SCOTHOT 2023, why it is good for your health!
Wow, we have had too many years go passed without SCOTHOT, Scotland’s premier showcase for Food, Drink, Hospitality, Retail & Tourism – thank goodness it is back!
I know it is only every 2 years, however thanks to the pandemic it has been a while that we have all managed to get together at the wonderful SEC in Glasgow.
What an amazing two days it will be. Along with the usual exhibitors there will of course be the Scottish Culinary Championships, highlighting the talent that Scotland has in the culinary field.
In addition there will be The STA Spotlight Stage that will host a number of interesting and influential coffee table chats of the 2 days, including a session at 14.00 on Thursday 9thMarch entitled Here to Help, Support & Show How We Care, Moderated by Marc Crothall MBE, CEO, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Gordon McIntyre Founder & Chair, Hospitality Health, Kris Hall, Founder, Burnt Chef Project & Kerry Donaghy, Respitality Scotland. It should be an interesting discussion, hopefully offering lots of insight and food for thought.
There is also a hidden positive by attending the events over the 2 days. It’s all about staying connected to your friends and colleagues within the industry. Many of whom you may not have seen face to face for several years. Reach out to each other, create the connections, and catch up for a coffee or a meal while in the city. How many remember the days when SCOTHOT was held at the old Kelvin Hall in Argyle Street???? That was a few years ago I hear you shout! (Please share with us your memories and stories of the old days!)
SCOTHOT is celebrating its 50-year anniversary and will be celebrating 50 rising stars within the industry. What is so important is that they are all experiencing a positive and satisfying time while at work. It is hoped that they are employed within businesses who are displaying a positive work culture. Perhaps they will have been awarded the Hospitality Health Wellness Charter, or have the Hoteliers Charter in place…either way, what is important is that organisations do not see mental health as a tick box exercise and instead spend time on what is a vitally important part of the business. The best businesses value their staff, and they are never ignored, undermined or belittled. They are made to feel safe, confident, and comfortable to express how they are feeling and thinking.
Scotland Food & Drink, supported by STA are also hosting an amazing morning event on the 8th March at the SEC alongside SCOTHOT, Destination Scotland -The Power of Food Tourism is worth a look, if you have time. Food tourism is not only for the holiday maker, but also part of everyday life. It happens every time you go out whether you live and work here or visit here. It is a national benefit to all; it is societal and supports and drives forward the health and well-being agenda. Food tourism should be integrated into everything we do and is key and core to Scotland becoming a responsible tourism destination, too.
I hope to see many of you at SCOTHOT over the two days 8th and 9th March, please stop me for a chat and catch up, or to connect for the first time too.
Gordon McIntyre
Chairman
Hospitality Health
www.hospitalityhealth.org.uk