FOHM Forum

The FOH Managers Forum was established as an esteemed gathering place for professionals to share expertise, insights, and best practices in Reception and Front of House Services, ensuring the highest standards of client service across the industry.

Corporate reception, facilities, and client conference managers come together to share ideas and solutions on a range of topics including team building, training, motivation, mystery shopping, communications, reservations, corporate attire, and industry suppliers. Additionally, the forum provides a valuable opportunity to network with peers within this challenging and dynamic profession.

Our forums are designed to be fun, interactive, and informative, allowing participants to engage in a relaxed social atmosphere. These events typically feature excellent food and wine, generously provided by the hosting venue.

Previous Forums have been:

November 2024
Travers Smith LLP
Welcome: Julie Bailey – Head of Front of House
Hospitality: In house

 

 

April 2024
Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
Welcome: Remy Chaugny – Front of House Manager 
Hospitality: Bennett Hay

Bird & Bird
June 8th 2023 4pm – 6pm and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Welcome by: Fabricio Daniele & Bianca Okros. 
Attendance: Full-house. from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London
Hospitality: Stunning delicious canapes by Baxter Storey who impressed and won many admirers.
Our competition had two winners….

Fabulous goody-bags for everyone!
For a brief summary of some of the important points raised and discussed – please see Questions raised and answered from the forum

Investec
August 4th 2022 4pm – 6pm and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Welcome by: Karen Bain – Corporate Services and Workspace – Investec
Attendance: 74 FOH Managers from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London
Hospitality: Stunning delicious canapes by Vacherin/CH&Co expertly managed by Laurent Lepelletier laurent.lepelletier@vacherin.com who impressed and won many admirers.
Our competition had two winners. James from Bain & Company, and Nicola from Sidley Austin.

Fabulous goody bags for everyone!
For a brief summary of some of the important points raised and discussed – please see Questions raised and answered from the forum

Bird & Bird
November 2019 4pm – 6pm and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Welcome by: Bird & Bird’s Hospitality Manager – Fabricio Daniele
Attendance: 70 FOH Managers from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London
Hospitality: Stunning delicious canapes by BaxterStorey who really wowed the occasion. Champagne and wine by Alliance (Sam Sadler is a great contact there to know Sam.Sadler@alliancewine.com )
There was an eye for detail managers’ competition which had five winners. Alison from Herbert Smith Freehills, Melina from Hogan Lovells, Michelle and Natalie from Withers and Hermann from White & Case.
Fabulous goodybags for everyone

For a brief summary of some of the important points raised and discussed – please see Notes from the forum

Evercore
June 2019 4pm – 6pm and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Welcome by: The Front of House Manager – Evercore
Attendance: 58 FOH Managers from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London

Forum Discussion
1: Shift Problems
Results of our survey.
Discussion focused on tackling the various issues that can arise from a varied shift pattern
2: Team Building Ideas
The good, the bad and the utterly awful. Members relate their funny or
useful experiences
3: Changing dress codes
Dress down Friday – can it really work on reception?
Hospitality: In-house Chefs and staff – a chance to see how an in-house team can produce the goods. Wonderful canapes, champagne and wine.
Free Champagne or Jo Malone Candle to take away 

White & Case LLP

November 2018 4pm – 6pm and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Welcome by: The Front of House Manager – White & Case LLP
Attendance: 48 FOH Managers from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London

Forum Discussion
1: It’s all in the detail: Discussion focused on small improvements and exciting examples of real receptionists going the extra mile to ensure that 5* Hotel standard. The inspiring anecdotes put forward by members and their reception teams.
2: Facial recognition for events: A brief update on the latest technology available.
3: Forum: Open floor – managers help each other.
Hospitality: The incredible Chefs and staff at bartlett mitchell spoilt everyone with their canapes, wine and beer.
Free Champagne – Every FOH Manager to take a free full bottle of  presentation boxed Taittinger home with them

 

Rathbones
May 2018   4pm – 6pm – and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Attendance: 44 FOH Managers from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London

Welcome by: The Front of House Manager – Rathbones
Members have agreed – the Forum discussions between members (facilities managers and FOH managers)
are more useful than speakers, therefore we concentrated on discussion
Forum Discussion
1: Lines of communication and when they break down
When PAs, Catering and Reception teams clash!
How to bridge the divide, unite the teams, repair and heal the wounds; and improve moral

2: Forum – Open floor – managers help each other

Hospitality: The fantastic Chefs and staff at Elior spoilt everyone with their canapes and champagne
Free Champagne – Every FOH Manager to take a free full bottle of  presentation boxed Taittinger home with them

 

Slaughter and May LLP
October 2017   4pm – 6pm – and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Attendance: 45 FOH Managers from the most prestigious law firms, financial institutions and corporations in London

Welcome by: The Client Facilities Manager at Slaughter and May  
Members have agreed – the Forum discussions between members (facilities managers and FOH managers)
are more useful than speakers, therefore we concentrated on discussion
Forum Discussion
1 What are the solutions managers have experienced using the BIG TWO meeting room systems
A: Condeco
B: Hospitality Suite/Datacraft/Trimble/Manhattan
2: The Corporate Concierge
What are the advantages and pitfalls of:
A concierge desk away from reception for welcoming guests and offering other services.
3: Which new technology & software are being reviewed in order to improve the service offered to clients
4: Celebrating team success: how often teams bond. How managers encourage their teams to attend out of hours
5: Security: emails sent to reception desks – how the teams log in, ticketing systems and security issues with visitor passes
Networking: sharing problems, ideas and generally having fun!
Fabulous champagne, wine and hospitality by the expert Chefs of Lexington Catering
Selection of canapés offered and served
Free Champagne – Every FOH Manager to take a free full bottle of  presentation boxed Taittinger home with them!

 

Hogan Lovells LLP
March 2017 at  4pm – 6pm – and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Address: 50 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2FG
Welcome by:  FOH Manager at Hogan Lovells “A brief introduction, our dress code and training”
Fiona Rassell from Storm discusses FOH Training.
Forum Discussion – Heels & Dress Code Survey – 35 Managers responded – we give you the results.
Have opinions changed on traditional corporate dress codes? A recent debate in parliament has highlighted this topical issue.
Head of Facilities Services at Hogan Lovells discusses “Non Binary Gender Diversity“
Networking: sharing problems, ideas and generally having fun!
Fabulous champagne, wine and hospitality by the expert Chefs of Lusso
Selection of canapés offered and served
Free Champagne – Every FOH Manager to take a free full bottle of  presentation boxed Lanson home with them!

 

Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
May 2016 –  4pm – 6pm – and then networking & drinks till 8pm
Address: 110 Fetter Ln, London EC4A 1AY
Welcome by: Head of Facilities – Weil, Gotshal & Manges
Presentation by: Trimble “The Mobile Receptionist”  Trimble (Formerly Manhattan/Datacraft) discuss their mobile reservations software and smart app which tells you where your guests are in the building. (see review of all meeting room booking systems)
Forum Discussion –Reservation software recognising guests’ likes and dislikes. Results of the reservation survey  – What do 30 FOH Managers really think of the various systems on offer.
Presentation by: Robin and Anthony introduce Bennett Hay and reveal their expert chefs’ forthcoming culinary surprises to tantalise your taste buds

    • Bennett Hay mixologists make a selection of cocktails for guests
    • Selection of canapés offered and served
    • Plenty of wine…
    • A dessert station for guests to help themselves to.

Free Champagne – (sponsored by Trimble/Weil) Every FOH Manager to take a free full bottle of  presentation boxed Lanson home with them!


Taylor Wessing  LLp
October 2015  – 4pm – 6pm – and then networking till 8pm
Address: 5 New Street Square, London EC4A 3TW
Welcome by:  Facilities Manager – Taylor Wessing.
Forum Discussion:“No more barbecues!”  Focus on Events; problems, hiccups and how to be a little more creative.
Input by managers – many exciting new ideas to take away with you
Reception – “The Funniest Thing Happened” FOHM Managers reveal some of the funniest disasters every to have occurred during an event. We have many of those stories in our Front of House Magazine
Wine tasting and fabulous hospitality by the in-house catering team at Taylor Wessing
“A problem shared is a problem halved” A chance to network and natter with others in the industry, whilst enjoying wine and canapes
Free Champagne – Every FOH Manager to take a free full bottle of  Tattinger home with them!


Ernst & Young LLP
May 2015   4pm – 6pm – and then networking till 8pm
Address: 1 More London Pl, London SE1 2AF
Welcome by:National Front of House Manager / Client Service Ernst & Young.
Presentation by: Morgan Lovell – “Trends in Reception Design ” Marianne Paulsen – Designer. A fantastically fun, interactive presentation revealing beautiful unique and extraordinary corporate reception areas.
Presentation by: Hybrid Flowers Stunning Corporate Floral Displays
Panel Discussion:“The sharing of inspiration… What is your single best idea for improving the clients’ journey?”. Incredibly inspiring suggestions and ideas to improve the clients journey through reception – secrets revealed!
Wine tasting and fabulous hospitality by Baxter Storey –
“A problem shared is a problem halved” A chance to network and natter with others in the industry, whilst enjoying wine and canapés from the incredible Baxter Storey kitchens<a
Party bags

 

Pinsent Masons LLP
July 2014 at 6pm – and then networking till 8pm
Address: 30 Crown Place, London EC2A 4ES
Welcome by: The Client Services Team Leader Pinsent Masons.
Presentation by: Condeco Software Revealing their new software….. see review of all meeting room booking systems
Forum Discussion: “Reservations Software Systems – advantages and faults”
“Meeting the Managers” Making contacts and enjoying Pinsent Masons and Front Rec hospitality. An opportunity to mingle with other FOH Managers and Facilities Managers, whilst sipping champagne
Party bags

 

Rathbones
October 20134pm – 6pm – and then networking till 8pm
Address: 1 Curzon Street, W1J 5FB
Welcome by: The Head of Client Services at Rathbones.
Forum Discussion: “Bridging the gap” offering inspirational innovative ideas on how best to connect the front… with the back of house.
Hospitality: fabulous onsite catering team at Rathbones provide some exquisite culinary magic – by the superb chefs of Elior –
The FOHM Awards! The funniest and the most fabulous… First award given to the manager with the best reception-related short anecdote which truly depicts the phrase “going the extra mile”. Second award for the most amusing anecdote heard on a reception desk….
“Meeting the Managers” Making contacts and enjoying Rathbones and Elior’s hospitality! An opportunity to mingle with other FOH Managers and Facilities Managers, whilst sipping cocktails and sampling the mouth-watering morsels from the Rathbones’ kitchen
Party bags

 

Allen & Overy LLP
May 20134pm – 6pm – and then networking till 8pm
Address: One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD
Welcome by: The Client Services Manager and Reception Supervisor at Allen & Overy.
Presentation by: Tony Booty from Abintra Consulting “Solving the missing person’s mystery” – who revealed the innovative gadget which he believes will be integrated with most reservations software systems.
Results of the Registration of Events Survey by: Bill Hutton from Front of House Recruitment
Panel Discussion: On Events
The Raffle: 1 in 50 chance of winning an ipad, Champagne (by Searcys) and corporate suit (by Denny’s)
“Corporate Fashion Show” by Denny’s (see – our reviews of corporate receptionist uniform suppliers)
Champagne tasting with Searcys
“A problem shared is a problem halved”A chance to network and natter with others in the industry, whilst enjoying wine, sublime canapés and tantalising treats by the expert Chefs from Searcys –
Party bags

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
NOVEMBER 20124pm – 6pm – and then networking till 8pm
Address: 65 Fleet St London EC4Y 1HS
Welcome by: The Head of Reception & Catering at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. Through a series of slides we were shown the recent dramatic transformation of their reception and client areas and heard how they successfully juggled the operational and logistical challenges they met.
Presentation by: Richard Evans and Dan Phillpot from proAV “AV technicians? No need. We have receptionists!” – The largest national supplier & installer of cutting-edge audio visual systems showed us how it’s made easy…
Presentation by: Connor Taggart, Eloise Sheppard and Dave Barrett from Call-Systems Technology kept us up-to-date with their effective boardroom communication
Presentation by: Tony Trimi-kliniotis from Teleadapt showcased some very interesting solutions to re-charging emergencies and other boardroom challenges.
The Raffle: A fabulous bouquet of flowers kindly donated to us by Jane Packer, a newly released colour Kindle Fire HD (sponsored by FOH Recruitment) and some vintage wine kindly donated by Top Selection.
Hospitality: We were truly spoilt by the incredible never ending and exquisite feast prepared by the expert chefs of Freshfields and Restaurant Associates. Wine by Top Selection.
Party bags: TM Lewin free silk tie voucher and cufflinks – a beautiful silver Aquascutum pen and pad kindly donated by Call-Systems Technology – and a USB stick kindly donated by ProAV.

 

Clifford Chance LLP
March 2012 at 4pm
Address:
Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank Street, E14 5JJ
Discussion with the panel on: Team Building & Motivating – How to organise an inspiring day out. Motivating staff into attending team meetings when receptionists are on different shifts; and the options, incentives and creative ways in which to make these out of hours meetings more attractive.
Presentation by: Datacraft Design We had a chance to see Global Hospitality Web on a mobile tablet PC. Datacraft showcased using the new web system on this mobile device, and began a fascinating discussion around the radical idea of ‘Mobile Receptionists’. Members of the forum said the most useful areas for managing rooms ‘on the move’ might be for floor walkers to update meeting room statuses, or for catering teams to confirm delivery of service items. Forum members also had a chance to play around with the mobile tablet PC.
Datacraft also provided an update on the web version of their software. Datacraft’s Global Hospitality Web has already been installed at over 10 clients to date across the City. Several of these clients are installing the new web system to expand their room booking system overseas, to allow them to easily manage videoconferences. The software looks amazing and I imagine it is taking London by storm!
Presentation by: Team Tactics – Representing this highly regarded boutique corporate hospitality company, with many blue chip clients, Tina Benson – presents “truly inspiring and innovative reception team days out!”
Hospitality: Finally we had a truly incredible LIVE food demonstration by the expert chefs from the onsite catering team at Clifford Chance (Restaurant Associates – food services director – Tim O’Hara) which actually included dry ice… making a truly smoking desert.

 

Eversheds Sutherland LLP
January 2011
Discussion with the panel on: Room Reservations Systems – starting with the results of the Reservations Software Survey filled in by 20 managers
Presentation by: Avenance ‘Temptations’
Presentation by: WILDABOUT – London based floral design company that specialises in corporate and event floristry
Corporate Fashion Show: Ecouture
Hospitality by: Eversheds and Avenance

Hogan Lovells – August 2010
Presentation by: Paul Hurren from CH & Co “Exquisite Delights”
“What happens next?” – Actors played out reception sketches for quiz
Presentation by: Personal Polish (make over)
Sharing of contacts in industry
Hospitality: Fabulous food and refreshment by Hogan Lovells and CH & Co
Networking

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

May 2009
Presentation by: Specialist image advice by Irene Nathan (former president of the Federation of Image Consultants)
Corporate Fashion Show: Austin Reed
Discussion: Motivation of staff in the current climate, and various other issues put forward previously by members on their suggestion forms.
Hospitality: Fabulous food and refreshment by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Restaurant Associates
Networking

 

Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Jan 2009
Presentation by: Datacraft Design – meeting room reservations software
Presentation by: Josh Cameron Consulting – Reception Training and Mystery Shopping
Corporate Fashion Show:  Ecouture, TM Lewin
Discussion: Meeting room software, Training and Mystery Shopping
Hospitality: Fabulous food and refreshment by Norton Rose
Networking

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FOH Magazine and the very first Forums began in 2005

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