Sleep + Eat has released a taster of the immersive experience to come for delegates at this year’s Eat Conference. Designed by Wilson Associates, bright potato, and fitted out by Guardian Contract Interiors, the Eat Theatre has been inspired by rooftop terraces on a summer evening – an antidote to London’s November chill set to spice up the traditional conference setting by turning the pavilion into a relaxing place to hang out, hear from leaders of the restaurant and bar sector and exchange ideas.

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Heleri Rande, this year’s Eat conference’s moderator, says: “I am delighted to have a real home for the inaugural Eat Theatre programme that further enhances the topics which will be discussed over the two-day event.” Packed with the foremost influencers shaping wining and dining experiences, the Eat conference, taking place at London Olympia, will debate the challenges and aspirations driving the industry forward. These will encompass the convergence between independent and hotel restaurants; how to keep up with the rate of change in the sector; the role of AI; Made-to-Measure restaurant design; and finding inspiration beyond Western borders. 

Left to right: Juan Carlos Rodriguez Artigas, bright potato duo Diego Martinez Pereira and David Beirne

Juan Carlos Rodriguez Artigas, the designer of this year’s Eat Theatre, leads the recently opened Wilson Associates’ London office. “We are thrilled to be a part of an event dedicated to creativity and innovation in hospitality which perfectly aligns with Wilson Associates’ core values and design philosophy: “people ignore design that ignores people”. We’re also honoured to be able to showcase our recently opened London office, expanding our presence within such an exciting and creative city. Working in tandem with bright potato has led us to create a truly beautiful and amazing space which we are very excited to show during the Sleep + Eat.” 

Linked to the duality of the event’s namesake title, Sleep + Eat, the concept for the auditorium space is titled “Perspective: To See, and To Share”. “Our intention was to create a space that is liberal in the exchange of knowledge, and invigorating to the eye, in order to drive both engagement and enjoyment,” – adds Juan Carlos Rodrigues Artigas, explaining the idea behind the design. “We sought to represent a conceptual overview within the physical realm of the event hall and aspired to develop the concept of hanging out on a rooftop terrace during a summer evening. The rooftop setting allows us to rise above the world and see all the way to the horizon. Combined with the relaxed ambience of this peaceful social milieu, the theatre will stimulate immersion in ideas and self-expression.” 

Beyond Basics

Juan will also participate in a panel discussion Beyond Basics together with Robbie Bargh (Gorgeous Group), Holly Hallam (DesignLSM), and Antoni Yelamos (Streetsense) which will take place at 15:00 on 21st November in the Eat conference. As rising consumer awareness and competition in the F&B marketplace means that hotels can no longer just afford to design “nice spaces”, this session will explore the layers and substance required to create restaurant concepts that have meaning and will translate into financial success for the owner. 
 
Other newly confirmed speakers at the Eat conference include Lionel Ohayon, CEO and Founder of ICRAVE Design; Liran Wizman, Founder and Owner of Europe Hotels Private Collection (EHPC); and The Entourage Group’s Co-Founder and Owner Yossi Eliyahoo. 

On the left: Holly Hallam, Lionel Ohayon. Centred: Yossi Eliyahoo. On the right: Antoni Yelamos, Liran Wizman.

Sleep + Eat, combining exhibition of over 150 international hospitality brands, concept Eat and Sleep Sets and the Sleep Conference as well as the Eat Conference, will be open from 10am-8.30pm on Tuesday 20th November and from 10am-6pm on Wednesday 21st November. It will take place at London Olympia For more information and to register for a complimentary pass, please visit www.sleepandeatevent.com.