AGENDA

All attendees, sponsors and speakers must check in at the registration desk and pick up a name badge. Please wear your badge at all times during the Summit.

Join industry leaders as they share their proven strategies for boosting restaurant profits through an exceptional guest experience. This dynamic panel will delve into the three critical "C's" of customer success: Convenience, Consistency and Connection.

Attendees will learn:

• How to streamline the guest journey through online ordering, delivery options and efficient service.
• How to deliver a reliable and predictable experience through standardized training, quality control and consistent branding.
• How to build meaningful relationships with guests through loyalty programs, community engagement and personalized service.
• Strategies and best practices to implement in their own restaurants to improve the guest experience and increase profitability.

Over 100 years ago, department store magnate John Wannamaker famously said, “I know half the money I spend on advertising is wasted, the trouble is I don’t know which half”. Today, this trouble still exists.

In the highly competitive restaurant industry where every marketing dollar counts, franchise organizations need smarter media strategies to drive customer engagement and ROI. This panel will explore how to harness customer data to improve targeting and conversion rates at the brand, regional, and individual franchise level. It will also cover the value of deploying intuitive, real-time dashboards for campaign optimization to maximize the impact of media efforts including paid search, social, programmatic display, and even direct mail.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to analyze customer data to refine audience targeting.
• Strategies to align media spend across brand, regional, and franchise tiers.
• The power of real-time dashboards for campaign performance and optimization.
• Best practices to leverage media channels for both walk-in and online ordering.

Finding the perfect area for a new location is no longer a matter of gut feeling. By leveraging the power of data analytics, restaurant leaders can make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability. This session will delve into the specific use of demographic and traffic pattern data to identify prime locations and optimize expansion plans.

Experts will discuss:

• Analyzing income levels, age groups, family composition and foot traffic patterns.
• Leveraging foot traffic and consumer spending data to assess market potential.
• The impact of nearby businesses and attractions.
• Using real-time traffic data to optimize delivery and takeout operations.
• Mapping tools.
• Forecasting future trends and consumer behavior.

In the highly competitive landscape of restaurant franchising, securing and retaining exceptional talent is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This session will delve into cutting-edge strategies and technologies designed to streamline the recruitment process and foster a culture of employee development.

Attendees will learn about:

• Applicant tracking systems to streamline the hiring process.
• Employing social media and online job boards to reach a wider pool of candidates.
• AI-powered tools for candidate screening and matching.
• Implementing onboarding programs to ensure new hires are successful.
• Providing ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance employee skills.
• Utilizing performance management tools to track employee progress and provide feedback.
• Analyzing employee engagement metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Utilizing predictive analytics to forecast future talent needs.
• Implementing retention strategies.

Implementing a new technology is becoming part of a restaurant's standard practice, but a lot can go wrong if you begin before you know where you are going.

In this session, attendees will learn:

• How to Build Your Roadmap: Practical steps for mapping out a clear path to tech implementation.
• Who Should Be Involved: Identifying the right stakeholders and teams to shape your roadmap.
• Implementing & Communicating the Plan: Best practices for a seamless rollout and effective communication with partners.
• Vendor Selection: Establishing non-negotiables and knowing when it’s time to reassess or change vendors.
• Decision Ownership: Understanding who owns key decisions and how long decision-making should take.
• Measuring Success: Knowing when it’s time to reevaluate your strategy to ensure alignment and growth.

Catering can be a lucrative and rewarding extension of your restaurant business, offering opportunities to reach new customers, showcase your culinary expertise and increase revenue.

This session will cover effective strategies for maximizing your catering business and expanding your reach, focusing on:

• Catering management software.
• Online ordering platforms.
• Payment processing and invoicing.
• Mobile catering apps.
• Customer relationship management software.
• Social media marketing for catering.

The holy grail of marketing today is real-time, creating personalized connections with customers by meeting and responding to their needs. This session will explore how data-driven strategies and enhanced measurement can transform casual diners into loyal patrons and brand advocates.

By analyzing customer preferences, purchasing patterns and feedback, operators can take marketing and dining experiences to the next level.

Learn how to:

• Enhance customer satisfaction through data-driven insights: Understand customer preferences and pain points to tailor your offerings and deliver better experiences.
• Embrace holistic measurement to remain agile: Lean into closed-loop measurement to understand real-world outcomes, improving efficiency and diner interactions.
• Effectively tap analytics tools and insights to optimize marketing efforts: Create targeted and personalized promotions that drive repeat business and strengthen customer relationships. 

At its core, the restaurant industry is about people, which is why this session takes a step back from the buzzwords and focuses on the human element of building a thriving team.

We'll explore:

• The Power of Authentic Leadership: Discover how genuine leadership, empathy, and strong communication can create a culture of trust and respect. Learn how to connect with your employees on a personal level and inspire them to be their best.
• Fostering a Sense of Belonging: We'll discuss the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every employee feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or position.
• Mentorship & Growth: Explore the impact of mentorship programs and creating opportunities for employees to learn and grow within your restaurant. We'll discuss how to identify and nurture talent, and provide pathways for career advancement.
• Celebrating Individuality: Learn how to recognize and appreciate the unique strengths and contributions of each employee. We'll discuss how to create a culture that celebrates diversity and encourages individual expression.
• Building a Community: Discover how to foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among your staff. We'll explore strategies for team-building activities, open communication, and creating a supportive work environment.

As your restaurant business thrives, you may find yourself seeking additional capital to expand your operations, open locations or invest in innovative initiatives. This session will explore effective strategies for securing financing and fueling your business's growth.

Experts will chat about: 

• Obtaining loans, lines of credit, grants and equity investments. 
• Developing a compelling business showcasing growth strategy, financial projections and investment needs.
• Building relationships with lenders and negotiate more favorable terms. 
• Alternative financing options. 

Creating sustainable and ethical franchises is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic business decision as it attracts socially responsible customers, enhances your brand reputation and drives long-term profitability.

This session will explore key strategies for creating a sustainable and ethical franchise, including:

• Defining sustainability goals.
• Implementing sustainable practices.
• Communicating sustainability efforts.
• Measuring and tracking progress.

Customers can be picky about menu changes from their favorite brands, but they also want to try the latest flavors and offerings seen on TikTok and other social media platforms.

This session discusses menu trends, including:

• Hyperlocal and seasonal menus.
• Plant-based and flexitarian options.
• Popular global flavors.
• How to embrace health-consciousness.
• Wellness-focused dining without sacrificing taste or convenience. 
• Using menu changes to provide more personalized and experiential dining elements.

While food is the core of any restaurant business, exploring additional revenue streams can provide significant opportunities for growth and profitability.

This session will delve into strategies for diversifying your restaurant's income, including:

• Merchandise and retail.
• Catering and event services.
• Meal kits and delivery services
• Partnerships and collaborations.

As the restaurant industry becomes increasingly globalized, expanding operations into international markets presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. One of the most critical factors to consider is understanding and complying with the diverse legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the restaurant industry worldwide.

This session will provide valuable insights into the key international laws and regulations that restaurant franchisors need to be aware of when expanding their operations, such as:

• Intellectual property protection.
• Food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Taxation and compliance.
• Global franchising laws and regulations.
• Cultural consideration.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping all industries, and the restaurant sector has emerged as a leader over the past few years. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, AI offers potential for innovation and growth.

This session will explore the latest advancements in AI technology within the restaurant industry, including:

• AI-driven personalization.
• Intelligent ordering systems.
• Predictive analytics for demand forecasting.
• AI-powered kitchen automation.
• Ethical considerations and challenges: Discuss the ethical implications of AI in the restaurant industry and address potential challenges such as job displacement and data privacy.