The Leaders Of Tomorrow Hospitality Event In Harrogate And Why Is It Important For North Yorkshire's Future

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a hotel, restaurant or tourist attraction? It is a huge industry in York and North Yorkshire, and it is about far more than seasonal or part time jobs. A major new initiative is launching to change how young people see careers in hospitality and tourism, making sure the sector is viewed as a serious profession with long term opportunities.

It all centres around an event called Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow, and it is set to make a real impact.

More than just a one day event

On Monday, 23 March 2026, Rudding Park in Harrogate will host Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow, an event created specifically for people under 30 already working in the hospitality sector. Think of it less like a traditional conference and more like a festival for the future of the industry.

The event has been developed by The Hospitality Junior Board CIC, with funding from the York and North Yorkshire Local Visitor Enterprise Partnership (LVEP). The goal is simple: to give young hospitality workers the support, tools and inspiration they need to grow into leadership roles.

For years, hospitality roles have been unfairly labelled as stop gap jobs. This event wants to change that narrative. By bringing people together, celebrating young talent and offering real development opportunities, the organisers aim to build lasting connections that strengthen the industry from within. It is an investment not just in individuals, but in the entire regional economy.

What’s actually on the agenda?

Around 100 to 125 young professionals will take part in a packed schedule of practical workshops, interactive sessions and skills based training. This is not a sit still and listen sort of day.

Here is what they can expect:

Resilience
Hospitality can be demanding. These sessions will focus on staying calm under pressure, recovering from setbacks and dealing with the fast pace of service. Strong resilience is a core leadership skill.

Personal Branding
This is about understanding what makes each person unique and learning how to communicate that to employers. It means building a positive reputation for reliability, skill and ambition.

Career Growth
Practical advice will be shared on progressing into supervisory and management roles. Attendees will learn about long term planning and how to build a fulfilling career in hospitality.

Networking
There will be plenty of time to meet industry leaders, potential employers and peers. These connections can open doors to future opportunities and mentorship.

Industry speakers will give honest insights from their own experiences, creating an atmosphere of positivity, ambition and celebration. It will be a showcase of the incredible young talent in York and North Yorkshire.

Why this matters for York and North Yorkshire

Hospitality is a major pillar of the local economy. It accounts for more than 10 percent of all jobs in the region, and many other businesses depend on it indirectly. From historic pubs in York to luxury country hotels across North Yorkshire, the visitor economy is vital.

But the industry faces challenges. Recruitment is tough, and retention can be even tougher. Too many people leave before discovering the real potential for career development. The Leaders of Tomorrow event tackles this problem directly.

By investing in young workers, the organisers hope to build a motivated, skilled workforce that stays in the industry and shapes its future. Philip Bolson, founder of The Hospitality Junior Board CIC, summarises it well: “This event is about giving young people in hospitality the recognition, development and community they deserve. It is a movement for change, designed and led by young people working in the sector.”

Building a career, not just a job

In the end, this initiative is all about shifting perceptions. It is about creating clear pathways to leadership, encouraging innovation, and helping young people see hospitality as a rewarding, long term career.

Tony Watson, Head of Tourism at North Yorkshire Council, highlights why it matters: “Hospitality is the heartbeat of York and North Yorkshire’s visitor economy, and its future depends on the talent we nurture today. The Leaders of Tomorrow is more than an event. It is a commitment to empowering young people with the skills, confidence and connections they need to thrive.”

The skills learned and connections made at this event will support the next generation of hospitality leaders, ensuring the sector remains vibrant, competitive and central to the region’s economic success.