HMRI Foundation), the advisory board of international fashion company Azura Runway and digital marketplace for unique and unused spaces, Vennu. She also served for more than five years on the board of Restaurant & Catering Industry Association Australia."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/kristie-atkins\/","slug":"kristie-atkins","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["5532"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Kristie"],"speaker_last_name":["Atkins"],"speaker_full_name":["Kristie Atkins"],"speaker_company_name":["Wink"],"speaker_job_title":["Managing Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["11efd652e1c2267eceb687ba140bb208"],"_thumbnail_id":["54464"],"speaker_sessions":[52974],"_eael_post_view_count":["10922"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54461,"title":{"rendered":"Joe Rechichi"},"content":{"rendered":"Joe's professional career has been highlighted by the successful leadership and senior level management of multi-outlet operations for some of Australia\u2019s and New Zealand\u2019s signature brands. \n\nHis knowledge of the ever changing hospitality & retail markets and consumer demands has driven the companies he has lead to become market leaders in their categories, and further facilitated their launch into international markets.\nHe continually insists on driving change and innovation within businesses to ensure their success in today\u2019s dynamic environment."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/joe-rechichi\/","slug":"joe-rechichi","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["5489"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Joe"],"speaker_last_name":["Rechichi"],"speaker_full_name":["Joe Rechichi"],"speaker_company_name":["Andiamo Trattoria"],"speaker_job_title":["Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["f11c3c6cf5856ed9584d6cb7bdef3dde"],"_thumbnail_id":["67140"],"speaker_sessions":[52974],"_eael_post_view_count":["10953"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54459,"title":{"rendered":"Steve Sidd"},"content":{"rendered":"Steve is a highly experienced retail and food services specialist with over 28 years of hospitality management, project management and consulting experience. \n\n \n\nHe has been very involved in workforce reform in the Hospitality Industry and has in-depth knowledge and expertise in business and workforce planning and management. \n\n \n\nSteve\u2019s experience includes significant operational and management experience having owned his own catering business for more than 28 years and being recognised through industry bodies both state and nationally for being amongst the best in the Hospitality, Club, Restaurant and Catering Awards. \n\n \n\nThe breadth and depth of Steve\u2019s skills and experience base is unparalleled: project management, human resource management, industrial relations, staff training, budget establishment, concept development, performance measurement, quality control and new product launches. His dynamic leadership stresses pro-activism, results, and a constant demand that the standards for perfection move higher. \n\n \n\nSteve\u2019s passion and his mission is to improve and support the hospitality industry in Australia and to ensure that the industry is seen as a career of choice across the nation. Steve creates exceptional and effortless dining experiences for his loyal clientele, whilst managing his dining rooms with precision, enthusiasm and a smile. \n\n \n\nCombined across Steve\u2019s group, he manages 13 Venues across Sydney, Lower Blue Mountains and Central Coast, 26 dining concepts (including Western & Asian), 40 event spaced and employs over 350 people. \n\n \n\nSteve\u2019s venues across Sydney have recently achieved Awards in the Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence. Steve has also expanded into Catering HQ Logistics and Good & Plenty Wholefoods which was founded in 2020 with the vision of creating Australia\u2019s Leading Specialty Food Company with strong brand ownership and being able to provide venues with the finest gourmet products at an affordable price. \n\n \n\nIn 2024, Catering HQ launched\u202fNetwork:\u202fHospo In A Box, offering franchise opportunities to motivated and entrepreneurial individuals with food service experience who want to run their own restaurant or caf\u00e9. \n\n\u202f \n\nThe most recent project that Steve has heavily invested and acquired is a cloud-based Hospitality software called Hospitality Genie. This software is much more than a menu costing and food ordering system. Genie is intelligent, user-friendly IT solution that will help you deliver greater profits, efficiencies, control and compliance standards to your business."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/steve-sidd\/","slug":"steve-sidd","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["5472"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Steve"],"speaker_last_name":["Sidd"],"speaker_full_name":["Steve Sidd"],"speaker_company_name":["CateringHQ"],"speaker_job_title":["Group Managing Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["cc6f1b40d0ec4f8b9e45ad5a0c21e89d"],"_thumbnail_id":["67125"],"speaker_sessions":[52974,53004],"_eael_post_view_count":["10885"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54457,"title":{"rendered":"James O'Connell"},"content":{"rendered":"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.\n\nHis 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.\n \n\nJames started The Hospitality Company in 2016 which now delivers online business coaching and training courses to hundreds of \u2018friends\u2019 all over New Zealand and Australia."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/james-oconnell\/","slug":"james-oconnell","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["4905"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["James"],"speaker_last_name":["O'Connell"],"speaker_full_name":["James O'Connell"],"speaker_company_name":["The Hospitality Company"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["0020cbff10fccaea72e6a5620544985a"],"_thumbnail_id":["67139"],"speaker_sessions":[52973],"_eael_post_view_count":["10856"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54455,"title":{"rendered":"Luke Grima"},"content":{"rendered":"Luke is a partner at KPMG within the Enterprise Business and Tax Advisory team. He has been in professional services for over 15 years now where he is the trusted \u2018go-to\u2019 advisor for his clients in the mid-market of Australia, acting for privately-owned clients in business and high-net wealth family groups. Being at KPMG since 2017, he has developed his career and leadership capabilities from assistant manager through to joining the partnership in July 2025. \n\nThrough this experience in advisory, tax and accounting, Luke has a very broad and diverse skill-set in being able to support clients in all business, finance and commercial matters. There isn\u2019t a problem that Luke isn\u2019t able to help his clients resolve through his immediate skill-set, experiences or extensive networks and contacts. He has also become a leader within his team and firm, in his market and now within the foodservice and hospitality industry, particularly in the role he plays on the board of the Australian Foodservice and Advocacy Body, but also in advising many clients within the foodservice supply chain.\n\nLuke is known for his commercial-mindedness, client-first mentality, accessibility and relatability, whilst also thriving in what he does in bringing passion and joy to the relationship."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/luke-grima\/","slug":"luke-grima","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["4687"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Luke"],"speaker_last_name":["Grima"],"speaker_full_name":["Luke Grima"],"speaker_company_name":["AFAB"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["59244c183dc93e1690e24556aa87924e"],"_thumbnail_id":["67417"],"speaker_sessions":[52966],"_eael_post_view_count":["10968"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54453,"title":{"rendered":"Richard McLeod"},"content":{"rendered":"Rich McLeod is not just another executive in the hospo tech space; he\u2019s a hospitality veteran turned tech CEO on a mission. For over 15 years, Rich navigated the ups and downs of owning and operating hospitality businesses. Starting with a single venue, Rich and his business partner developed Loaded as the cornerstone operating platform for their own network of 12 diverse bars, pubs, and restaurants across New Zealand.\n\nLoaded\u2019s remarkable success has since scaled to empower more than 10,000 hospitality business owners and managers around the world"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/richard-mcleod\/","slug":"richard-mcleod","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["4576"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Richard"],"speaker_last_name":["McLeod"],"speaker_full_name":["Richard McLeod"],"speaker_company_name":["Loaded"],"speaker_job_title":["CEO"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["9e105d411b5b7f95955526976ace5301"],"_thumbnail_id":["67137"],"speaker_sessions":[52990],"_eael_post_view_count":["10928"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54449,"title":{"rendered":"Wes Lambert"},"content":{"rendered":"Wes Lambert is a leading advocate, economist, and business leader in Australia\u2019s hospitality industry. As CEO of the Australian Restaurant & Caf\u00e9 Association (ARCA), he represents over 56,000 restaurants and caf\u00e9s, championing workforce reform, tax relief, and policy change to support the sector\u2019s sustainability and growth. A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and Certified Association Executive (CAE), Wes brings extensive expertise in finance, governance, and advocacy. He is a passionate voice for small businesses, driving national conversations on cost-of-living, regulation, and economic resilience."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/wes-lambert\/","slug":"wes-lambert","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["2067"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Wes"],"speaker_last_name":["Lambert"],"speaker_full_name":["Wes Lambert"],"speaker_company_name":["Australian Restaurant & Cafe Association Ltd"],"speaker_job_title":["CEO"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["576c9317d1727d35bdcc708897743433"],"_thumbnail_id":["67135"],"speaker_sessions":[52974,53005],"_eael_post_view_count":["11003"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54447,"title":{"rendered":"Olivia Casson"},"content":{"rendered":"Olivia Casson, a Michelin-trained chef with 25+ years in hospitality, has opened and operated 25+ venues, from UK celebrity hotspots to large-scale ADF F&B operations. She left corporate hospitality to help independent operators, specializing in exit planning, maximizing business value, and assisting hospitality businesses in buying the right business."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/olivia-casson\/","slug":"olivia-casson","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["101"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Olivia"],"speaker_last_name":["Casson"],"speaker_full_name":["Olivia Casson"],"speaker_company_name":["Gse Hospitality Business Brokers"],"speaker_job_title":["Hospitality Business Sales Specialist"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["e7737e98b9fccb409c3ff4fc4d8a405f"],"_thumbnail_id":["67133"],"speaker_sessions":[52976],"_eael_post_view_count":["10877"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54445,"title":{"rendered":"Ben Irvine"},"content":{"rendered":"As Head of Trade Marketing at Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, Ben combines a passion for coffee with over two decades of coffee industry experience. From operating his own independent caf\u00e9 to developing products for a global coffee franchise, Ben has been hands-on in nearly every corner of the coffee world. His career spans retail operations, training, product innovation, and marketing, collaborating with hundreds of caf\u00e9 owners along the way."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/ben-irvine\/","slug":"ben-irvine","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["91"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Ben"],"speaker_last_name":["Irvine"],"speaker_full_name":["Ben Irvine"],"speaker_company_name":["Seven Miles Coffee Roasters"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Of Trade Marketing"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["2731abdd6307902a5c29d79027f15d66"],"_thumbnail_id":["67122"],"speaker_sessions":[52980],"_eael_post_view_count":["10873"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54443,"title":{"rendered":"Vida English"},"content":{"rendered":"Chef by trade, foodie by heart, and passionate about creating spaces that elevate the culinary experience. With a deep love for the food industry, I dedicate myself to bridging the gap between function and form, designing kitchens & bars that showcase our clients. I\u2019m committed to supporting the people who make the food world so vibrant and inspiring."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/vida-english\/","slug":"vida-english","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["63"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Vida"],"speaker_last_name":["English"],"speaker_full_name":["Vida English"],"speaker_company_name":["Eatscape"],"speaker_job_title":["Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["c746a468f96ce87df07457cf36797aac"],"_thumbnail_id":["67130"],"speaker_sessions":[54102],"_eael_post_view_count":["11034"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54441,"title":{"rendered":"Natalie Bolt"},"content":{"rendered":"I\u2019m a chef, sustainability consultant, and co-founder of The Table Food Consultants, dedicated to helping hospitality businesses implement practical, cost-effective sustainability solutions. With over 18 years in the industry, I focus on reducing food waste, ethical sourcing, and sustainable menu design, always balancing people, planet, and profit. Sustainability isn\u2019t just about doing the right thing\u2014it must enhance profitability to be truly viable. I show businesses how to integrate sustainable practices that reduce costs, improve efficiency, and drive long-term success without compromising on quality or guest experience."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/natalie-bolt\/","slug":"natalie-bolt","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["62"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Natalie"],"speaker_last_name":["Bolt"],"speaker_full_name":["Natalie Bolt"],"speaker_company_name":["The Table Food Consultants"],"speaker_job_title":["C0-Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["9ba2182836de49012fa8aa824e17ea7c"],"_thumbnail_id":["67129"],"speaker_sessions":[52957,52971,52984,52993,53002,54103,66503],"_eael_post_view_count":["10665"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54439,"title":{"rendered":"Paul Ayyash"},"content":{"rendered":"Paul has been a cornerstone in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, cementing his reputation as a sought-after consultant and mentor. His expertise lies not just in his vast experience, but in his innate ability to understand and transform any hospitality challenge into an opportunity. Paul has harnessed the plethora of skills amassed over his career to venture into independent consulting for hospitality businesses. His holistic approach to consultancy revolves around a tight-knit collaboration with clients, ensuring the entire process is streamlined and optimised. Whether it's crafting intricate business plans."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/paul-ayyash\/","slug":"paul-ayyash","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["58"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Paul"],"speaker_last_name":["Ayyash"],"speaker_full_name":["Paul Ayyash"],"speaker_company_name":["Hospo Dojo"],"speaker_job_title":["Hospitality Consultant"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["62f74beff1183976d75d2f423838e2f8"],"_thumbnail_id":["67128"],"speaker_sessions":[52968],"_eael_post_view_count":["11086"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54437,"title":{"rendered":"Laura Goldberg"},"content":{"rendered":"I am the owner of Hurricane's Grill restaurants, running 3 stores plus overlooking 2 franchises and 4 international licences. I am the founder of Women in Cafes and Restaurants- a space to shine a light on the incredible women who work in cafes and restaurants and often don't get the recognition they deserve. I would like to talk about the role women play in the industry and what it takes to become a leader with passion and empathy"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/laura-goldberg\/","slug":"laura-goldberg","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["52"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Laura"],"speaker_last_name":["Goldberg"],"speaker_full_name":["Laura Goldberg"],"speaker_company_name":["Hurricane's Grill"],"speaker_job_title":["Owner\/marketing Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["32dc5577a8cd8ae10720487ecb2f95b2"],"_thumbnail_id":["67127"],"speaker_sessions":[52992],"_eael_post_view_count":["10913"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54435,"title":{"rendered":"Sharon Latour"},"content":{"rendered":"I founded international award-winning food marketing agency - Marketing Bee. Our business specialises in powerful emerging digital strategies for retail products that connect with customers and grow business whilst working closely with brand and marketing managers. \n\nMarketing Bee operates on a global scale, catering to clients not only in Australia but also in France, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mauritius, India, and New Zealand. Our diverse team includes directors fluent in French and Italian, enabling seamless communication and collaboration across international borders. Designed with an international focus, we are equipped to effectively serve clients around the world, offering tailored solutions to meet their unique needs and preferences."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/sharon-latour\/","slug":"sharon-latour","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["37"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Sharon"],"speaker_last_name":["Latour"],"speaker_full_name":["Sharon Latour"],"speaker_company_name":["Marketing Bee"],"speaker_job_title":["Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["26e97a03c06427c853f164550ae791c2"],"_thumbnail_id":["67126"],"speaker_sessions":[53009],"_eael_post_view_count":["11024"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54433,"title":{"rendered":"Nic Fry"},"content":{"rendered":"Nic is an INNOVATIVE Global Marketing Leader consistently EXPERIMENTING on solutions fit for the FUTURE \u2728 Recently returned to Australia to take on the Chief Marketing Officer at Merlo Coffee roaster after a long stint in Global Marketing at Mars Inc. in Chicago and London. Her superpowers include CURIOSITY, COLLABORATION, CONNECTION (people and ideas) and COMMUNITY BUILDING \u2728 She is passionate about wellbeing and the role she can play in stewarding conditions that ensure HUMANS THRIVE"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/nic-fry\/","slug":"nic-fry","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["18"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Nic"],"speaker_last_name":["Fry"],"speaker_full_name":["Nic Fry"],"speaker_company_name":["Merlo Coffee Roasters"],"speaker_job_title":["Chief Marketing Officer"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["af70ec0810e5cfe238931f2bc3bcff0e"],"_thumbnail_id":["67124"],"speaker_sessions":[52980],"_eael_post_view_count":["10841"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54429,"title":{"rendered":"Andrew Briese"},"content":{"rendered":"sent"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/andrew-briese\/","slug":"andrew-briese","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["2701"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Andrew"],"speaker_last_name":["Briese"],"speaker_full_name":["Andrew Briese"],"speaker_company_name":["Cooking The Books"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["d657a925ac409c1e5d3ad0b5e888a274"],"_thumbnail_id":["67136"],"speaker_sessions":[52962,52988,52997,53011],"_eael_post_view_count":["11017"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54427,"title":{"rendered":"Sarah Franklyn"},"content":{"rendered":"Sarah Franklyn & Francis Nicholls-Wunder are passionate storytellers. Francis helps brands and businesses find their why & Sarah helps them turn it into actionable marketing"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/sarah-franklyn\/","slug":"sarah-franklyn","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["92"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Sarah"],"speaker_last_name":["Franklyn"],"speaker_full_name":["Sarah Franklyn"],"speaker_company_name":["Impact Data"],"speaker_job_title":["Director Of Sales & Marketing"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["3f148f9b85e7ad397c71b1d19d9fba8e"],"_thumbnail_id":["67131"],"speaker_sessions":[52965,53000],"_eael_post_view_count":["11053"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":54423,"title":{"rendered":"Sissel Rosengren"},"content":{"rendered":"Sissel has more than 30 years of experience in industry research, economic forecasting and strategic planning in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, China Region, the Middle East, and Europe. For the past twenty years, Sissel has specialised in the food & beverage industry, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. \nSissel leads Food Industry Foresight\u2019s extensive work in supply and demand modelling, detailed market sizing, brand valuation, distribution research, competitor analysis, growth prospects as well as tactical and strategic planning for global and national food and beverage providers. \nSissel served on the Board of the Foodservice Suppliers Association Australia (FSAA) for ten years; of which four as the Chair. Sissel is the co-founder and current Chair of the Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body (AFAB)."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/sissel-rosengren\/","slug":"sissel-rosengren","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7124"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Sissel"],"speaker_last_name":["Rosengren"],"speaker_full_name":["Sissel Rosengren"],"speaker_company_name":["Food Industry Foresight Pty Ltd \/ Australian Foodservice Advocacy Body"],"speaker_job_title":["Managing Director \/ Board Chair"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["cdf29a1bc9883ceea5ac9ee35799f67b"],"_thumbnail_id":["54424"],"speaker_sessions":[52964,52999],"_eael_post_view_count":["10745"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53942,"title":{"rendered":"Rakesh Pillai"},"content":{"rendered":"RAKESH PILLAI\nEXECUTIVE CHEF\nA senior culinary professional with 25 years\u2019 industry experience at prominent Australian venues as well as international five star hotels and resorts in United Arab Emirates and India, Rakesh has been a leader within ICC Sydney\u2019s culinary team since the venue\u2019s opening in December 2016. Rakesh is renowned for being a creative and strong contributor to the venue\u2019s award-winning culinary service. As the Executive Chef, Rakesh leads a diverse team of passionate and productive chefs and kitchen professionals. Rakesh proactively strives to understand his client\u2019s needs and he thrives on dedicating time to collaborating with them to achieve their culinary objectives.\nAs part of his extensive experience, Rakesh has led kitchen brigades at RHR Group, The Star and Hilton Hotel Sydney. Taking up the opportunity to join the ICC Sydney team in 2016, Rakesh was appointed as Chef de Cuisine and later was promoted to the position of Executive Sous Chef\u2014a role he held for eighteen months before stepping up as Acting Executive Chef and later the Executive Chef role that he holds today.\nRakesh believes that seasonal produce should be the hero of every dish and his culinary solutions using local produce are brought to life not only through his own talents but through his effective collaboration and development of his diverse and innovative culinary team"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/rakesh-pillai\/","slug":"rakesh-pillai","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7818"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Rakesh"],"speaker_last_name":["Pillai"],"speaker_full_name":["Rakesh Pillai"],"speaker_company_name":["ICC Sydney"],"speaker_job_title":["Executive Chef"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["2d518bdf56fe26724a9d6f4e2d117ac6"],"_thumbnail_id":["53943"],"speaker_sessions":[52957],"_eael_post_view_count":["10945"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53940,"title":{"rendered":"David Ohaion"},"content":{"rendered":"David is the Chief Happiness Officer and Head of Partnerships at Restoke, where he has played a key role since 2020 in growing the company into a platform used by over 10,000 hospitality professionals worldwide. With two decades of experience across hospitality venues, suppliers, and technology, he brings a comprehensive perspective to food business operations. His early career was shaped by his family's fruit shop and later by leadership roles focused on sustainability, including his work at Naked Espresso introducing reusable coffee tins. At Ziggy\u2019s Eatery, he helped steer the business toward expansion, developing operational frameworks and shaping its identity during its rise in Melbourne's burger scene. Deeply committed to the sector, David advocates for collaboration and knowledge-sharing as tools for building a stronger hospitality industry"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/david-ohaion\/","slug":"david-ohaion","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7699"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["David"],"speaker_last_name":["Ohaion"],"speaker_full_name":["David Ohaion"],"speaker_company_name":["Restoke"],"speaker_job_title":["Chief Happiness Officer"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["10a25ad249a317aa765fa3bf1b96bbcf"],"_thumbnail_id":["67159"],"speaker_sessions":[52984],"_eael_post_view_count":["10751"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53938,"title":{"rendered":"Julio Azzarello"},"content":{"rendered":"Julio Azzarello\nSales & Marketing Director \u2013 Gourmand Providore\nNSW, ACT & Regions Director \u2013 Australian Culinary Federation\nJulio Azzarello is a seasoned chef and industry leader with over 40 years\u2019 experience in the hospitality sector. His career spans executive roles in multi-outlet hotels and restaurants, international culinary appointments, and the successful ownership of a food manufacturing and catering facility. Since 2014, Julio has served as the Sales and Marketing Director at Gourmand Providore, where his focus lies in product innovation, regular market insights, and direct client engagement to support seasonal menu development and strategic planning.\nIn addition to his role at Gourmand Providore, Julio is the NSW, ACT and Regions Director of the Australian Culinary Federation. A nationally accredited culinary judge, he is actively involved in industry development through judging and mentoring across key platforms including Restaurant & Caterers (R&C), Nestl\u00e9 Professional, Clubs NSW and the Australian Hoteliers Association (AHA).\nJulio\u2019s commitment to education and excellence includes over three years of lecturing at Le Cordon Bleu Sydney. His passion for knowledge continues to drive his search for new products and operational efficiencies without compromise to flavour, consistency or presentation. Fluent in five languages, Julio brings a global perspective and deep industry insight to everything he does, supporting chefs, apprentices, managers and owners alike with expertise and authenticity."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/julio-azzarello\/","slug":"julio-azzarello","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7625"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Julio"],"speaker_last_name":["Azzarello"],"speaker_full_name":["Julio Azzarello"],"speaker_company_name":["Gourmand Providore"],"speaker_job_title":["Sales & Marketing Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["f938c06fbbd2f4acc0d118a809025229"],"_thumbnail_id":["67158"],"speaker_sessions":[52971],"_eael_post_view_count":["10704"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53936,"title":{"rendered":"Sascha Rust"},"content":{"rendered":"Sascha Rust is a chef-turned-entrepreneur and co-founder of HarvestStack, a technology platform reshaping how fishers, farmers, and food buyers trade. With a background spanning award-winning kitchens, sustainable seafood, and agri-tech innovation, Sascha is passionate about working on systems that restore balance to nature. His work bridges food, technology, and sustainability."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/sascha-rust\/","slug":"sascha-rust","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7474"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Sascha"],"speaker_last_name":["Rust"],"speaker_full_name":["Sascha Rust"],"speaker_company_name":["Harveststack"],"speaker_job_title":["Founder, Head Of Product & Impact"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["3c0adbd3789915f87df3a3c221ce0a50"],"_thumbnail_id":["67157"],"speaker_sessions":[52971],"_eael_post_view_count":["10868"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53934,"title":{"rendered":"Joseph Loayza"},"content":{"rendered":"Joseph Loayza is a seasoned chef with a deep passion for culinary excellence, creativity, and sustainable kitchen practices. His early career in fine dining took shape in some of the world\u2019s most acclaimed kitchens \u2014 including Diverxo (Spain), St. Peter, Cafe Paci, and Firedoor \u2014 where he honed his technique and developed a distinctive food philosophy grounded in precision and purpose. As Head Chef at Radish Events, Joseph leads the kitchen with a focus on ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and uncompromising flavour. His dishes reflect a balance of innovation and integrity \u2014 designed not just to impress, but to leave a lighter footprint."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/joseph-loayza\/","slug":"joseph-loayza","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7180"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Joseph"],"speaker_last_name":["Loayza"],"speaker_full_name":["Joseph Loayza"],"speaker_company_name":["Radish Events"],"speaker_job_title":["Head Chef"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["95827001cf14b41b0f2a379f2a0df98f"],"_thumbnail_id":["53935"],"speaker_sessions":[52957],"_eael_post_view_count":["10918"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53932,"title":{"rendered":"Fernando Sanchez"},"content":{"rendered":"Executive chef of Opera Bar & House Canteen.\n2023 AHA National chef of the year"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/fernando-sanchez\/","slug":"fernando-sanchez","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["7094"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Fernando"],"speaker_last_name":["Sanchez"],"speaker_full_name":["Fernando Sanchez"],"speaker_company_name":["Opera Bar"],"speaker_job_title":["Executive Chef"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["d2b5a21db112a94eb873b558f5685d62"],"_thumbnail_id":["67154"],"speaker_sessions":[53002],"_eael_post_view_count":["10924"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53930,"title":{"rendered":"Ricky Firth"},"content":{"rendered":"Starting his career back-of-house, Ricky worked in kitchens across Europe before moving to Australia, where he held Executive Chef roles at venues including the iconic Saddles Mount White, Black Bottle, and Jimmy Liks. Passionate about great produce, Ricky made the move into sales and is now Sales Manager at Sydney-based food distributors Two Providores, where he leads a dynamic team of account managers connecting foodservice and retail professionals with world-class producers. Following a major transition to a new state-of-the-art warehouse facility, Ricky is playing a key role in shaping the business\u2019s next chapter of strategic growth.\n\n \n\nWith years spent behind the pass, Ricky brings a practical, chef-first mindset to sales. He\u2019s passionate about championing quality ingredients, building strong relationships, and helping chefs and buyers find exactly what they need to bring their culinary visions to life."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/ricky-firth\/","slug":"ricky-firth","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6629"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Ricky"],"speaker_last_name":["Firth"],"speaker_full_name":["Ricky Firth"],"speaker_company_name":["Two Providores"],"speaker_job_title":["Sales Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["ee0eb331a2832b5a723de04401bba681"],"_thumbnail_id":["67150"],"speaker_sessions":[53002],"_eael_post_view_count":["10831"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53928,"title":{"rendered":"Joshua Askew"},"content":{"rendered":"I started my apprenticeship in my local pub at the age of 15,from there I worked in various fine dining restaurants, gastro pubs and 5-star international hotel chains.\nI have also been lucky enough to work abroad and have spent a couple of years in the Whitsundays which to this day was the most challenging environment I have worked in so far and was also the one shaped me the most as a chef.\nWorking at Swissotel in Sydney under such great mentors gave me the opportunity to become an executive chef .\nNow I\u2019m currently based in PARKROYAL darling harbour where every week I focus on developing my team members, becoming a better leader and learning how to be a better cook."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/joshua-askew\/","slug":"joshua-askew","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6461"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Joshua"],"speaker_last_name":["Askew"],"speaker_full_name":["Joshua Askew"],"speaker_company_name":["Parkroyal Hotel"],"speaker_job_title":["Executive Chef"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["c216bad6d727bad4f7f4ad5b06ca8c57"],"_thumbnail_id":["67147"],"speaker_sessions":[52971],"_eael_post_view_count":["10881"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53926,"title":{"rendered":"Jayne Gallagher"},"content":{"rendered":"Jayne Gallagher is the CEO of Honey & Fox, a strategic branding and marketing agency. She is the driving force behind Provenance Powered Marketing, a unique approach that transforms origin stories into premium positioning, helping food businesses access high-value markets and build powerful brands that command premium prices around the world. Her mantra: \u201cBe bold. Be brave. Be different.\u201d"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/jayne-gallagher\/","slug":"jayne-gallagher","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["6153"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Jayne"],"speaker_last_name":["Gallagher"],"speaker_full_name":["Jayne Gallagher"],"speaker_company_name":["Honey & Fox"],"speaker_job_title":["Ceo"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["49a9fe3b03f5fb95ce7c0fdb9a145fc5"],"_thumbnail_id":["67145"],"speaker_sessions":[52984],"_eael_post_view_count":["10940"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53924,"title":{"rendered":"STUART DALGLISH"},"content":{"rendered":"Currently serving as the Group Products Manager at SKOPE , Stuart oversees all new product launches and manages international partner brands from Spain, Italy, and the USA. With a foundation as a trained chef and years of hands-on experience in kitchens around the globe, Stuart brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and commercial insight to the foodservice industry.\n\nAfter transitioning from the kitchen, Stuart spent seven years in foodservice sales with PFD Food Services before moving into equipment sales. His journey includes key roles at Moffat, Roband, and a brief tenure at Hoshizaki, culminating in his current position at SKOPE, where he has been a driving force for the past seven years.\n\nWith a deep understanding of both the operational and strategic sides of hospitality, Stuart is passionate about delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of chefs and foodservice professionals worldwide."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/stuart-dalglish\/","slug":"stuart-dalglish","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["5639"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["STUART"],"speaker_last_name":["DALGLISH"],"speaker_full_name":["STUART DALGLISH"],"speaker_company_name":["Skope Industries"],"speaker_job_title":["Group Products Manager"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["af683606dafa8e2810059242a2e5bd14"],"_thumbnail_id":["67143"],"speaker_sessions":[52986],"_eael_post_view_count":["10790"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53922,"title":{"rendered":"Guillaume Zika"},"content":{"rendered":"Guillaume has been a chef for almost 20 years. With experience from around the globe in Michelin starred restaurants in Cannes, Paris, New York, Dublin, London and now Australia. Guillaume is passionate about innovation and improving the restaurant industry. 5 years ago, after using spreadsheets for years, he was looking for a simple way to calculate his food costs and store his recipes. Unable to find the right program, he created Chef Notepad. His program is considered today the ultimate kitchen tool for Chefs to calculate recipes, manage food costs and simplify stocktake."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/guillaume-zika\/","slug":"guillaume-zika","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["5608"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Guillaume"],"speaker_last_name":["Zika"],"speaker_full_name":["Guillaume Zika"],"speaker_company_name":["Chef Notepad"],"speaker_job_title":["Chef | Founder"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["7fd15e243ddb7560ed1a55520d779359"],"_thumbnail_id":["67141"],"speaker_sessions":[52986],"_eael_post_view_count":["10849"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53918,"title":{"rendered":"Sarah Hughes"},"content":{"rendered":"Sarah brings 15 years of foodservice industry experience to her role at EFWA and uses this knowledge to help shape practical solutions and drive change. She has a focus on supporting SMEs and collaborative approaches to resolving complex problems"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/sarah-hughes\/","slug":"sarah-hughes","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["114"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Sarah"],"speaker_last_name":["Hughes"],"speaker_full_name":["Sarah Hughes"],"speaker_company_name":["OzHarvest - Cooking for a Cause"],"speaker_job_title":["Teaching Chef"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["c521873ffacf833715692362ee7cb5bc"],"_thumbnail_id":["55532"],"speaker_sessions":[53002],"_eael_post_view_count":["11123"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":53916,"title":{"rendered":"Henrique Turra"},"content":{"rendered":"Henrique is the owner of Radish Events, a B Corp-certified leader in sustainable catering. His passion for exceptional hospitality and responsible business practices has driven Radish\u2019s success. The company has cut landfill waste down to less than 8%, enforces strict ethical sourcing, and offsets 100% of its Scope 1 & 2 emissions."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/henrique-turra\/","slug":"henrique-turra","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["96"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Henrique"],"speaker_last_name":["Turra"],"speaker_full_name":["Henrique Turra"],"speaker_company_name":["Radish Events"],"speaker_job_title":["Managing Director"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["32acab8a1c5c7e23d549259e6f78dfa0"],"_thumbnail_id":["67132"],"speaker_sessions":[52957],"_eael_post_view_count":["11139"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}}],"topics":[],"sessionTaxonomies":[{"id":104,"name":"ACF Culinary Challenge","slug":"acf-culinary-challenge","description":"","count":0},{"id":94,"name":"Monday - 2025","slug":"monday-2025","description":"","count":31},{"id":164,"name":"Paid Show Tours","slug":"paid-show-tours","description":"","count":5},{"id":96,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","description":"","count":18},{"id":98,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","description":"","count":20},{"id":97,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","description":"","count":14},{"id":95,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","description":"","count":15},{"id":101,"name":"Thursday - 2025","slug":"thursday-2025","description":"","count":17},{"id":99,"name":"Tuesday - 2025","slug":"tuesday-2025","description":"","count":32},{"id":100,"name":"Wednesday - 2025","slug":"wednesday-2025","description":"","count":36}],"speakerTaxonomies":[{"id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","description":"","count":124},{"id":163,"name":"ACF Culinary Challenge","slug":"acf-culinary-challenge","description":"","count":3},{"id":165,"name":"Paid Show Tours","slug":"paid-show-tours","description":"","count":3},{"id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","description":"","count":124},{"id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","description":"","count":38},{"id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","description":"","count":49},{"id":159,"name":"The Artisanal Bakehouse","slug":"the-artisanal-bakehouse","description":"","count":6},{"id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","description":"","count":33}]};

<\/p>\n"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/dan-hong\/","slug":"dan-hong","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["18774"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Dan"],"speaker_last_name":["Hong"],"speaker_full_name":["Dan Hong"],"speaker_company_name":["Chef"],"speaker_job_title":[""],"speaker_headshot_hash":["dfdfe34decbc9a5267406ec31dd771ed"],"_thumbnail_id":["67205"],"speaker_sessions":[52982],"_eael_post_view_count":["9709"],"_elementor_page_assets":[],"_edit_lock":["1768359407:28"],"_edit_last":["28"],"speaker_title":[""],"speaker_topics":[],"speaker_event_id":[""],"speaker_contact_id":[""],"speaker_display_priority":[""],"speaker_contact_photo_modified":[""],"speaker_biography_modified":[""],"speaker_date_modified":[""],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_speaker_category":[""],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":["Dan Hong"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Dan Hong is Executive Chef of Merivale restaurants including Mr Wong and Ms. G's. Award-winning chef, TV personality on The Streets with Dan Hong, and author exploring modern Asian cuisine."],"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":["85"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["2"]},"speaker_category":[103,102,160],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":160,"name":"Talking Trends","slug":"talking-trends","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":160,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":49,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":65328,"title":{"rendered":"John Reed"},"content":{"rendered":"John Reed is a director and shareholder at LPC, where he advises the leadership team on strategies to help commercial tenants turn their lease portfolios into a driver of business success.\nHis property experience includes leading property service organisations and consulting to clients on complex leasing and property management requirements. John understands the pressures hospitality businesses face: unpredictable trading conditions, rising occupancy costs, and inflexible lease terms. John is passionate about providing conflict-free advice that puts tenants\u2019 interests first.\nAt LPC, John champions the company\u2019s mission to put business before space ensuring lease terms, location strategy, and occupancy costs support profitability, customer experience, and long-term growth"},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/john-reed\/","slug":"john-reed","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["14130"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["John"],"speaker_last_name":["Reed"],"speaker_full_name":["John Reed"],"speaker_company_name":["Lpc Australia Pty Ltd"],"speaker_job_title":["Lpc group chair"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["284f7488dab23e84ace5b63efce68e7f"],"_thumbnail_id":["65329"],"speaker_sessions":[62601],"_eael_post_view_count":["9562"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,158],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":158,"name":"Talking Tech & Business","slug":"talking-tech-business","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":158,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":38,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":65326,"title":{"rendered":"Ross Anderson"},"content":{"rendered":"Ross Anderson is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years\u2019 experience, now channeling his deep agribusiness and capital markets expertise as CEO of Murray Cod Australia (MCA), the company behind the Aquna brand. Ross played an instrumental role in in launching Aquna, a vertically integrated operation that\u2019s redefining premium freshwater production with a focus on environmental stewardship, innovation, and product excellence. His forward-thinking strategy has been central to MCA\u2019s accelerated growth, helping it evolve from a pioneering pond-based start-up into a globally recognised leader in sustainable aquaculture."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/ross-anderson\/","slug":"ross-anderson","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["15470"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Ross"],"speaker_last_name":["Anderson"],"speaker_full_name":["Ross Anderson"],"speaker_company_name":["Murray Cod Australia Limited"],"speaker_job_title":["CEO"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["644116c170b6cedbb7cd74ddc55195a4"],"_thumbnail_id":["67196"],"speaker_sessions":[54103],"_eael_post_view_count":["9298"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":64030,"title":{"rendered":"Richmond Rodrigues"},"content":{"rendered":"Richmond Rodrigues, Australian Chef of the Year 2025, grew up in his family\u2019s catering business in India, where he discovered the joy and connection food creates. After an apprenticeship with Hilton Hotels in Cairns, he refined his craft at The Press Club in Melbourne under George Calombaris, then worked at luxury resorts including Lizard Island and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. His career also took him to the UK with the Soho House Group, where he embraced farm-to-table dining.\n\nBack in Australia, Richmond led kitchens like Bimbadgen, Spicers Guesthouse, and Muse Kitchen before becoming Executive Chef at Aanuka Beach House with the Tilley & Wills Group. His menus celebrate local produce, coastal flavours, and wood-fired shared dining, blending his Indian heritage with global influences to create vibrant, seasonal dishes that bring people together."},"link":"https:\/\/finefoodaustralia.com.au\/speaker\/richmond-rodrigues\/","slug":"richmond-rodrigues","thumbnail":"","metadata":{"speaker_id":["17855"],"speaker_email_address":["[email protected]"],"speaker_first_name":["Richmond"],"speaker_last_name":["Rodrigues"],"speaker_full_name":["Richmond Rodrigues"],"speaker_company_name":["Aanuka Beach House"],"speaker_job_title":["Executive Chef"],"speaker_headshot_hash":["94cfdc14050c14ad307d515f26dbc67d"],"_thumbnail_id":["67203"],"speaker_sessions":[63962,63963,64025,63964],"_eael_post_view_count":["9466"],"_elementor_page_assets":[]},"speaker_category":[103,102,157],"_embedded":{"wp:term":[[{"term_id":103,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":103,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":102,"name":"speaker-category","slug":"speaker-category","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":102,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":124,"filter":"raw"},{"term_id":157,"name":"The Culinary Kitchen","slug":"the-culinary-kitchen","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":157,"taxonomy":"speaker_category","description":"","parent":0,"count":33,"filter":"raw"}]]}},{"id":64011,"title":{"rendered":"Daniel Pasquali"},"content":{"rendered":"