Fuelling Scotland’s hospitality

Although we have been present there for some time now, we wanted 2023 to be the year that we really made our mark in Scotland. Hospitality makes up a huge part of Scotland’s business, generating over 5.2 billion to the Scottish economy. 

Scothot, the event to be at!

What an opportunity, and what better way to showcase our talent in Scotland than sponsoring ScotHot – Scotland’s premier showcase for Food, Drink, Hospitality, Retail and Tourism.

It was ScotHot’s 50th year anniversary and with over 7000 guests, visiting over 200 exhibitors, it was the place to be. The show offered an unmissable opportunity to meet with suppliers, network with others to share ideas and inspiration, and learn about the latest trends from across the industry.  

For Sodexo Live! to be sponsoring an event like this is a testament to how much we believe in Scotland and are here to be a key part of how its hospitality industry grows over time.  

More than just a sponsor 

More than just a sponsor of the event though, Sodexo Live! played an integral role in the provision of industry experts giving talks, as well as creating a Sodexo Live! experience at the event’s entrance… 

People walking into the event were greeted by one of our branded archways with a DJ setting the good vibes up for the day and our competition to win tickets to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

On to the speakers…

We proudly put forward some of our experts to talk about the industry and what the future holds for hospitality in Scotland. 

Hospitality for good with Angela Halliday

First up, Angela Halliday, Director of Social Impact UK&I Sodexo Live! gave a talk called ‘Our Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Being A Force For Good.’ 

Angela joined Sodexo in 2008 and throughout her career she has focused on tackling societal, economic and environmental priorities. In her current role as Director of Social Impact UK & Ireland, she works alongside the Sodexo Live! CEO and colleagues to create a positive for its four P’s: People, Planet, Places, and Partners.

This really brings to life our strategy of ‘creating a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all’, and showcases the way we can use thinking, planning and decision making to always consider the overall impact on society, local communities and our environment. 

Making Memories with David Trotter

Next, we heard from David Trotter, the Divisional Managing Director for Sports, Stadia and Airline Lounges at Sodexo Live! He gave an inspiring talk called ‘The memory makers - the experiential journey & delivering customer delight’.

David talked about the contribution that Sodexo Live! make to the success of some huge global events (such as the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and soon the Paris 2024 Games) and how focusing on experience can really help deliver results.

David showed us how it’s the creation of lasting and impactful memories that is key to making a success of the live industry. That it doesn’t matter if there are five or 50,000 people; the magic of the event is what keeps people coming back for more. 

He spoke passionately about the need to stand away from the status quo, and instead focus on innovation, outstanding food and technology to totally disrupt the marketplace.

Drink it all in…

We also hosted two talks focusing on the drinks industry.  

First ‘Vine of the Times’ saw Frans Mortengren, part of our Heritage Portfolio team and Wine & Spirit Ambassador for Sodexo Live!, host an open discussion on the evolution of the wine industry together with a panel conversation from leading figures. Wherever possible, Sodexo Live! love to celebrate local, so guests also had the chance to taste wines from Scottish eco producer Two Raccoons while learning about the current trends for 2023. 

The following morning, Heritage Portfolio’s Craig Bonner, our Sodexo Live! Mixologist, sat on an all-star bartenders panel discussing topics about the future of professional bartending in Scotland & beyond. 

So what does it mean?

It’s clear that Sodexo Live! are taking Scotland seriously and have been for some time, but with our sponsorship of ScotHot, we want to show the world that we are here for good, to create exceptional events and memories in the future.