Tackling the economic downturn

Organised by Sheffield Hallam University, the conference will see a mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions and workshops. Prof Stephen Ball, of the University's Faculty of Organisation and Management, said: "As the economic downturn continues to dominate the headlines and as consumers feel the pinch, UK hospitality businesses face an apparently gloomy future. But all is not lost. "Our conference adopts a positive stance regarding the future of the hospitality and tourism industries, both nationally and in Yorkshire. It will encourage dissemination and discussion of knowledge, ideas and opinions about opportunities related to employment, sustainability and partnerships in the hospitality industry." The conference will be packed with high level national and regional professionals for the hospitality and tourism industry. The event's keynote speaker will be Bob Cotton OBE, the chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, the national trade body for hotels, restaurants and caterers. Among the other speakers will be Gary Verity, the new chief executive of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, and Anne Pierce MBE, chief executive of the Springboard Charitable Trust. The conference will end with a motivational speech from Sheffield-based Olympic medallist Leon Taylor. Prof Ball said: "Leon will be lifting spirits for all those attending and will be providing some inspirational thoughts for those involved with the hospitality industry as it moves forward to 2012, the year of the London Olympics, and beyond."