London’s most experienced venue caterer, Moving Venue, has launched the Moving Venue Catering Academy, a program aimed at mentoring and developing aspiring event professionals. The academy, which will begin in September 2024, will consist of six modules covering various aspects of event planning and execution, including venue event catering, sales and marketing, planning, operations, provenance and product, and kitchen and menu development.
The program will run for six months and culminate in a Spring/Summer menu showcase, where mentees will collaborate with their mentors and peers to showcase the skills they have acquired throughout the course. The showcase will also feature the food that will be served at spring/summer 2025 events.
With over four decades of experience catering at London’s iconic venues and leading hospitality events, Moving Venue aims to use its position of trust and leadership to shape the future of the events industry through this pioneering initiative. The program has been designed not only to develop the next generation of event professionals but also to support its venue partners. Moving Venue is currently accredited at over 40 of London’s best-loved event venues, including the Natural History Museum, Tower of London, Kensington Palace, and Science Museum.
The program will include workshops, menu development, competitions, and onsite experience across Moving Venue’s accredited venue portfolio. This will provide mentees with hands-on training in event planning, execution, and management, and the opportunity to gain invaluable insights and develop professional networks. By working closely with venue partners, the academy will create unique opportunities for participants to learn directly in the field.
The program is open to venue event professionals within Moving Venue’s accredited venue portfolio. The academy is seeking mentees who are either entry-level within their career or venue executives looking to broaden their experience in event delivery and operations. Venue leaders will have the opportunity to nominate team members and will be required to submit a 250-500-word statement as to why their colleague should be considered. A total of ten aspiring venue event professionals will be selected to take part in the academy.
The academy’s mentors include Moving Venue’s Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director, as well as the Creative Marketing Director, Operations Director, and Executive Pastry Chef. Students will also have the opportunity to learn from industry veterans with over 32 and 40 years of experience, respectively. Collectively, the mentors will dedicate a minimum of one day per month to nurture the students, with numerous opportunities to shadow Moving Venue professionals at a variety of events.
Upon completion, participants will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully plan and execute a celebration finale marking Moving Venue’s 40th year as London’s most trusted caterer, along with the launch of the Spring/Summer 2025 menu.
Commenting on the announcement, Smart Group and Moving Venue Managing Director Chloe Jackson said, “this feels like the culmination of 40 years at the sharp end of event catering, distilled into a unique program designed entirely to support the next generation of talent for our vibrant industry. We are offering this program without charge and to give back to the sector and venue partners that have been instrumental to the success of Moving Venue. We can’t wait to see the young professionals flourish under the guidance of their mentors and join the long list of talent that are now leaders in the industry, having started their career journeys at Moving Venue.”
One of the first venues to sign up for the program is the Science Museum. Ben Lheureux, Head of Catering and Events, said, “we are delighted to be taking part in this program and excited to be putting forward a team member for nomination. The events business at the Science Museum relies upon the passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge of our team, and we welcome the opportunity to build upon their skills via the academy. Moving Venue has been a trusted accredited supplier of the Science Museum for over 20 years and exclusive catering partner to our dedicated events space Illuminate for 5 years, and we look forward to making the most of that experience as we develop the careers of our employees.”
Lisa Hatswell, Managing Director of Unique Venues of London, commented, “this is an exciting initiative that I am sure will add greatly to the sector. Having worked with London’s iconic venues for many years, I know the importance of having well-rounded, skilled, and engaged team members that understand the work of major suppliers such as caterers. The Moving Venue Catering Academy will provide a fantastic platform to develop the next generation of talent, improving events for guests and operators alike.”
For more information on the Moving Venue Catering Academy or to apply, visit www.movingvenueacademy.com or contact academy@movingvenue.com.
The London-based caterer, which celebrates its 40th year in business in 2024, was acquired by owner-operated hospitality business Smart Group in 2015.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About Moving Venue:
From historic palaces to museums, blank canvases, and everywhere in between, Moving Venue
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.