JD Wetherspoon founder among speakers at the 20th anniversary ALMR conference

23-Feb-2012 - Last updated on 23-Feb-2012 at 09:13 GMT

JD Wetherspoon's Tim Martin is among the pub and bar industry personalities headlining the 20th anniversary Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) conference in May

Tim Martin, the founder of JD Wetherspoon, is among the pub and bar industry personalities headlining the annual Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) conference in May celebrating the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

Joining Martin in a debate on the pub of the future on May 3 will be Bob Ivell of Mitchells & Butlers and Ian Payne of Stonegate Pub Company. The debate, chaired by Sky News political editor Adam Boulton, is one of several events already lined up for the meeting of the ALMR which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012.

Nick Bish, ALMR chief executive, said the conference was a great event to celebrate 20 years since the birth of the trade body whose members now represent around 11,000 outlets.

“This fantastic event will mark what is a watershed year for the ALMR – 20 years since the Association started. With such a heavyweight line-up of speakers, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of robust debate on this great industry of ours and what the future holds,” he said.

People Panel

Other highlights of the day-long event include a keynote speech from an as yet unconfirmed guest and a champagne reception, awards ceremony and party on board the Silver Sturgeon yacht which is partnered with Jamie Oliver’s events catering business; Fabulous Feasts.

A so-called ‘People Panel’ of ALMR operators giving training and recruitment tips will also feature during the daytime events at the conference which will be located at the Millbank Media Centre in Westminster.

Roger Whiteside of Punch Taverns and Iain Holden of Sky Business will also be speaking at the conference and revealing what they are doing to help licensee businesses to become more profitable.

ALMR operator members are able to book now for the event which begins at midday on Thursday 3 May. Any remaining tickets after March 9 will go on sale to non-members.

Full details on how to book are available on the ALMR website.