Event Review

The Impact of Relationships in Hospitality

Relationships are at the heart of hospitality, shaping careers, businesses and the experiences that keep guests coming back. That was the central message from Arena's latest Futures Networking Event, where future leaders gathered to hear from an inspiring panel of industry leaders who shared the personal and professional relationships that have helped shape their success, and impart their wisdom to attendees looking to actively grow their networks.

The panel discussion, hosted by Chris Dines, commercial director, William Murray PR & Marketing, brought together GianMarco Carlà, chief operating officer at Big Mamma Group, Michael Andersen, chief commercial officer at Sysco GB, and Joycelyn Neve, founder and managing director of Seafood Pub Company, for the honest conversation on leadership, resilience and lessons that defined their own careers.

The power of networking

At the heart of Arena Futures is networking. The discussion highlighted the importance of building authentic professional relationships. Rather than viewing networking as collecting business cards, the panel encouraged attendees to focus on genuine conversations, listening with curiosity and investing in relationships long before they are needed. Offering support to others and building trust over time, they agreed, creates far more valuable and lasting connections.

For many attendees, this was an opportunity to put those ideas into practice in a relaxed and supportive environment. Many stayed long after the panel had finished, continuing conversations with speakers and fellow delegates, making new introductions and leaving with valuable new industry connections.

The audience Q&A expanded on many of these themes, covering everything from developing future leaders and giving constructive feedback to overcoming imposter syndrome and learning from mistakes. Throughout the discussion, one message remained clear: successful careers are not defined by having all the answers, but by staying curious, embracing new opportunities and surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support your growth.

Saying yes to opportunity

The panel offered a candid insight into their own career journeys, reflecting on the opportunities, setbacks and lessons that have shaped them along the way. They encouraged attendees to remain curious, step outside their comfort zones and embrace opportunities, even when they don't feel completely ready.

A recurring message was the importance of saying "yes". Confidence rarely comes before action; instead, it is built through experience, taking calculated risks and learning from both successes and failures. The speakers reinforced that careers are rarely linear, and that growth often comes from being open to unexpected opportunities.

Leadership, culture and confidence

Leadership was another central theme, with each panellist sharing a common belief that great businesses are built by investing in people. Regardless of career stage, the panel agreed that creating environments where people feel trusted, supported and able to thrive is one of the biggest drivers of successful teams.

The conversation also explored confidence and self-doubt. Speaking candidly about their own experiences, the panel encouraged attendees not to wait until they feel fully prepared before pursuing new opportunities. Self-doubt, they agreed, is something experienced at every stage of a career, even by CEOs. Rather than avoiding it, they suggested acknowledging those thoughts, discussing them with trusted peers or mentors and then moving forward regardless. Practical techniques, such as writing down personal goals, developing positive mantras and asking, "What's the worst that could happen?" were shared as ways to build resilience and confidence over time.

These practical insights resonated with attendees of Futures events, who are either newer to networking or looking to build confidence in putting themselves forward. The session reinforced that confidence doesn't come from seniority, it comes from taking opportunities, building relationships and learning through experience.

Embracing innovation while staying people-first

The panel also explored how hospitality businesses are adapting to changing customer expectations. Technology and artificial intelligence were key topics of conversation. From analysing customer data to improving sales processes and guest communications, AI is creating new opportunities across the industry. However, the panel agreed that technology should enhance, not replace, the human element of hospitality, giving teams more time to build stronger relationships and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

For many attendees, hearing directly from senior leaders about these changes provided valuable insight into the wider industry and helped demonstrate how the skills they are developing today will support them throughout their careers.

A huge thank you to Chris Dines for hosting the discussion, and to GianMarco Carlà, Michael Andersen and Joycelyn Neve for sharing their experiences with such openness and honesty. Thank you also to everyone who joined us and contributed to another engaging Arena Futures event.

As one panellist perfectly summed up: “Sometimes not knowing what to be afraid of is a powerful thing."

Arena Futures exists to give hospitality and foodservice professionals the confidence to build meaningful industry relationships, learn from experienced leaders and connect with peers in a welcoming, relaxed environment. As hospitality continues to evolve, opportunities like these help attendees broaden their perspective, grow their confidence and build relationships that will support them throughout their careers.

A huge thanks to Mimi Whelan, Account Manager, William Murray PR & Marketing for this event review.