This year's theme is leadership and includes a combination of keynote speakers, networking events and development workshops. The event which will be held in Perth Concert Hall, Scotland will conclude with Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland announcing the recipients of the 2010 Emerging Talent Scholarships. Unilever,the International consumer goods company, are drawn in as the first headline sponsor in the event's six year history.

Four workshops have been fashioned to appeal to both professionals as well as student delegates. The topics include networking, mentoring, leadership as well as chefs expression. The conference will also include presentations by previous emerging talent scholars and a group interview among chief professionals including Peter Lederer, of Gleneagles Hotel and VisitScotland, and HIT Scotland trustee Fergus Chambers of Cordia.

The proclamation of this year's Emerging Talent Scholars represents a 100,000 pounds investment from HIT Scotland towards increasing future leaders for the industry.Around 200 scholarships will be awarded to people from all arenas and career stages in hospitality, tourism, leisure, travel and catering businesses across Scotland.

David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland stated that Leadership is essential to the future of the hospitality industry and by helping raise the aspirations and encouraging leadership ,it will help bring the industry together to help the country compete in the world tourism market place.