Ian Curley
Director of Kitchen Operations Australia, Ovolo Hotels
British-born and Australian-based, Ian Curley is one of the nation’s most awarded chefs.
With an enduring 25-year tenure in Melbourne that has seen him at the helm of some of the city’s most iconic restaurants – including nine years at The Point Albert Park and more than a decade with the European Group – Ian’s food is much-loved for its accessible approach and simple philosophy. He cooks the food he loves to eat, across all cuisines.
His signature style is European fare of the highest quality, with classic French underpinnings – a legacy from the rigorous training he received early in his career in the kitchens of London.
Currently, Ian is co-owner and chef at French Saloon and Kirk’s Wine Bar, and Director of restaurant consultancy group Exec Chef.
Ian’s skill lies in ensuring each guest receives restaurant-quality food, something he credits to a personalised, honest approach when designing his menus, and meticulous planning.
He has consulted for and worked with a number of brands including The Melbourne Racing Club’s Black Caviar Restaurant and Committee Room since 2013, Craig’s Royal Hotel in Ballarat and regular TV appearances on Channel 7’s Conviction Kitchen (which he hosted), MasterChef Australia, Yes Chef and Postcards.
Ian is a dedicated Ambassador to the Pancare Foundation and works closely with his other chosen charities, Soldier On Australia and Battle Back Britain. He supports the Australian food and restaurant industry each year at the Taste of Port Douglas and Noosa Food & Wine Festival.
WHERE YOU CAN SEE Ian…
Session Name:
Food and Events: Trends and Tips
Synopsis
Are food stations out and gin bars in? This panel discussion will uncover the latest trends in event catering and offer practical advice for event planners on topics such as:
• Getting a sponsor for champagne towers and other luxuries when the budget won’t cut it.
• Cost-effective ways to maximise the venue’s menu experience – ie shared dessert platters instead of alternate serve, canapes instead of starters.
• Catering to cultural and dietary requirements.
Key Takeaways
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Target Audience
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AIME 2024 Speakers
Knowledge Program and Ideas Academy Speakers Announced
Mark Cooper
CEO, IACC
Katy Aldrich
General Manager, Australia and New Zealand, SongDivision
Julz Partington
Creative Director, Encore Event Technologies APAC
Lisa Kelliher
Head of People & Culture, Be Challenged
Ron Anderson
Creative Experience Officer, Unicorn Group and REALM Australia
Kate Atkinson
Regional Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Pacific and Indonesia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Sarah Morse
Director, Unchained Solutions
George Hawwa
Founder and Growth Director, Attention Experts
Rebecca Grace
General Manager, Centre for Inclusive Design
Lisa Ronson
Chief Marketing Officer, Coles Group
Thomas Staunton
CEO, SoldOut Events
Kai Hattendorf
CEO, UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
Stephen Koukoulas
Managing Director, Market Economics Pty Ltd
Simon Cooper
Managing Director, Interpoint Events
Virginia Loyola
Senior Manager, Global Sales, Arinex Group
Nicole Tingey
Director, Clockwise Consulting
Bruce Keebaugh
Co-Founder, The Big Group
Seb Terry
Inspirational Keynote Speaker, Sebastian Terry
El Kwang
Founder + Chief Engager, BEAMexperience
Diane Demetre
Motivational Leadership & Mindset Speaker, Diane Demetre
Peter Haycroft
Head Chef, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Katerina Grant
Director, Kat&Co
Mike Williams
Senior Partner & Senior Consultant, GainingEdge
Samantha Ferrier
Sustainability Manager, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Tanya Wick
Senior Leader, Totem Connections
Melissa Brown
Chief Executive Officer, Australian Business Events Association
Chris Sheldon
Managing Director, Curtis Stone Events
Deanna Varga
CEO & Founder, Mayvin Global
Megan Van Den Berg
Co Owner, https://kinyalerrk.com.au/
Alana Bicknell
Director of Sales and Planning, New Zealand International Convention Center
Daniel 'Fuzz' Walker
Managing Director (Asia Pacific), Afterburner
Michelle Sargent
Director, CWT Meetings & Events
Melissa Murphy
Head of Conference Operations, Arinex
Veemal Gungadin
CEO, Gevme
Charlotte Juniper
Winner of ICCA AP Youth Challenge 2023, Adelaide Convention Center
Henri Turra
Managing Director, Radish Events
Bernard Stephens
General Manager, Harry the Hirer
Natalie Simmons
Founder & CEO, Barefoot Citizens Consulting
Fernando Barraza
Creative Director, Cirkus Bizurkus
Jill Midlovets
Kitchen Coordinator, OzHarvest
Lucy Meixner
Adelaide Convention Center, Winner of ICCA AP Youth Challenge 2023
Lauren Hayward
Owner and Managing Director, Forum Group Events and Marketing
Lisa Meehan
Head of Delivery, Diversified Communications
John Burgess
Director of Strategy, Little Rocket
Nadav Kahn
Lead Wellbeing Facilitator, Vibrate Your Mind
Vanessa Green
CEO, Cliftons
Waikin Wong
Regional Director, ICCA Asia Pacific
Emma Bamblett
Artist and Co-owner, Kinya Lerrk