The Food & Drink Innovation Network

There’s always a real buzz at any Food & Drink Innovation Network seminar, but we don’t just want you to take out word for it, why not listen to what some of our delegates have said?

“I have been attending the FDIN seminars for 3 years and I must say they are the best value seminars in the UK. The networking opportunities are excellent, thanks to Jeffrey’s gentle way of setting the scene. The learning opportunities are great, due to excellent quality speakers. The brand day in January was the best I have attended so far..”
Saskia Galema (Marketing Manager, Healthcare Brands International).

“An insightful and inspirational opportunity to learn from passionate brand champions.”
John Edwards (Marketing Director, Jygsaw Brands Ltd).

“Some conferences and seminars look great on the mail shot but often fail to live up to expectations on the day. But the recent FDIN seminar was an exception ! An excellent use of time – insightful, thought provoking and packed with relevant case studies. It also provided a great opportunity to discuss the content with like minded industry individuals in a less stuffy environment than conventional conferences! One can really appreciate the effort put in by Jeffrey to making the event a good use of time.”
Carole Berry (Head Of Category Development, Northern Foods).

“I’ve been a long term subscriber to the Monday morning news update, which I’ve always found very useful, but this was my first FDIN seminar; though I’m sure it won’t be my last. The Brand Innovations day was a really great-value event; something you can only rarely say. The quality of the speakers was high and broad enough to appeal to the wide cross-section of marketeers who attended. The round table discussions, following each set of presentations, were a great way to network; further enhanced by switching tables after each break.”
Nick Shepherd (MD, Shepherd & Co).

“The FDIN is a great concept in itself, as the events achieve the difficult balance between knowledge transfer and networking. Quality speakers on topical aspects of innovation attract high calibre audiences, and the programme is carefully orchestrated without making delegates feel like pupils. Networking is encouraged but not forced, and the atmosphere is more collaborative than commercial. The communicaiton between events adds to the sense of community, and it’s one of the few forums I wish I’d found earlier.”
Tim Nicol (MD, Make Innovation Happen).

“I found the seminar to be a truly inspiring and motivating forum of which I came away with many ideas to share with the team. A comfortable and open environment in which to network of which I met some fascinating people from all sorts of backgrounds and a great environment to share your ideas and get constructive feedback.”
Jo Buckley (Brand Manager, Warburtons).

“I have to say this was one of the best seminars I have attended in some time – highly relevant, entertaining and stimulating. The ‘professional fun’ approach of all speakers and organizers was highly engaging. The balance of theory, with practical examples was appropriate. I found David Taylor’s presentation particularly inspiring. His no nonsense, straight-talking style is refreshing and the content, very thought-inducing. I will most certainly be checking out his blog for further insight around tackling innovation within our business. It’s so very easy within the context of every-day business pressures to find excuses not to take time out of the office. Last Thursday’s seminar helped demonstrate to me how sessions like this are invaluable. I left the session feeling highly energized, motivated and armed with a fresh approach to take back to my business. I wait with anticipation for FDIN’s next hot topic !”
Francesca Davies (Insight & Innovation Manager, Fox’s Biscuits).

“Not only do FDIN provide a welcome weekly shot of innovation news – they also run some great events, bringing together inspirational speakers with interested practitioners, to create an informal, participative and highly engaging seminar.”
Andrew Christophers (Director, Brand Genetics Ltd).

“This seminar really had everything going for it – well organised, a great line up of knowledgeable, yet down to earth speakers & really useful interactive sessions wher you could not only meet like minded types, but also share in their real experiences. It was definitely worth taking a day out of the daily grind for & left me feeling raring to go.”
Joady Horsley (Brand Group Manager, A G Barr).

“I would just like to say that the seminar was not only excellent in terms of the speakers and the relevant topics but provided a fantastic opportunity to network. Thanks for a great day, I’ll definitely be back in the future for another one.”
Maria Moran (Product Manager, Pritchitt’s).

“Great seminar. Plenty of business specific examples and a superb approach to group networking made for a very worthwhile day.”
Nigel Lee (Abagri).

“Jeffrey and the FDIN seemed to have the recipe for great inspiration just right last week. Some theory, not too much – a core of interesting cases that go beyond the “look at me being succesful’ and the right amount of networking time. If you haven’t gotten to know something or someone new ,you should look in the mirror. The personal touch, the friendship feel and the Bolly make it all a very positive experience.”
Philip De Wulf (Managing Fellow, Synergy).

“This is the fourth FDIN seminar that I have attended and I have found them all to be extremely well organized, excellent opportunities to network and meet interesting people in other segments of the food and drink industry, a lot of fun and good value for the money. I look forward to my next opportunity to attend one.”
Peter M. Salmon (MD, International Food Network, Ltd).

“The FDIN seminar provided a great opportunity to step out of the day-to-day, absorb refreshing insights and challenge thinking while meeting a diverse mix of people from across the industry – a very enjoyable day and I will certainly be going again in future!”
Saffron Shaw (BBrand Manager – Quaker, Pepsico).

“My first FDIN seminar and I will definitely be going to more! The mixture between theoretical advice from the experts and the case studies was perfect. The topics were very very relevant and covered in a good amount of detail. The discussion sessions brought the day into greater focus and expanded my thoughts and interpretations. The day has stimulated and challenged my strategic thinking and has given me ample material to take back to my company.”
Stephanie Kean (Director of Sales and Marketing, The Serious Food Company).

“The workshop style of the FDIN is unique – it involves the audience – you get much more out of this than a standard conference seminar.”
Mike Crogan (Business Director, National Starch, ICI).

“The meeting brought together representatives from across the industry for a very interesting discussion and networking event.”
Kay Bradshaw (Company Nutritionist, Brake Brothers).

“Well balanced mix of science and marketing to get the picture right.”
Andre Siemensma (Project Manager, Quest International, Netherlands).

“Excellent organisation and event planning which helps to get other’s view on topical issues. Very good insight organised very conveniently.”
Aurore De Monclin (Product Manager, Nestle UK).

“An informative event that allowed you to open the discussion to a wider peer group and gain a clearer insight into the market as a whole.”
Sandy Belton, Commercial Manager Foodservice, Apetito).

“Well organised, flowing presentations, excellent networking and an innovative style for Q & A.”
Duncan Evanson (Cargill).

“The whole day was very well organised and timings were controlled to a T without being overly structured or formal.”
Linda Mc Knight. (Product Development Manager … Dawn Meats).