Line-up for Destination 2026 industry conference in aid of MAG

Stuart Hyslop, managing director of group catering at Booker, is one of several industry leaders who will take to the stage at ‘Destination 2026’, a conference in aid of the charity Mines Advisory Group (MAG).

Back for its second year, the event aims to inspire and challenge delegates to think about the future of the wholesale industry and the role that they play in shaping it.

The conference will take place on 21 January at the Coton Centre, Tamworth, and will have the theme, ‘Leading For Good: Profit and Purpose’.

The conference was conceptualised by Clare Bocking, MD at Immediate Impact, and had a successful first year with ‘Destination 2025’ where over £67,000 was raised for MAG.

Bocking commented: “After last year’s conference, where those in the wholesale industry had a chance to inspire, learn and laugh together, it made complete sense to bring the event back for a second year, with the support of the wonderful team at Cirkle. This year, our line-up of speakers is even bigger, and we hope to continue to motivate attendees – all whilst raising valuable funds in aid of MAG.”

Debbie Robinson, CEO of Central Co-op, added: “Last year’s Destination event brought together some of the brightest minds in the wholesale industry to collaborate on new and inspired thinking. By fostering both global and local communities, we can drive more purposeful commerce and create a lasting impact. I look forward to sharing some insights from Central Co-op’s journey, and learning from each other to build a stronger, more connected industry.”

Tickets are available to buy now, with all ticket proceeds going to MAG. The full agenda for the day is as follows: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/destination-2026-tickets-1001310285017

10:30 – 10:40: Welcome, agenda and objectives: Clare Bocking, MD at Immediate Impact

10:40 – 11:00: Global economic and market projections

11:05 – 11:25: UK CPG, change dynamics and trends: Tanya Pepin, MD at TWC

11:25 – 11:40: Break

11:40 –12:00: Booker, leading by example: Stuart Hyslop, MD Group Catering at Booker

12:00 – 12:20: Helping wholesalers thrive: Gary Mullineux, MD of Caterforce

12:20 – 12:50: Panel discussion: what does brilliant supplier collaboration look like?

Hosted by Stephanie Green, VP of Total Negotiation Group

Kelly Williams, GM of Savona; Kirsty Cooper, commercial director of Creed Foodservice; Martin Ward, MD of Country Range Group; John Kinney, MD of Unitas Wholesale

12:50 – 13:50: Lunch and meet the sponsors

13:50 – 14:00: Beyond transactions: How reputation shapes long-term success, Amy Searle, MD of B2B at Cirkle

14:00 – 14:20: Creating global and local communities: Debbie Robinson, CEO at Central Co-op

14:20 – 14:40: Delivering growth sustainably: Paul Dobson, convenience director at Wm Morrisons

14:40 – 15:00: A positive force for change: Andrew Selley, CEO of Bidcorp UK

15:00 – 15:20: Governments and grassroots: Darren Cormack, CEO of MAG

15:20 – 15:50: Break and meet the sponsors

15:50 – 16:10: Panel discussion: Creating sustainable and supportive work environments

Hosted by Michelle Butler, MD of Orchid Marketing

Coral Rose, CEO of Fairway Foodservice; Elit Rowland, founder of Women in Wholesale; Tom Gittins, CEO of Confex; Philip de Ternant, chair of Creed Foodservice

16:10 – 16:20: Why we ride: Neil Turton and Tom Fender, founders of Bikes Against Bombs

16:20 – 16:30: Wrap up and close: Clare Bocking, MD at Immediate Impact

16:30 – 17:00: Sponsors and networking