Event Timings

11.30 am	Guest Arrival and Refreshments
11.50 am	Beyond the Ticket - The Matchday Food and Drink Opportunity presented by Amy Graham, Head of Research, GXE
12.30 pm	Drinks and Canapé Reception
1.15 pm	Seated Lunch
3.15 pm	Keynote Interview: Daniel Clark, MD, Stadia and Entertainment, Aramark interviews Adam Bateman, Culinary Director and Matt Gregoire, F & B Experience Director
4.00 pm	Behind the Scenes Tour
5.00 pm	Guests depart to Liverpool City Centre for Drinks, Networking and Entertainment (optional)

The Event

This event includes a day packed with insight, learning and engagement and the opportunity to experience the fantastic hospitality within the Stadium.  The event includes:-

‘Beyond the Ticket - The matchday food and drink opportunity’ presented by Amy Graham, Head of Research, GXE. What do football fans really want from the matchday food and beverage experience? Drawing on new GXE consumer research with live football fans across the UK, USA and Germany, alongside analysis of more than 88,000 fan reviews of UK stadiums, this session reveals the evidence behind fan expectations, behaviours and preferences. Discover why fan zones have become football's most-loved food and social destination, identify the moments that matter most to supporters, and explore the quickest commercial wins for stadium operators, caterers and suppliers looking to elevate both the fan experience and matchday revenue.

Exclusive Drinks and Canapé Reception:  Enjoy the stunning surroundings of the stadium within the sophisticated dedicated event spaces of The Yard and The Navigator with plenty of opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues and form new business relationships.

Three-Course Lunch:  Guests will enjoy a mouth-watering three-course lunch prepared by Aramark’s Culinary Director, Adam Bateman, whilst enjoying the stunning surroundings within the stadium.

Keynote Interview:  After lunch, Daniel Clark, Managing Director, Sports and Entertainment at Aramark will interview Matt Gregoire, Food and Beverage Experience Director and Adam Bateman, Culinary Director  who were critically instrumental in devising and driving the culinary offer and concepts at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium

Guests will:-

• Learn how Aramark is redefining the stadium food and beverage experience at Everton FC
• Discover how Aramark’s global best practice and innovative technology are transforming speed of service and the overall fan experience
• Hear how proven solutions from Aramark’s international portfolio are being adapted within the stadium
• Hear more about the partnership’s commitment to championing local producers and suppliers across the region
• Find out how the collaboration is creating training, skills development and employment opportunities for local communities
• Gain insight into how a world-class catering partnership is delivering both commercial success and lasting community impact

Behind the Scenes Tour:  Step behind-the-scenes with an exclusive VIP tour experience like no other.  Embark on a journey through some of the most iconic and unseen areas of this new venue including the state-of-the-art kitchens and catering facilities. 

Optional Post-Event Drinks: Guests will also have the opportunity to round off the event with drinks and networking continuing at a stylish bar in Liverpool's vibrant city centre, offering the perfect setting to continue conversations and enjoy the city's nightlife and social atmosphere. 

Meet our Speakers

Daniel Clark, Managing Director Sports & Entertainment, Aramark

Daniel Clark, previously the Global Account Director for Aramark’s Merlin Entertainments business, has successfully led foodservice operations for world-renowned attractions including LEGOLAND®, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Prior to joining Aramark, he held various leadership positions within the industry, where he delivered significant growth at major venues, including London Stadium, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadium and the O2 Arena.

In his role now as Managing Director for our Sports & Entertainment division, Daniel will be instrumental in the expansion of Aramark UK into this sector, which now includes Merlin Entertainments, alongside significant new contracts with Everton Stadium and Sussex County Cricket Club.

Matthew Gregoire, Food, Beverage and Experiences Director, Aramark UK

Matthew leads hospitality, food and beverage, premium experiences and operational delivery at Everton Football Club's new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

With more than 20 years' experience in hospitality and venue operations, Matthew has built a career delivering exceptional guest experiences across some of the UK's leading sports, entertainment, and cultural venues. He has played a key role in the mobilisation and launch of Hill Dickinson Stadium, helping to establish a world-class hospitality and fan experience at one of the most significant stadium developments in UK sport.

Prior to joining Aramark, Matthew was General Manager at The O2 Arena, where he led a major hospitality operation delivering more than 220 live events annually. His career has also included senior leadership roles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wimbledon and Glyndebourne Opera House.

Matthew is passionate about operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and creating memorable experiences for guests at some of the UK's most iconic venues.

Adam Bateman, Culinary Director, Aramark at Everton FC

Adam leads the culinary operation across a 35+ kitchen estate, including 11 restaurants and hospitality concepts. 

With more than 20 years' experience in hospitality, Adam has worked across Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, major sporting venues and international hospitality businesses. His career has included leading culinary operations for Richard Branson's portfolio of exclusive residences, owning and operating a Michelin-listed restaurant in Switzerland, and overseeing the food offer for the opening of Escapade Silverstone. 

Alongside his operational leadership, Adam is passionate about developing culinary talent, creating exceptional guest experiences and championing wellbeing within the hospitality industry. He was shortlisted for the Inspiring Leader Award at the 2025 Burnt Chef Mental Health Awards.

Amy Graham, Head of Research, GXE Consumer

Amy Graham is Head of Research at GXE Consumer, an insight consultancy specialising in the global experience economy.

An expert in consumer research and customer experience across leisure and hospitality, she has spent over a decade helping brands including LEGO, Greene King, David Lloyd and Merlin Entertainments turn consumer behaviour into strategic decisions.