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Join us at the Restaurant Insights Summit to hear from visionaries, learn about the latest industry insights and reimagine where you’re headed.
Where Innovation Comes Together
All In One Place
2025
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2024 Schedule

October 22

8:00 am
Doors Open, Sponsor Showcase & RIS Check-in
Building S / AJN Lobby
8:45 am
Opening Remarks
Kristine Hillmer, President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
​General Session
9:00 am
Opening Keynote
The State of the Industry
Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President, Research and Knowledge Group, National Restaurant Association
​General Session
Session Details ⬇
The State of the Restaurant Industry report is the authoritative source for industry sales projections and trends. It is based on analysis and forecast by National Restaurant Association economists and surveys of restaurant operators and consumers. Join the National Restaurant Association's, Hudson Riehle, as he takes a deep dive into:
  • Economic overview
  • Labor forecasts
  • Restaurant industry outlook
  • Technology landscape
9:45 am
Break & Sponsor Showcase
Building S / AJN Lobby
10:00 am
Tech Revolution: Must-Have Tools for Today's Restaurants
​A panel discussion
  • Moderator: Donna Herbel, Chief Igniter, Blue Phoenix Learning
  • Stacy Wilkes, University of Wisconsin-Madison & Goddess.ai Founder
  • Joe Guszkowski, Senior Editor, Restaurant Business
  • Tom McInerney, Director of Sales, Restaurant 365
Room 2
Session Details ⬇
Yes, the restaurant industry is indeed experiencing a tech revolution. Technology is transforming nearly every aspect of how restaurants operate, from customer service to kitchen efficiency, marketing, and even the way food is prepared and delivered. Take a deep dive into the tech times with this esteemed panel who will be discussing:
  • Hear from peers about best practices for successful tech implementations
  • Discover tools that are worth a look at and can give you a competitive edge
  • Ideas on how to modernize your employee communication methods and motivate your team
The Whole Pie: A Marketing Masterclass
Bryant Vander Weerd, Founder and Creative Director, Full Pour Media
Room 1
Session Details ⬇
Crafting a solid marketing strategy for your restaurant isn't just about posting food pics on social media. It's about understanding your audience, optimizing your website, polishing your social media, engaging through email, and more. Come and learn how to better reach your most loyal customers by unifying your digital footprint.
 
Got follow up questions or want to connect more? Join us at the Full Pour Media booth for our one-on-one "5-Minute Marketing” expert advice sessions.
 
Marketing innovation helps businesses remain competitive by staying ahead of trends and responding to evolving consumer needs. By integrating advanced technologies, data insights, and creative strategies, businesses can craft more personalized, efficient, and impactful campaigns that resonate with today’s consumers.
10:45 am
Break & Sponsor Showcase
Building S / AJN Lobby
11:00 am
Get a Grip on Your Food Costs
Chip Romp, Sr. Director of Workforce and Business Services, National Restaurant Association & RestaurantOwner.com
Room 2​
Session Details ⬇
It's very easy to lose money working with food. Improper portioning, theft, cooking mistakes and spoilage are just a few of the many problems that plague many restaurants and result in higher food costs and lower profitability. And with food products at record high prices, it is crucial for restaurants to make the most out of everything they buy. In this engaging session Chip Romp, from RestaurantOwner.com and the National Restaurant Association will discuss the most effective practices and controls for independent restaurants to maximize the proper use of the food that comes in the back door, reduce food losses and improve profitability.
 
Key Topics: 
  • How losses can occur in every stage of the food production process from purchasing to settlement.
  • A weekly report that will make your kitchen personnel more responsive and accountable for controlling food cost.
  • One practice that has helped many independents lower their food costs by 5% to 10% virtually overnight.
  • Food handling and production practices that improve consistency and your guest experience.
  • One procedure you must implement immediately if you suspect employee theft.
  • Basic food-management concepts and practices
Coca-Cola Insights: Refreshing for Tomorrow
Erin Merritt, Director, Consumer Insights, Coca-Cola
Room 1​
Session Details ⬇
Erin Merritt will present a Refreshing for Tomorrow presentation and cover the following…
  • Macro and Consumer trends at play in the broader consumer landscape
  • Implications of innovations and what it means for our industry
  • ​Observations of trends at play today and thoughts starters on how to make the most of an evolving landscape
11:45 am
Break & Sponsor Showcase
Building S / AJN Lobby
12:15 pm
Luncheon Keynote Presentation
The Mindset of the Restaurant Guest​
Presented by Technomic, The Leader in Foodservice Insights
General Session
Session Details ⬇
Join Technomic’s consumer experts as they share key factors shaping restaurant guest behavior. This presentation will take a deep dive into:
  • Foodservice price sensitivity among consumers
  • The most significant drivers of value in foodservice for customers
  • The top channel through which consumers hear about deals and promotions (this one might surprise you!)
1:30 pm
Break & Sponsor Showcase
Building S / AJN Lobby
2:00 pm
Culinary Trends 2025: What Your Guests Will Expect​Room 2
Session Details ⬇
Culinary trends are constantly changing for a variety of reasons, reflecting shifts in culture, technology, economics, and even health consciousness. Want to know what's ahead? This panel presentation will cover:
  • Top foods, beverages & flavors to know for 2025
  • Emerging cuisines and global flavors to keep your eye on 
  • Menu and LTO winners
  • Trends poised to grow
Revolutionize Your Restaurant with AI
​Dan Lindberg, MS, Director, Applied AI Lab, Waukesha County Technical College
​Room 1
Session Details ⬇
Revolutionizing your restaurant with AI Can bring numerous advantages, helping you stay competitive and improve operations in several key areas. In this session, you will:
  • Hear how artificial intelligence can be used in the restaurant industry
  • Understand foundational concepts of AI, including ethical considerations
  • Explore AI-driven operational efficiencies
  • Learn how to leverage AI for marketing
3:00 pm
Happy Hour & Culinary Department Tour Immediately Following Closing Session
Limited Availability - Please sign up at Conference Check-in
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