While the staffing crisis continues to impact recovery, another major concern for the pub sector is how to deal with the knowledge gap that is already being widely felt across the country.

According to Hastings People managing director and Pub Leaders Summit MC Luke Butler, the knowledge that has literally walked away from the industry may not be replaced for years.

“If you’ve ever seen one knowledgeable leader exiting your business, you’ll understand the impact that has on your ability to maintain consistency in standards and approach,” Butler said.

“Until you train a replacement, you could be faced with the tasks of setting up a venue, writing a roster, understanding the product and other day-to-day business changes.

“In some cases, entire leadership teams have not only left a business, but the sector entirely, meaning the industry has lost an incredible amount of knowledge. We will not be able to comprehend the full impact of such a loss for many years to come.”

As MC of the Pub Leaders Summit which takes place in Sydney on April 4, Hastings will help bring the industry together to reflect, share experiences, explore solutions, and sow the seeds of recovery for the sector.

Brett Sergeant, CEO of The Sydney Collective, Laundy Group director Danielle Richardson, Applejack Hospitality chief Hamish Watts, and Marcello Colosimo, CEO of Momento Hospitality will be among the industry leaders discussing their top team-building strategies in a panel session, Leading Teams in Turbulent Times.

The National CEO of the Australian Hotels Association Stephen Ferguson will join panelists including MAHM’s Chief Experience Officer David Clifton, and Hunt Hospitality MD Stephen Hunt to discuss the topic Navigating the Staffing Crisis.

Workforce change expert and CEO of the Centre for Generational Dynamics Alicia Stephenson will take the stage as keynote speaker to share cutting-edge recruitment and retention strategies, while tech entrepreneur and me&u founder Stevan Premutico will discuss the crucial role of technology in reducing pressure on staff in his Pub Leaders Summit presentation.

“Innovation is at the very heart of a return to any form of normalisation for our great industry, and we’re about to take on our biggest challenge yet – revolutionising how business is done in a centuries-old industry,” Premutico says.

“The silver lining is that our great industry has had to change fast as a result. I’ll be chatting about how businesses can create a better, more sustainable future for our hospitality.

“There has never been a more pressing time than now to embrace innovation in hospitality. Great technology is such a powerful tool.”

Don’t miss this important industry event. Secure your ticket now at the early bird price of $199 plus GST for pub operators, and grab a further discount of 20% per ticket for group bookings of four or more.

Check out the program here and register here!

Sponsorship/exhibition opportunities are still available – for more information contact Jason Wild at jwild@intermedia.com.au or on 0416 576 256.

Read Luke Butler’s full article in the February issue of Australian Hotelier.

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