conneX 2027 – The Venues of Excellence Annual Conference
Venues of Excellence (VOE) are delighted to announce details for their Annual Conference conneX 2027, which will take place at the fabulous Wyboston Lakes Resort, Bedfordshire on 25-26 January 2027.
Already a key fixture in the hospitality industry calendar, the 2027 conference will once again engage the audience with the event focusing on the theme of “People, Purpose & Performance” setting the stage for an inspiring and dynamic programme. The aim is to create an environment where both VOE members and industry colleagues can connect, share knowledge, and grow together – whilst being informed, inspired, and motivated by exceptional creative content, industry-relevant topics and interactive workshop sessions.
Venues of Excellence CEO, Mandy Jennings, comments:
“We are absolutely thrilled to unveil conneX 2027, an event we believe no one in hospitality will want to miss. In an industry built on relationships, connection has never been more important. Our Annual Conference will bring our members and colleagues together to share ideas, challenge thinking and explore how meaningful connections can drive innovation, growth and excellence across hospitality. Today, more than ever, we need to create purposeful events that deliver real value and a tangible return for our delegates. conneX 2027 is designed to do exactly that. It will be a place to be inspired, make powerful connections, discover new opportunities and shape the conversations that matter. Because this is more than a conference – it’s the beating heart of hospitality. I encourage everyone to join us and be part of the conversation, the energy and the ideas that will help shape the future of our industry”
conneX 2027 is where the industry comes together – I guarantee you will want to be there!
Speakers and workshops
Our line-up of inspirational speakers will energise and empower you throughout the day.
Designed to inform, motivate, and uplift your entire team, enjoy engaging talks from industry leaders and motivational speakers, alongside tailored workshops featuring masterclasses that cater to diverse interests and skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your team and spark meaningful growth!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – JOHN VOLANTHEN
“An extraordinary story of courage, purpose and performance.”
Get ready to hear from George Medal recipient John Volanthen, our motivational keynote speaker for this year’s event.
John will take you behind the scenes of his greatest personal challenge — an experience that brought together the power of People, Purpose and Performance in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Through a powerful and deeply personal story, John will explore what it takes to stay focused under pressure, work together when the stakes are at their highest, and find the strength to keep going when everything is on the line.
Emotional. Inspirational. Unforgettable.
This is more than a keynote — it’s a story that will challenge your perspective, inspire your thinking and stay with you long after the event is over.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear John’s remarkable story
MAIN STAGE SPEAKERS
◊ LEANNE SPENCER – “How do we stay human and high-performing in a world that is too fast, too disconnected and too demanding?”
◊ PAULA ROWNTREE – “What if there was an Ai powered platform specifically designed to help venues identify potential event and bid opportunities early – would you be interested?”
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Designed for a wide range of team members, our workshops will offer practical insights and actionable strategies.
The Ai Lady – Ai prompting masterclass. Laura Tatton, PR Consultant and Ai Specialist
Understanding Neurodiversity – Dive deeper into the importance of neurodiversity within your venue. Andy Williams, Welcome Brain
Paddy & Scott’s – The Power of Performance. Jon Reid, Paddy & Scott’s and Steve Jones, Wyboston Lakes Resort
Insight6 – The Customer Experience Journey. Robert Southall, insight6
JOHN VOLANTHEN
An extraordinary story of courage, purpose and performance.
Get ready to hear from George Medal recipient John Volanthen, our motivational keynote speaker for this year’s event.
John will take you behind the scenes of his greatest personal challenge — an experience that brought together the power of People, Purpose and Performance in the most extraordinary circumstances.
Through a powerful and deeply personal story, John will explore what it takes to stay focused under pressure, work together when the stakes are at their highest, and find the strength to keep going when everything is on the line.
Emotional. Inspirational. Unforgettable.
This is more than a keynote — it’s a story that will challenge your perspective, inspire your thinking and stay with you long after the event is over.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear John’s remarkable story
How do we stay human and high-performing in a world that is too fast, too disconnected and too demanding?PAULA ROWNTREE
What if there was an Ai powered platform specifically designed to help venues identify potential event and bid opportunities early – would you be interested?
Paula will talk about the reality of this for the UK hospitality industry in this informative session whilst taking a deeper dive into the world of possibilities this uncovers.
conneX CONFERENCE EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday 25th January 2027
Monday is dedicated to early arrivals – perfect for anyone travelling a distance to attend the main event. Arrive any time from 3pm onwards, relax and join us for our networking dinner at 7pm.
A great opportunity to meet informally with industry colleagues and start meaningful conversations in a relaxed environment.
Tuesday 26th January 2027
The main event. Our full conference day will run 9am to 5pm with a packed agenda full of world-class international speakers and industry-relevant content. In addition, immersive workshop sessions will run in both the morning and afternoon”.
During all refreshments breaks and the networking lunch a fabulous selection of industry suppliers will be available within our exhibitor zone for you to discover.
The Conference Awards Dinner will start with a drinks reception at 7:30pm followed by dinner served at 8pm. VOE Awards will be presented after dinner – a great chance to continue your networking with colleagues and celebrate the success of our winners!
Overnight accommodation, inclusive of breakfast, is available on both Monday and Tuesday evenings onsite at Wyboston Lakes Resort. Please select the relevant delegate package to include accommodation as required.
SILVER PACKAGE
DAY DELEGATE
FULL–DAY CONFERENCE ACCESS
Access to the full-day main conference session with world-class international speakers on Tuesday 26th January
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Participate in the immersive workshop sessions during the morning and afternoon program
EXHIBITOR ZONE
Meet with our hand-picked industry-relevant exhibitors during all refreshment breaks and lunch
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Enjoy as much tea and coffee as you can drink plus a delicious networking buffet lunch
CONFERENCE AWARDS DINNER
Join our main awards dinner including reception drinks, 3-course dinner and ½ bottle wine pp
GOLD PACKAGE
1-NIGHT RESIDENTIAL
FULL–DAY CONFERENCE ACCESS
Access to the full day main conference session with world-class international speakers on Tuesday 26th January
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Participate in the immersive workshop sessions during the morning and afternoon program
EXHIBITOR ZONE
Meet with our hand-picked industry relevant exhibitors during all refreshment breaks and lunch
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Enjoy as much tea and coffee as you can drink plus a delicious networking buffet lunch
CONFERENCE AWARDS DINNER
Join our main awards dinner including reception drinks, 3-course dinner and ½ bottle wine pp
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION
Stay overnight at Wyboston Lakes Resort inclusive of Breakfast – single occupancy on Tuesday 26th January 2027
PLATINUM PACKAGE
2-NIGHT RESIDENTIAL
FULL DAY CONFERENCE ACCESS
Access to the full day main conference session with world-class international speakers on Tuesday 26th January
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
Participate in the immersive workshop sessions during the morning and afternoon program
EXHIBITOR ZONE
Meet with our hand-picked industry relevant exhibitors during all refreshment breaks and lunch
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Enjoy as much tea and coffee as you can drink plus a delicious networking buffet lunch
CONFERENCE AWARDS DINNER
Join our main awards dinner including reception drinks, 3-course dinner and ½ bottle wine pp
NETWORKING DINNER ACCESS
Arrive the night prior to the main event and enjoy a relaxed networking dinner with industry colleagues on Monday 25th January
TWO NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
Stay for two nights at Wyboston Lakes Resort inclusive of Breakfast – single occupancy on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th January 2027
SILVER PRICES
VOE MEMBERS
£295
NON-MEMBERS
£350
Prices are exclusive of VAT
GOLD PRICES
VOE MEMBERS
£495
NON-MEMBERS
£550
Prices are exclusive of VAT
PLATINUM PRICES
VOE MEMBERS
£645
NON-MEMBERS
£695
Prices are exclusive of VAT
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Boyt, Membership Manager, Venues of Excellence
T: 0345 230 1414 Ext 105
Here’s what delegates had to say about our 2026 Conference…
“An event where our people feel proud, our customers feel valued and our delivery feels consistently exceptional – through clarity, creativity and collaboration. Congratulations VOE on another amazing conference!”
“As a non-member, I felt welcomed and part of a wider industry inclusive audience at this informative event where the speakers were world-class and the content relevant to anyone in hospitality.”
“Venues of Excellence lead the way at these events like no other – A fabulous industry conference with great networking opportunities and amazing speakers providing outstanding motivation for your whole team.”