Tech, AI and networking event

Wednesday 11th November, 2026
15:00 - 19:30

Apex Grassmarket Hotel Edinburgh 31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2HS

Why you should attend

Stay up to date with the latest technology and AI developments and what they could mean for hospitality businesses.
Hear from industry experts and hospitality businesses using technology in the real world, including what’s working and what to watch out for.
Network with operators, technology providers and industry peers over drinks and canapés, and make useful connections across the Scottish hospitality sector.

Agenda

15:00 Registration and welcome refreshments
- Leon Thompson, Executive Director Scotland, UKHospitality
AI is changing more than how hospitality businesses operate. It is reshaping what guests expect, how value is created and what it takes to compete. For leaders, the challenge is to look beyond individual tools and rethink the assumptions that have shaped their businesses.

In this talk, Gary will explore how AI is redefining what’s possible in hospitality and the choices leaders can make today to free their people from the tyranny of admin, giving them more time to create the exceptional human experiences at the heart of great hospitality.
- Gary Crawford, Chief Advisor, Owendale Advisory
- Glenn Tait, Zonal
Is your business at risk of AI food fraud? Learn how to spot fake complaints and protect your reputation with expert insight from Food Alert.
- Annabel Kyle, Technical Director, Food Alert
- Alasdair Dean, AI lead, Food Alert
Discover the cyber security threats facing the hospitality sector and how you can prepare for and respond to potential attacks. Find out how to protect your business and minimise disruption.
- Graham Byars, Chief Technology Officer, Aspen Solutions
17:00 Questions from the floor
- Leon Thompson, Executive Director Scotland, UKHospitality
17:30 Networking drinks and canapes
19:30 Close

Speakers

Gary Crawford

Chief Advisor, Owendale Advisory

Gary Crawford

Chief Advisor, Owendale Advisory

Gary is an executive advisor with more than 20 years’ experience leading and enabling transformation for global organisations. As founder of Owendale Advisory, he works with senior leaders to understand what AI means for strategy, operating models and competitive advantage, bringing together deep experience in business, technology and design. Owendale has deep expertise in hospitality and partners with HIT Scotland to deliver The Intelligent Edge, an executive and leadership development programme focused on AI’s impact on the industry.

Annabel Kyle

Technical Director, Food Alert

Annabel Kyle

Technical Director, Food Alert

Annabel joined Food Alert in 2021 as Client Services Director. In her current role as Technical Director, she focuses on compliance, interpreting legislation and guidance, updating and creating policies and procedures for clients, supporting clients with EHO appeals and serving as the technical voice of Food Alert. Her expertise spans hospital catering, sous vide cooking, festival catering and noise and odour pollution, making her a valuable resource for clients across various sectors.

Alasdair Dean

AI Lead, Food Alert

Alasdair Dean

AI Lead, Food Alert

Alasdair joined Food Alert in 2022 and is now AI Lead, responsible for identifying and delivering practical AI solutions across the business. With a background in food safety, health and safety and hospitality operations, he combines technical AI expertise with a strong understanding of the challenges facing the food and hospitality sectors.
He has led the development of Food Alert’s AI programme, introducing tools and automation designed to improve efficiency, decision-making and client support, while also overseeing AI governance and risk. His experience spans food safety consultancy, auditing, technical advice and the practical application of generative AI, giving him a unique perspective on how emerging technology can be used to tackle complex industry challenges.