Mark Palmer, Managing Director of High Street catering chain, Pret a Manger, is the latest high profile speaker to join the line-up for the HTA Garden Futures Conference which takes place on October 16-17 at One Great George Street, London.

In his session, sponsored by Gardman, Mark will be talking about reinventing the retail offer and adapting to change in order to appeal to a broader customer base and consequently increase sales. Before taking on the managing director role at Pret a Manger Mark made his reputation as Global Brand Director of Green & Black’s.

He moved it from niche organic to premium everyday chocolate, pushing sales from £4m to £40m even before the acquisition by Cadbury Schweppes. Mark remained with the company, leading development both at home and abroad.

Mark's skills have been recognised by the industry. He featured in the Marketing Power 100 for two successive years in his unofficial role as champion of entrepreneurs and small business. The Marketing Society has also named him Marketer of the Year.

Mark joins an impressive line-up of speakers at the event which is sponsored by Bord na Mona, Hozelock and Scotts Miracle-Gro, including botanist, presenter and grower James Wong, Josh McBain from the Future Foundation and Pepijn Janssen from Store Performance Group.

The Conference Dinner takes place on the evening of 16 October with Andy McIndoe from Hilliers Nurseries and Garden Centres providing the after dinner entertainment.

Demand for the event is high and so make sure your book your place now. For more information and to download your booking form visit www.gardenfutures.org.uk or email events@the-hta.org.uk