March 11-13, 2025 | Myrtle Beach, SC — Price increases by $150 after December 13. Register Now

Breakout Session / Wednesday / March 12, 2025 / 11:45 AM

Tech-Enabled Talent Acquisition and Retention in Restaurant Franchising

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.

PANELISTS

David "Rev" Ciancio | Chief Marketing Officer | Salad House
Rev is a New York City restaurant owner and knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business. He is a hospitality marketing consultant, customer and technology evangelist at Branded Strategic Hospitality, with more than 20 years experience in B2B digital marketing and business development, specializing in hospitality marketing, content, local SEO, reputation management and demand generation. He helps technology companies, brands and restaurants to acquire and retain more customers. Rev is known as an “expert burger taster,” pens hospitality and marketing tips on his Instagram @revciancio, as well as his LinkedIn Profile and hosts the Restaurant Marketing Podcast. He believes that Pizza is a religion.
Julie Hauser-Blanner | Chief Operating Officer | Smalls Sliders
As the Chief Operating Officer at Smalls Sliders, she oversees all aspects of the brand’s daily operations, driving strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and overall performance. Julie brings over 25 years of extensive experience in multi-unit, multi-brand, global hospitality and restaurant companies to Smalls Sliders' Executive Leadership Team. Her vast industry knowledge and proven track record in operational leadership make her a valuable asset to Smalls Sliders as the brand continues to expand and excel in the diverse QSR industry. Julie has developed a unique ability to create the kind of followership that keeps guests returning for more. Her leadership is driven by four key pillars: integrating KPIs with empathetic leadership to foster trust and authenticity, optimizing processes while innovating and scaling without compromising quality, supporting franchisees through tools and training to ensure mutual success, and enhancing the guest experience by translating needs into actionable insights for WOW-worthy experiences. Julie is committed to creating a legacy that touches lives and creates a ripple effect throughout the organization, ultimately impacting guests in meaningful ways.