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Wausau |
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Get Ready - The Roadshow is Rolling In!
Sample. Learn. Connect. All in one quick day. Running a restaurant leaves little time to travel to large conferences. The Roadshow brings the resources, products, and education you need directly to your area.
Join us for a free, one-day event designed for busy restaurant professionals. Here’s what you can expect:
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December 1Hilton Garden Inn
151401 County Rd Nn | Wausau, WI 54401 Workshops: 9 - 11:30am | Exhibits 11:30am - 2pm FREE for Restaurant Operators |
2026 Partner Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Wausau
151401 County Road NN
Wausau, Wisconsin, 54401
715-298-5775
Rate: $165/night
151401 County Road NN
Wausau, Wisconsin, 54401
715-298-5775
Rate: $165/night
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Questions? Email or call Jenny Caiozzo at 608.216.2809.
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2026 Schedule
Wausau
December 1
8:30 am
Doors Open
Check in and join us for hot coffee and a morning bite!
Doors Open
Check in and join us for hot coffee and a morning bite!
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9:00 - 9:45 am
Profitability in Practice: What Successful Wisconsin Operators Are Doing Right Now |
Session Details
Every restaurant is navigating rising costs, staffing challenges and changing guest expectations—but some operators are finding new ways to adapt, improve margins and build stronger businesses. Join a panel of respected restaurant leaders from your region for an honest conversation about the decisions they're making today to stay profitable. From menu strategy and labor management to technology, purchasing, marketing and operational efficiencies, this discussion will explore what's driving results, what's proving challenging and where operators are finding new opportunities. Whether you operate a single location or multiple restaurants, you'll leave with practical ideas, fresh perspectives and actionable strategies from leaders who understand the realities of running a restaurant in Wisconsin. Why Attend
Bio
TBA |
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9:50 - 10:35 am
The State of the Plate: 2026 Trends Update Presented by: Kylie Kieffer, Associate Director, Datassential |
Session Details
Guest expectations are shifting fast. This session gives operators a data-backed look at what's changing and what to do about it. We'll cover emerging consumer trends shaping where and why diners choose to eat out, menu innovation ideas grounded in real item-level performance data, and practical ways independents can meet rising guest expectations around value and experience without a big chain's budget. Attendees leave with specific, actionable ideas they can test in their own restaurants right away. Bio
Kylie Kieffer Associate Director, Datassential Kylie Kieffer is an Associate Director at Datassential specializing in innovation, ideation, and product development for c-stores and foodservice brands. Prior to Datassential, she spent six years at Casey’s, most recently as Brand & Strategic Insights Manager, where she led guest insights, brand health tracking, and menu gap analysis across prepared foods and dispensed beverages. Kylie blends deep consumer research expertise with hands-on c-store experience to drive successful new product launches. |
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10:45 - 11:30 am
What Every Wisconsin Restaurant Should Know Right Now Presented by: Kristine Hillmer, CAE, WRA President and CEO |
Session Details
The restaurant business doesn't stand still — and neither do the laws, regulations and issues that shape it. Join WRA President & CEO Kristine Hillmer for an update on the developments coming out of Madison and Washington that are impacting Wisconsin hospitality. From labor topics and no tax on tips to credit card fees, THC, alcohol delivery and other emerging issues, you'll hear what restaurant operators need to know, what's on the horizon, and what it could mean for your business. Bring your questions, share your perspective and leave with greater clarity and confidence as you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Why Attend
Bio
Kristine Hillmer President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association Kristine Hillmer is the President & CEO Wisconsin Restaurant Association and Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation, representing 1,500 restaurants with more than 7,000 locations across the state. Kristine has an MBA, has held the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential for 26 years, and has more than 30 years of experience working with associations, including both trade and professional societies. Kristine currently serves as a Trustee on the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Council of State Restaurant Association Board of Directors. And was named a Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence in 2022. |
11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Exhibit Marketplace
Exhibit Marketplace
2:00 pm
Show Close
Show Close
2026 Exhibitors
Below is a sampling of what you can expect.
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