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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.

Meet the Speakers

Where Innovation Comes Together
All In One Place
Oct 22 | Waukesha County Technical College

2024 Schedule

October 22

8:00 am

Doors Open, Sponsor Showcase & RIS Check-in

8:45 am

Opening Remarks

9:00 am

Opening Keynote
The State of the Industry
Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President, Research and Knowledge Group, National Restaurant Association

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

10:00 am

Tech Revolution: Must-Have Tools for Today's Restaurants
A panel discussion

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

Concurrent Session

10:45 am

Break

11:00 am

Concurrent Sessions

11:45 am

Sponsor Showcase & Demos

12:15 pm

Luncheon Keynote Presentation
The Mindset of the Restaurant Guest
Presented by Technomic, The Leader in Foodservice Insights

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

Dessert & Sponsor Showcase

2:00 pm

Culinary Trends 2025: What Your Guests Will Expect
A panel discussion

Moderator: Sam Horvath, Senior Account Manager, Datassential
Jeff Creswell, Region Director of Business Specialists, Sysco
TBD

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

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

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