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.

The registration desk will be open throughout the entire Summit.

Spend some time in our tech and suppliers pavilion, where you'll learn about products and services dedicated to improving your company's operations.

The tech and suppliers pavilion will be open throughout the entire Summit.

Maribeth Dela Cruz, president of Jollibee North America, will share details about her journey from starting as a shift manager in the Philippines to leading Jollibee's expansion across North America. Uncover the secret sauce behind Jollibee North America’s growth to 103 stores in the region (75 in the U.S. and 28 in Canada) and its commitment to "bringing the joy of eating."

Dela Cruz will share her perspectives on navigating a changing restaurant industry, including Jollibee's entry to franchising this year and how this move contributes to the brand’s goal to grow its US business to 350 stores by 2028. Dela Cruz will also discuss how Jollibee, which has nearly 2,000 global locations, took a challenger brand mindset in the U.S. and rose to become the best fast-food fried chicken in America. This discussion will also explore the 40-year heritage of the brand in North America and how it’s been able to maintain its relevance.

Spread the goodness! Join us for a Give-Back Party, where for one hour we'll make peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches for the local community. It's a fun and rewarding way to get to know fellow attendees while giving back to those in need.

Our community partner is Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach, whose tradition for the past 33 years has been to feed the hungry. They serve the working poor, senior citizens, Veterans, children, transients, and the homeless. Last year, they fed over 93,203 adults in their General Feeding program (GFP) and nourished 131,055 children in their Children’s Hunger Initiative Program (CHIP). The meals and fellowship are provided at NO COST to their guests.

We’ll celebrate the opening of the Summit with cocktails, appetizers and live music.

In this session, you will hear four short, thought-provoking talks that will leave you invigorated and inspired.

• Intelligent Leadership: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence, Data, and Technology to Drive Restaurant Success | Mina Haque
• The Winning Recipe: AI to Feed Franchise Growth | Jim Bitticks & Dave Lehman
• Visionary Leadership: Leading Your Brand to Growth in an Uncertain Environment | James O'Reilly

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.

Operators hear pitches all the time about products and services that will grow their business, but where’s the proof? We’ve got it right here.

This session includes three 15-minute presentations, each featuring one vendor and one operator sharing the how, when and ROI behind recent rollouts.

• Birdcall and Marquii
• Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken and Workstream
• Taco Cabana and Imaginuity

Join us for an evening of dinner and cocktails by the beach, while you have the chance to meet the speakers and editors.

Did you want to talk to a speaker 1-1 after their session today but didn’t get a chance? Do you want to talk with one of our editors about having your content on one of our sites?

Now is your time! Some of our featured speakers and editors will have designated tables where you can chat in an informal setting with them and make that connection while enjoying the ocean breeze and breathtaking views.

Free to all attendees, speakers and sponsors.

Join us for small group discussions about some of the most pressing issues facing restaurant operators today. These informal group discussions allow attendees to learn from one another’s mistakes and successes.

Brain Exchange topics:

• AI/Robotics
• Innovative Gift Card Strategies | Presented by Wolfe Merchant Solutions
• Labor Issues | Presented by CareerPlug
• Tips & Tricks for Growth

This 30-minute speed round will feature several 5-minute pitches about products and services designed to improve operations and the customer experience. 

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.

This panel, packed with CEOs and franchisors, will talk about the latest issues of the day and what it takes to succeed in franchising. This session will definitely be worth staying until the end of the Summit.