The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show has announced “Expo + Education” programming for the 2024 event.
Developed to infuse a heightened focus on immersive learning, collaboration and meaningful connections into the show’s education offerings, this designated badge category offers exclusive access to more than 40 operator-led sessions, intimate roundtable discussions and networking refreshment breaks provided by Keurig Dr. Pepper, according to a news release.
Positioned just off the show floor in a dedicated, distraction-free setting, the education sessions are designed to grant operators increased flexibility to select sessions that best meet their needs and to leverage extended interaction with industry peers, the release said.
With limited space is available for the program, attendees are encouraged to register early. The National Restaurant Association Show will be May 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“The introduction of the Expo + Education badge underscores our commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the foodservice industry,” Tom Cindric, president of the National Restaurant Association Show, said in the release. “This exclusive offering provides growth-minded attendees with a focused learning experience, featuring innovative solutions and fresh perspectives. It reflects our dedication to advancing education at the National Restaurant Association Show, ensuring attendees gain unparalleled insights and future-forward ideas that drive industry excellence.”
“There’s a proliferation of competitors, so the opportunity to learn from others continues to increase as more brands join the industry,” Deborah Von Kutzleben, chief marketing officer at Tropical Smoothie Café and 2024 Expo + Education speaker, said in the release. “More concepts, more marketing styles, more menu innovation, the list really goes on. As a whole, this [show] can be viewed as an opportunity for the bigger players to learn from emerging brands as they have something new to bring to the table.”
The exclusive Expo + Education badge, complemented by sessions featuring industry leaders, thought-provoking speakers, and food and beverage innovators, enriches the overall learning environment, the release said.
This year features six education tracks — Culinary Insights, Operations Solutions, Marketing Matters, Technology Strategies, Trends in Adult Beverage, and Workforce Management — designed to deliver business solutions on the most pressing topics within the industry.
Selected sessions include, according to the release:
- “LTOs that Pop — How Exclusivity Can Boost Engagement and Your Bottom Line” with speaker Rian McCartan, CEO at Swig.
- “Budget-Friendly Benefits to Attract and Retain Top Talent” with speakers Patrick Yearout, director of innovation at Ivar’s Restaurants, and Adam Barringer, founder at SoNapa Grille.
- “Cracking the Gen Z Code” with speakers Erin Newkirk, chief brand and marketing officer at Caribou Coffee; Marianne Radley, chief marketing officer at Smoothie King; and Tom Carr, chief marketing officer at Chicken Salad Chick.
- “Raise Menu Prices or Lower Food Costs? Do Both Optimally with These 5 Tools” with speaker Ray Villaman, CEO and owner of Tahoe Restaurant Group
- “Revolutionizing Hospitality: The Journey of AI and Robotics in Enhancing Guest Experiences” with speakers Rachel Fu, UF’s THEM chair and EFTI director at the University of Florida; Bob Schalow, senior vice president at Diversified Restaurant Group; and Ryan Hicks, CFE, managing partner at Franchise Supplier Network.
- “The Disappearing Daypart” with speakers Cindy Syracuse, chief marketing officer at BurgerFi; Deborah Von Kutzleben, chief marketing officer at Tropical Smoothie Café; Randy Gier, CEO at NRG Restaurant Group; and Tom Sebok, managing partner and principal at New England Consulting Group.
The Education + Expo badge can be added to general attendee registration for $250. For more information and to register, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com.
