Sky-high service discussed at WTCE’s Taste of Travel Theatre

World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) has given insight into the impressive line up of speaker sessions making up this year’s Taste of Travel Theatre moderated by Jo Austin, former editor of Onboard Hospitality. Taking place 8-10 April at the Hamburg Messe, WTCE will showcase industry experts and explore the latest innovations and developments in onboard services through a series of deep dive sessions.

With a variety of engaging topics in this year’s Taste of Travel Theatre, a prominent focus covered by many of the speaker’s sessions, is on raising the bar of in-flight food and beverage services. Visitors can look forward to discussions exploring evolving consumer demands and challenges shaping the onboard experience. Sessions will delve into emerging trends, innovative solutions, and strategies to enhance service quality and meet industry expectations.

On day one, Tuesday 8^th April, join the theatre for an engaging discussion in a session moderated by Lance Hayward, Founder and Managing Partner of Hayward Partnership on the topic of ‘Redefining Hospitality.’ The discussion will examine passengers’ growing expectations, primarily when it comes to dining, with a focus on the growing demand for pre-orders, the role of airport lounges in catering, and on demand food service. The session, from 14:15 – 15:00 will feature Jodi Spicer, Managing Director for Onboard Dining and Service at American Airlines; Pieter-Bas Jacobse, Chief Executive Officer of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection; Nadine Heubel, Senior Vice President Operations at OneWorld (AA and BA) for Sodexo; and Sam Blank, Director of Product Strategy & Innovation at Buzz.

Day two, Wednesday 9^th April from 12:45 – 13:30, brings a valuable discussion entitled ‘Improving the Customer Experience and Loyalty from an Allergy and Nutrition Perspective,’ which will discuss striking the balance for reducing risk on board. Marc Warde, Global Special Meals Program Director for Foodcase International will moderate the expert panel made up of: Saverio Pergolizzi, Manager Inflight Experience at Vueling; Simone Walli, Culinary Art and F&B Onboard Concept Manager at Austrian Airlines; Julianne Ponan MBE, Owner and CEO of Creative Nature Superfoods; and Melissa Adamski, Travel Dietitian and Founder of Nutted Out Nutrition. By attending the session, visitors can learn about the best in-flight practices, covering everything from tailored food preparation to clear communication strategies, all aimed at ensuring passenger safety and boosting brand loyalty.

On Wednesday 9^th April, the Taste of Travel Theatre will also host ‘Premium Pours Without the Alcohol’ from 16:00 – 16:45. This session will analyse how a global leader within aviation, Saudia, is setting the bar high with its growing non-alcoholic drinks list and its success of drinks by Jukes Cordialities. Bringing together the expertise of Kelly Stevenson, Director of JetVine; Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer of Saudia; and Matthew Jukes, Founder, Jukes Cordialities, the session will highlight the important features of non-alcoholic inflight beverages with free tastings to accompany it for visitors.

Closing the focus on in-flight food and beverage service on Thursday 10^th April at 11:15 – 12:00, Kelly Stevenson, Director of JetVine will share her expertise in the session ‘Captivating Concepts –What’s New in the Drinks Trolley,’ assisted by Maryann Simson, Director of Jetway Communications. Expected to be an interactive session, visitors are welcome to come watch drinks being made and enjoy tastings whilst learning about practical serves, functional ingredients, and sustainable solutions all at the same time.

The free-to-attend Taste of Travel Theatre will be located in Hall A1 at the Hamburg Messe from 8-10 April 2025 and produced in association with Onboard Hospitality and sponsored by En Route International. In addition to the programme of educational sessions, a series of live cooking demonstrations, and tasting opportunities will also take place. All sessions are free to attend.

Visit https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html for more information.