Overview
Who is this for?
Food service directors, Head Chefs, Retail Managers and Event Teams, and anyone interested in the intersection of higher education and the food industry.
Why should I take part?
This tour will explore how Scottish university catering services are navigating the competitive landscape of the modern food industry, including but not limited to; How Universities north of the border compete with the High Street and also collaborate with bodies like the Glasgow Convention Bureau for global business and investment in events.
How will it help me?
During the event, you will review how the universities are...
Competing with the High Street:
- Visit a variety of on-campus dining options, including student cafes, restaurants, and grab-and-go outlets in Glasgow and Edinburgh
- Meet with university catering managers and chefs to discuss their strategies for competing with the high street and attracting students.
- Engage with some of the innovative refurbishment of food outlets that are student and public facing.
- Review market trends in student dining preferences, including demand for healthy options, ethical sourcing, Menus of Change and unique culinary experiences.
Collaborating with the Glasgow Convention Bureau:
- Explore successful collaborations between universities and the Glasgow Convention Bureau to attract and host conferences and events.
- Visit university venues used for conferences and events, observing their catering services and how they contribute to the overall conference experience.
- Meet with Aileen Crawford from the Glasgow Convention Bureau to understand their strategies for attracting and supporting conference business and the successful partnership they have with HE
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the challenges and opportunities facing university catering services in Scotland.
- Learn how university caterers are adapting to changing student preferences and competing with the high street.
- Explore successful collaborations between universities and convention bureaus.
- Gain insights into the role of food and beverage in attracting and hosting successful conferences.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the Scottish food service industry.
What’s included?
- All food and drink during the tour with the TUCO representative
- Travel during the tour
- Overnight stay for 2 nights in Glasgow
What’s not included?
- Travel to and from the study tour
Provisional Itinerary:
18th March
12:30 Group to arrive at Technology & Innovation Centre (Main entrance), 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD
13:00 Strathclyde University Campus Tour (Including a presentation from Aileen Crawford from the Glasgow Convention Bureau.)
Dinner in Glasgow
Overnight in Glasgow
09:30 Travel to Edinburgh
11:00 The University of Edinburgh Campus Tour
Dinner in Edinburgh
Travel back to and overnight in Glasgow
09:30 Glasgow University Campus Tour
13:00 End of Tour