Late Night Lunch 2026

SpeakersSpeakers

Mark Shorting

CEO
<div class="project-desc"> Mark Shorting's career in the late-night sector started as a DJ, spinning tracks and reading crowds long before he became an industry leader. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his deep understanding of what makes a venue truly electrifying. With over four decades in the bar and nightclub industry, Mark has become a visionary force in UK nightlife. His entrepreneurial journey reached new heights when he co-founded Fever Bars with Nigel Blair, a nightlife empire that grew to 32 venues across the UK before its sale to Stonegate in 2019. Undeterred by this success, Mark's passion for creating exceptional entertainment experiences led him, and Blair, to launch Epic Bars and Clubs in 2022. This venture has already seen explosive growth, expanding to 22 sites nationwide in just two years. Mark's innovative approach and unwavering dedication have earned him respect throughout the sector. From transforming local haunts into thriving hotspots to pioneering new concepts in nightlife entertainment, he continues to redefine the industry landscape. A true nightlife maven, Mark is passionate about ensuring that the UK's after-dark scene remains vibrant, exciting, and ever-evolving. His journey from DJ booth to boardroom exemplifies his commitment to every aspect of the nightlife experience. </div>

Michael Kill

CEO
<div class="project-desc"> <div class="gmail_default"> <div class="gmail_default"> With decades of executive-level experience spanning independent, corporate, and public sectors, specialising in Marketing, Operations, Licensing, Logistics, and System Implementation. Holding significant positions at Luminar Leisure Plc, Rank, Northern, The Drinks Group, University of East Anglia, and currently as Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, He has led high-level initiatives with local and national governments and key stakeholders, focusing on best practices for venues, bars, pubs, festivals, and live venues, swell as been a high level media advocate for the night time economy throughout the pandemic, featuring in central Government strategy and over 20,000 media interviews during this period. </div> </div> </div>