Food for Thought; Becoming a Smarter Coast? (Waves Ahead Annual Conference 2015)

Food and Drink. We all eat it, many of us spend a lot of time thinking about it; what’s in it, if it's safe and healthy to eat, where it came from, how it should be cooked or prepared, whether we can afford it, how we can share it with or sell it to others if we can grow it, how we dispose of it..... Some really important business decisions are made over lunch and some of the best project ideas have started with a chat over piece of cake.

From farmers markets and food tourism to casserole clubs and food poverty, food and drink is everywhere and there are some great ideas for local projects and initiatives out there, but are we all being smart enough about it and making the most of what we have to achieve the best outcomes?

This year our annual Partnership conference is not purely about food, it's fundamentally about encouraging and building "smarter communities" in Adur and Worthing. But because that's such a big theme for a short event, at the conference we will be specifically exploring cross-cutting ideas around food and drink to start us thinking smarter.

Top speakers will inspire to think “smarter” and look at how “smart” and innovative ideas, technology, communication tools, digital applications and services could really help to support people and networks in new and different ways. Drawing on a range of “smart” tools and ideas around food and drink, we will explore how we could help transform the community and help make Adur and Worthing a better, more sustainable community for all to enjoy.

FAQs

What is the Waves Ahead Strategic Partnership?

Waves Ahead is a local strategic partnership that brings together local authorities, public services, voluntary and community organisations, businesses and education providers to work together with the community to deliver a shared vision. The aim is to make Adur and Worthing places where people want to live and work, both now and in the future.

Is this a Conference about Food and Drink?

Not really. The main theme is about looking at how we can become smarter in the way we do things locally and the way we interact with each other. Food and drink is a tangible sub-theme we have picked to help us explore some ideas and really understand how we become smarter communities. Many of the smart tools we will explore could also be applied to all sorts of other issues and ideas.

What do we mean by “smarter”?

Becoming “smarter” is really about becoming more efficient in the way we work and reducing unnecessary effort. There are lots of ways of becoming smarter, including using clever technology or looking at digital opportunities to do things differently or even just using different tools and systems to help us communicate and share better.

Who should attend the Conference?

The conference is designed as a chance for all of the members of the Waves Ahead Thematic Partnerships and members of the Waves Ahead Executive Board to get together to celebrate the Partnerships' work, network and and explore cross-cutting issues, strategies and ideas together.

The event is however not exclusive to existing members of the Partnership and strategic planners, it is also aimed at anyone working or volunteering in the Adur and Worthing area who would like to get more involved with local Partnership working and meet many of the key people and groups who are helping to strategically plan, deliver or lead the great partnership work in the community.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

The venue is located just off the A27 and is easy to find. There is a free carpark at the venue for delegates to use.

If you plan to use public transport, the nearest train station is Lancing (approx 20 mins walk from the venue), the nearest local bus is the Stagecoach "Pulse".

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please direct any questions to community.planning@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes, but only if pre-arranged. Please contact the organiser by email prior to the conference should you need to transfer or change your ticket to a different name.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, digital tickets will also be accepted.

Will food be provided at the event?

Yes, a tasty finger buffet from a local catering company will be served for all delegates during the event. Please contact the organiser when you reserve your place if you have any dietary requirements.