Fiona Patrick

The City Food Lecture is an annual, invitation-only high profile fixture in the City of London and international food industry calendars. The Lecture is delivered every year by a leading figure in the British food business who is invited to speak about the issues they regard as most important in shaping the way food is produced, distributed, marketed, sold and consumed. Held in the Great Hall at the prestigious Guildhall and attended by over 650, the event is organised by the seven City livery companies whose roots are in the food industry – namely the Worshipful Companies of Bakers, Butchers, Cooks, Farmers, Fishmongers, Fruiterers and Poulters. My role includes selecting, managing and retaining our sponsors ensuring they get the most out of the opportunities as well as working with fellow committee members on all aspects of the event including the selection of the KNS and panelists, the registration process and marketing.

My very enjoyable role on the committee includes selecting and managing our much valued sponsors. This involves introducing the products and services of selected specialist hospitality companies to the top hoteliers of luxury hotels that attend the Annual Master Innholders Conference and black tie dinner. Organised by General Managers for General Managers, the intent is to position the sponsors' messages in an engaging, useful, informative yet non intrusive way so as to excite interest, encourage new ideas and successfully blend in with the audience. All monies raised through this sponsorship contributes to the Master Innholders scholarship programme.

Responsible for selecting and managing the portfolio of hospitality and luxury partners for Condé Nast Johansens The partners are 'here to help our hoteliers when they are required'. They therefore need to be positioned as such in the variety of organised events and activities such as the annual Awards for Excellence, Hotelier meetings, diverse communications as well as tailor - made promotions and incentives to attract the attention, encourage new ideas and excite interest amongst the 600 global properties within the portfolio. The Luxury Partner selection appeal to the 5.5 million affluent readership of CNJ. Another hat for CNJ is managing the Venue Finder Service - a complimentary service for the corporate and leisure readership wishing to find the perfect venue for a specific occasion.

Responsible for the launch and development of Executive PA Magazine - the first magazine of its kind to target personal assistants to Chairman, Chief Executives and Senior Management - the 'power behind the throne', the 'unsung hero'. Developments included reader fam trips, Awards- Boss of the Year being a high profile event and conferences.

Responsible for developing reader events and promotins to enhance the appeal of one of its magazines and greater interaction with its audience. This involved the organisation of overseas fashion shoots as well as fashion shows for over 1000. Great fun!!