Event Timings

2.00 pm	Arrival & Networking - Arrive, enjoy refreshments and begin making new connections with professionals from across the hospitality and foodservice industry.
2.30 pm	Welcome - An introduction to Arena Futures and the session ahead.
2.45 pm	Arena Futures Conversation - Hear from Caroline Ottoy, Rachel Masing and Paulina Guirguis as they discuss the realities of building successful hospitality businesses from the inside, followed by audience Q&A.
3.45 pm	Networking Reception - Continue the conversation over drinks and light refreshments, with plenty of opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and speakers.
5.00 pm	Guests depart

The Event

Following a fantastic response to our July event, we're delighted to return with another afternoon dedicated to helping hospitality and foodservice professionals build meaningful connections, develop their confidence and gain practical insights from some of the industry's most inspiring leaders.

Arena Futures has been created for those looking to grow their professional network in a welcoming, relaxed environment. Whether you're attending yourself or investing in someone within your team, the afternoon is designed to encourage conversations that continue long after the event has finished.

Unlike larger conferences, Arena Futures creates space for genuine networking, practical learning and open discussion with senior industry leaders.

Our Venue - Coyo Taco

This event takes place at one of London’s newest hot spots – Coyo Taco.  From Wynwood to Westminster, Coyo Taco is bringing Miami energy to the heart of London. Opened in June 2026 at Orchard Place, St James's Park, Coyo Taco is far more than your average taco spot with its signature mix of fresh food, handcrafted cocktails and Miami vibes.  It combines authentically inspired Mexican street food with music and art, and hidden within the restaurant is Bar Coyo, a stunning speakeasy-style listening bar where we will enjoy our private Arena Futures event.

In the US, Coyo Taco has become one of Miami's most recognisable restaurant brands, growing to seven locations across the city and 13 sites globally.  Known for combining authentically inspired Mexican street food with music, art and vibrant nightlife, the brand has built a cult following amongst locals and visitors alike, including celebrity fans such as Barack Obama, Diplo, Major Lazer and David Beckham.

At the heart of the concept is the brand's "Todo Es Fresco" philosophy meaning "everything fresh". Every day, the kitchen hand-presses its corn tortillas, prepares its salsas from scratch and smashes guacamole to order using only the freshest ingredients. 

The menu showcases Mexican inspired street food with bold flavours inspired by Mexico's diverse culinary heritage. While fresh food sits at the heart of Coyo Taco, the experience extends well beyond the kitchen.

Our Speakers

We're delighted to welcome three operator leaders, each bringing a different perspective on what it takes to build successful hospitality businesses.

Caroline Ottoy, Managing Director, WatchHouse

With nearly 30 years in the hospitality and retail, Caroline has a proven track record of scaling high-street restaurant brands across London and beyond. She began her career at ASK Italian working closely with the founders to drive nationwide expansion.

Her passion for operations led her to Tasty, where she played a hands-on role in everything from menu development to restaurant design for the Wildwood and Dim T brands. 

In 2018, Caroline transitioned into retail as Operations Director at Planet Organic, where her most challenging role was steering the brand and its stores successfully through Covid.

In 2023, she joined WatchHouse as Managing Director. Since then, the estate has more than doubled, including the expansion of the business into New York City.

Her career reflects a sustained commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across the hospitality and retail sectors.

Rachel Masing, People Director, Poolhouse

Rachel is People Director at Poolhouse, where she leads the people strategy for one of the UK's newest hospitality brands, covering everything from recruitment and culture to leadership development, engagement and organisational growth.

With more than 20 years' experience in hospitality, Rachel is passionate about developing great leaders, building strong cultures and creating exceptional employee experiences. She enjoys sharing practical, real-world insights on people, performance, and the increasingly strategic role People leaders play in shaping high-performing organisations.

Paulina Guirguis, Operations Manager, HOP Vietnamese

Paulina has built her career through hands on operational leadership, progressing through multiple roles within HOP Vietnamese and developing a deep understanding of what drives performance, people engagement, and sustainable growth.

As Head of Operations, she is responsible for leading multi-site restaurant operations, supporting General Managers and leadership teams, and ensuring consistent delivery of commercial, operational, and people focused objectives across the estate.

Throughout her journey with the business, Paulina has played a key role in new site openings, developing internal talent, implementing operational improvements, and supporting the company's continued growth. She is particularly passionate about creating clear career pathways, developing future leaders, and fostering a culture where people can thrive and progress.

Together, they'll explore what really happens behind the scenes of successful hospitality brands, from growing businesses and developing exceptional teams to delivering operational excellence and creating memorable guest experiences.

The discussion will cover topics including:

• What hospitality businesses are prioritising today. 
• How decisions are really made behind the scenes. 
• What makes people, partnerships and businesses stand out. 
• How to build meaningful relationships across the industry. 
• The career moments that shaped each panellist's journey. 
• Practical advice for building confidence and making the most of networking opportunities.

Whether you're an operator, supplier or someone looking to broaden your understanding of the sector, you'll leave with practical insights, fresh perspectives and new connections across the industry.

Why Attend?

Arena Futures is designed to help professionals:

• Build meaningful industry relationships.
• Learn directly from senior operator leaders.
• Develop confidence when networking.
• Better understand the challenges and opportunities facing hospitality businesses.
• Gain practical ideas to take back to their own organisation.
• Connect with peers from across the hospitality and foodservice sector.

If you're looking to invest in your team, Arena Futures provides an opportunity for colleagues to strengthen their networks, broaden their industry knowledge and return with fresh ideas that benefit both them and your business.

Places are limited to maintain the informal, interactive nature of Arena Futures, so early booking is recommended.