Gastronomy Summit 2022

• Northern Ireland : The Role of Civil Society (including food professionals) in Embedding Peace and Community Cohesion

  Professor Duncan Morrow (Professor in Politics and Director of Community Engagement, Ulster University)

  Northern Ireland has been the most politically contested part of Britain and Ireland for decades.  Both the physical and cultural landscape have been shaped by conflict and by continuous efforts to build peace and to accommodate difference.

  The peace process in the 1990s gave rise to multiple experiments in bridgebuilding in communities, institutions and politics. While the level of violence diminished rapidly after the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Northern Ireland remains a fragile society still actively searching for an outward, forward looking and shared future.

  Duncan Morrow, who worked to support efforts at peacebuilding for many years and now works to embed Ulster University in its new city centre location, will share some of this story and its consequences, considering both the legacy of the past and the opportunities of the future.

• Education: Supporting the Development of Local Food Cultures

  Joxe Mari Aizega (Director, Basque Culinary Centre, Spain)

  Andrea Pieroni (Director, University of the Gastronomic Sciences, Pollenzo, Italy)

  The leaders of two of Europe’s most respected institutes of gastronomic education will explore the role of education in supporting local food systems. From developing the talents of culinary professionals to generating new thinking on the future of our relationships with food and drink, this session will focus on the contribution of education to shaping the character and success of food and drink destinations.

• Eating to Extinction or Protecting Diverse Communities

  Dan Saladino (food journalist and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The Food Programme)

  Dan Saladino recently published his first book, Eating to Extinction, to great acclaim.  It takes readers on an epic journey through the history, culture and future of food. In conversation with Donald Sloan, Dan will the explore the world’s most endangered food cultures, and propose what we must do to protect the diverse communities they represent.

• Helping Professional Communities Flourish: Tackling Systemic Prejudice in Food, Drink and Hospitality

  Drawing on her extensive experience as a food writer, Melissa Thompson will consider ways in which systemic racism is limiting career progression for food professionals of African and Caribbean origin working in the UK. She will explore tactics for community empowerment and reflect on how we might tackle embedded prejudice. Melissa will then discuss these issues with distinguished culinary historian Dr Jessica B. Harris and chef and curator Akwasi Brenya-Mensa. Melissa Thompson is an award-winning food writer and cook whose powerful articles on the British food industry have become focal points for important discussions on identity, diversity and inclusivity.

• Culinary History: a Community Confidence Builder

  Dr Jessica B. Harris (culinary historian, academic and broadcaster)

  Dr Jessica B. Harris is widely regarded as the leading commentator on the food of the African Diaspora. In this session, using examples from several locations, she will explore how the study of culinary history can reveal hidden and suppressed stories and, in doing so, instil confidence across communities.

• Building Local Food Systems, Working Together from Farm and Fishing Boat to Plate: Harnessing the Power of Community in Devon, UK

  Michael Caines MBE (chef, hotelier and broadcaster)

  Marc Millon (food and wine writer)

  Devon, a county in the South West of England, has always had a wealth of outstanding food produce and products. This has inspired Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE to state that Devon, his home county, has the best larder not just in the UK but in all of Europe. This session will explore how producers, entrepreneurs, chefs, and consumers, working together in a virtuous circle to utilise the power of community, have helped to make this one of the most dynamic and exciting places in the UK for quality, local food and drink at all levels.

• Sitopia: How can Food Help Communities Thrive

  Carolyn Steel (author, architect and academic)

  In her groundbreaking book Sitopia, published in 2020, Carolyn Steel presents a provocative vision for reshaping our relationship with food – its production, distribution and consumption. In this session she will explore how we might rediscover the true value of food, in ways that help local communities thrive.

• Creating Meaning:Food Communities with a Higher Purpose

  Anna Pollock (tourism strategist)

  Recognised as a visionary, Anna Pollock is a leading advocate for regenerative tourism, which supports the health and well-being of local people. In this session she will explore how those in food communities can help destinations flourish through their passionate commitment to a shared, higher purpose.

Walking Tours

Belfast Walking Tours -An opportunity on 13 April 2022 to immerse yourself in the art and social history of Belfast.

• Walking Tour Option 1

  Walking Tour Option 1

  SeedHead Arts have been at the forefront of Belfast’s Street Art scene for over a decade now. Once spending any amount of time in Belfast you’ll know that it’s walls are covered in art, often used to mark territory for one side or another. But recently something transformative has been bubbling. Street artists from across the globe have joined a new breed of Belfast based street artists to leave their mark on the city.

  The street art walking tours forms part of the narrative for a new Belfast. The street art speaks of love, of laughter, of anger, of beauty and of defiance but most of all it speaks of Belfast and the place that its becoming.

  Get more information on SeedHead Arts walking tour

• Walking Tour Option 2

  'A History of Terror' is Belfast’s #1 walking tour explaining the history of the Troubles and the path to peace.  Over 2 hours 30 minutes it visits sites in Belfast city centre where some of the most important events of the conflict occurred. You will learn about the Troubles, discover the stories of the people involved, the reasons why it started, how the peace process took shape and the journey to the active, vibrant city you see today.

  
  The tour is recognised as being unbiased, objective and historically accurate. It is suitable for all visitors to Belfast, regardless of how much or little you already know of our troubled past. DC Tours’ guides are all Belfast natives who grew up during the time and they weave their own stories into their tours.  By the end you will feel connected to our city in a way you could never have imagined!

  Visit the Dead Centre Tours website

• Terms and Conditions

  EVENT BOOKING CONDITIONS

  To register for GS2022, you must complete the registration with payment via the book now section. Once this is processed we will send you a link for online a booking form.  All contact details must be provided at the time of booking. A contract will exist as soon as we receive your reservation.

  Please note the registration fee does not include accommodation and any travelling charges. There is however a special rate for accommodation with Hastings Hotels. The discount booking code will be provided to delegates once registration for the conference is complete.

• Data Protection

  Gastronomy Summit 2022 will use your personal data only for purposes connected to this meeting and no details will be passed onto any third parties.

  Only if you agree, your information will be shared with those participating in the Gastronomy Summit and a delegate list will be created with your email address, organisation and your name.

• Liability

  Liability

  By no means shall Ulster University be held liable, either directly or indirectly, for any problematic issue that may occur within the framework of the Summit and its organisation, not only with respect to the organisers but also with respect to third parties (airline companies, hotels, transportation, taxis, etc.) while in the performance of duties or services even indirectly related to the Summit.

• Cancellation Policy

  Cancellation policy

  Notice of cancellation should be sent via email to GS2022@ulster.ac.uk. An administration fee of £50 will be deducted from the original conference charge on cancellations received by 28 February 2022. No refunds will be given after this date but confirmed substitutes will be accepted.

• COVID-19

  COVID-19

  For all those participating in person we will take precaution measures that the conference can take place, of course these measures will be adapted based on the current conditions at the time of the conference. We encourage you to definitely submit the abstract within deadline, so that you have the chance to participate in this unique conference.

• Images and Video Consent

  PLEASE NOTE that photographs and/or video footage will be taken throughout this event, by confirming your attendance you are confirming your consent. This footage could be used by the University for marketing and publicity, including but not limited to, publications, campaigns, social media and on our website. Please contact the event organiser in advance of the event if you have any concerns or if you wish to be exempted from this activity.

• Grand Central Hotel

  The Grand Central Hotel is situated on Bedford Street, 0.7 miles from the University. The closest train station is also Great Victoria Street- a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

  This hotel also offers a Valet parking service which can be arranged, or alternatively there is a nearby multi-story car park which offers discounted rates to hotel guests.

  Grand Central Hotel website

• Europa Hotel

  The Europa Hotel situated on Great Victoria Street, just 0.9 miles to the Belfast Campus. The hotel is easily accessible by bus and rail as the Great Victoria Street bus and train station is located directly next to the hotel.

  The hotel also facilitates those wishing to travel by car with a 500-space multi-storey car park adjacent to the hotel with valet parking available for guests.

  Europa Hotel website