Midlands Region Spring Seminar

Join us for a fresh, inspiring day focused on dignity in dining, bringing together care catering professionals at the iconic Mondelez International site in Bournville. Through expert talks, interactive sessions, live demonstrations, and networking, the seminar explores how food, environment, and experience can enhance wellbeing in care.

Parking:
Visitor parking is available at Mondelez. Once parked, please walk out of the bottom of the car park and cross the road to reach the office.

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HniEupJBE8siJqwV7

Spring Seminar Agenda
A day rooted in fresh ideas, shared learning, and dignity in dining, set in the heart of spring.

9:00 – 9:30 AM
Arrival, Networking & Exhibition Viewing
Step into the spring atmosphere with refreshments and coffee kindly supplied by Jacob Douwe Eggberts. Enjoy a relaxed catch-up with colleagues while exploring our event suppliers and exhibition stands.

9:30 – 9:45 AM
Welcome, Housekeeping & Introduction to Mondelez
Setting the tone for the day.
Your hosts:
• Darren Klein – NACC Midlands Chair
• Andy Cullum – NACC Midlands Deputy Chair
• Beverley Partridge – Customer Development Manager, Mondelez

10:00 AM
Beverley Partridge – Mondelez
An introduction to Mondelez, their iconic brands, and how they support the care sector in enhancing everyday mealtimes with dignity, enjoyment, and choice.

10:20 AM
Hamberley Care Homes – Understanding Dementia & Dining
A thoughtful and informative session exploring dementia and why the dining environment plays such a vital role in comfort, familiarity, and resident wellbeing.

10:50 – 11:10 AM
Spring Comfort Break
Time to pause, refresh, enjoy coffee from JDE, and continue conversations with our suppliers and exhibitors.

11:10 AM
A closer look at tableware and presentation, and how the right equipment can elevate dignity, independence, and enjoyment at mealtimes.

11:50 AM
Rhea Jarvis – Kafoodle
Discover how Kafoodle supports dignity in dining through menu planning, recipe banks, stock control, allergen management, ordering, and carbon footprint monitoring — shaping the future of food service in care.

12:20 PM
An overview of a healthcare offer, including quality produce, menu inspiration, sustainability solutions, allergen support, and a dedicated healthcare guide designed to support busy kitchen teams. TBC

12:45 – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Exhibition Viewing
A relaxed, sociable lunch celebrating flavour, choice, and conversation — the perfect chance to network and recharge.

1:30 – 3:30 PM
Dignity & Dining – Interactive Round Robin Sessions
Delegates will be split into small groups (identified by the coloured dots on name badges) and rotate around four interactive sessions, spending approximately 30 minutes at each. Each session explores what is possible when food, dignity, and experience are placed at the heart of care.

Session Areas

Linny Lane – Chocolatier Expert
A hands-on chocolate masterclass at the home of chocolate itself, Cadbury. Linny brings international experience from Geneva and London and will demonstrate dipping, moulding, and filling chocolates — perfectly timed for Mother’s Day and Easter inspiration.

James Green – Tea from the Manor with Mabel Blades – Dietitian
An exploration of handcrafted teas, including four dysphagia-friendly blends, alongside expert insight into hydration and why it is essential for dignity, health, and wellbeing.

Alex Balicki – Head of Learning & Development, PJ Care
A powerful VR-led journey through the mealtime experience, highlighting what good and poor dining experiences feel like from a resident’s perspective — and why dignity in dining truly matters.

Andy Cullum – “The iddsi Guy Ltd” with Max Neumann – Head Chef, PJ Care Eaglewood
Discover how Afternoon Tea can be beautifully delivered across IDDSI Levels 4–7, maintaining flavour, quality, and pride at every level.

3:30 PM
Closing Comments – Delivered by Darren Klein & Andy Cullum
A heartfelt close to a day of shared learning, collaboration, and spring-inspired dignity in dining.

With warm wishes from the NACC Midlands Team
Stay connected — and keep the spring spirit and dignity in dining blooming.