Meet inspiring women in food and hospitality, discover new career paths, enjoy luch, share ideas and build connections across the Midlands.

Join Women in the Food Industry for The Best of the Midlands — a special event bringing together culinary arts students, educators, chefs and women working across the food and hospitality industry in the Midlands. Hosted at University College Birmingham (Birmingham College of Food (https://www.ucb.ac.uk/about-us/schools/business-school/birmingham-college-of-food/)), this inspiring half-day event is all about connection, conversation and celebrating the incredible women shaping the future of food and hospitality across the region.

Meet our panellists

We're delighted to already have an inspiring line-up of chefs, educators and industry voices joining our panels, including:

Ash Valenzuela-Heeger (https://www.instagram.com/grand_master_ash) - award-winning chef owner of Riverine Rabbit (https://www.riverinerabbit.co.uk/) and Great British Menu contestant

Sophie Hyam (https://www.instagram.com/sophiehyam/) - award-winning freelance chef and product developer

Yasmine Selwood (https://www.ucb.ac.uk/about-us/staff-directory/yasmine-selwood/) - award-winning chef and Culinary Arts Management Lecturer at University College Birmingham

Chef Daksha (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chef-d-mygreenkitchen/) - owner of My Green Kitchen and food educator

Heerum Fleary (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heerum-fleary-640b4a35/) - Founder and Director of TickEat Group (https://www.tickeat.co.uk/), a specialist food and beverage company connecting brands with buyers across the travel sector,

Sanah Masood (https://www.ucb.ac.uk/about-us/staff-directory/sanah-masood/) - Patisserie Chef Lecturer at Birmingham College of Food,

…and more inspiring voices from across the Midlands food and hospitality community.

🎤 Three panels, lunch and networking. One inspiring day.

Equality in the Hospitality World

Real conversations about women's experiences, opportunities and creating a more inclusive hospitality industry.

Culinary Education & Careers in Food

Discover the many routes a career in food can take - from private cheffing and contract catering to product development, education and beyond.

Food for Good

Explore how food and hospitality can be a force for positive change in our communities and society.

Who should attend?

This event is ideal for anyone curious about the creative and commercial world of supper clubs and alternative food businesses, including:

👩‍🎓 Culinary arts and hospitality students exploring their future careers (UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR FREE TICKETS)

👩‍🍳 Chefs and culinary professionals at every stage of their careers

🍴 Food and hospitality professionals working across the wider industry

💼 Women considering a career change or new direction

🚀 Food entrepreneurs and business owners

🌱 People working in food for social good and community initiatives

🎓 Educators and academic staff

🤝 Anyone who wants to connect with and learn from women across the Midlands food community

You don't need to have a particular job title or career path to attend. If you're passionate about food and curious about where it can take you, we'd love to see you there.

💡 What you'll take away

Inspiration and real-world career stories

Ideas about career paths you may not have considered

Insights from women working across the industry

New connections and networking opportunities

A chance to ask questions and share experiences

Lunch, conversation and plenty of opportunities to connect

Come curious. Leave inspired.

Join us for a half day of conversation, connection and celebration as we showcase The Best of the Midlands.

🎟️ Book your ticket today and be part of the conversation.

Description supplied by the event organiser.