The restaurant industry is rapidly evolving, and with it, so is the technology that helps it function. To stay on top of the latest tech trends, entrepreneurs and restaurant owners must attend the best restaurant technology conferences. 2023 is no exception, as the year is set to be full of incredible technology conferences that will cover the latest advancements and trends in the restaurant industry. From AI and robotics to mobile ordering, these 10 must-attend restaurant technology conferences will provide valuable insights and resources to help restaurateurs stay ahead of the competition and keep their businesses thriving.
Fast Casual Executive Summit
The Fast Casual Executive Summit is one of the top restaurant technology conferences for anyone interested in learning more about the fast casual industry. The summit’s agenda is packed with expert speakers from the fast casual industry who will provide valuable insights on how to innovate and succeed in this extremely competitive environment. This year’s summit is set to take place from October 8 - 10 in Louisville, KY, and is expected to host 1,500+ attendees from all around the world. If you’re an owner or manager of a fast casual restaurant, participating in this must-attend event is a great way to network with top industry leaders and peers and gain valuable insights on how to grow your business. The summit will feature a plethora of top-notch speakers who will explore topics such as the future of the fast casual industry, mobile and technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, supply chain and food safety, marketing and brand building, and talent and human resources. If you’re an owner or manager of a fast casual restaurant, attending this summit is an absolute must, as it will provide you with invaluable insights and resources you can apply to grow your business.
International Pizza Expo
Pizza is the largest money maker in the industry. The International Pizza Expo is held from March 28 - 30th and brings together operators to continue the advancement of the top grossing sector in the foodservice industry. Now in its 39th year, expect the show to host technology and food exhibitors as well as educational sessions on topics from storefront pizza to mobile concepts. And don't miss their fun competitions like the "international pizza challenge". The International Pizza Expo shows operators every corner of the largest restaurant industry sector.
Restaurant Leadership Conference
The Restaurant Leadership Conference is one of the most important restaurant technology conferences for restaurant owners and general managers who want to learn more about growing and managing their restaurants more effectively. Hosted this year in Phoenix, AZ April 16 - 19th, the conference is expected to host over 3,500 restaurant professionals from across the globe. Such a large roster of attendees makes the conference a great place for experts, entrepreneurs, and technology providers to connect with industry leaders and showcase their products and services. If you’re an owner or general manager of a restaurant, attending this conference is a great way to network with peers, discover new tips and best practices, and learn from industry experts on how to manage your restaurant more effectively. The conference features dozens of expert speakers who will explore a variety of topics, including leadership, marketing and sales, operations, technology and innovation, and hiring and management. If you want to improve your restaurant management skills and learn more about the latest restaurant technologies, attending the Restaurant Leadership Conference is a must.
Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit
The Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit is one of the most important restaurant technology conferences for restaurant franchisors and franchisees who want to learn more about the latest franchising trends and technology solutions. RFIS is hosted annually in Coral Gables, FL, from March 20 - 22, and is expected to host over 3,000 attendees from various industries, including technology. Such a large attendance makes the summit a great platform for both franchisors and franchisees to connect with their peers and discover new trends and innovations that can help their businesses grow. If you’re an owner of a franchise chain or a franchisee, attending this conference is a great way to network with peers, discover new tips and best practices, and learn from industry experts on how to incorporate the latest technology into your franchise business.
MURTEC
MURTEC, aka the Multi-unit restaurant technology conference, is one of the best technology conferences for owners and managers of foodservice establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and casinos. It's known as "gold standard' for restaurant tech education, networking and solutions.The conference is hosted March 6 - 8th in Paris, Las Vegas, and is expected to host over 2,500 attendees from across the globe. This event creates opportunities for restaurant executives and operators to engage and collaborate. And, catch their "startup alley" where you can see emerging restaurant technology entrepreneurs pitch their business directly to buyers.
National Restaurant Association Show
The National Restaurant Association Show is one of the best technology conferences for restaurant owners and managers who want to explore the latest technology solutions related to restaurant operations, marketing and sales, and customer experience. The summit is hosted annually in Chicago, IL, from May 20 - 23rd, and is expected to host 2,000+ attendees from all walks of the restaurant industry, including technology providers. Such a large attendance makes the summit a great place for technology providers to showcase their products and services and form valuable connections with industry leaders. If you’re an entrepreneur who’s exploring the restaurant technology industry or an owner of a restaurant, attending this conference is a great way to network with peers and discover new trends and innovations in the industry. The conference features presentations and discussions from top industry experts exploring a variety of topics, including technology and innovation, marketing and sales, operations, and foodservice.
Council for Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers
The Council for Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) is the world’s first and only educational and training organization focused exclusively on the hospitality and restaurant industry. The organization holds two annual conferences, where industry experts gather to discuss the latest trends and advancements in the restaurant industry. The 2023 CHART conferences are set to take place this Spring March 4 - 7th in Seattle, WA and again this summer July 29 - August 1 in Orlando, FL. Each conference is expected to host over 300 attendees from all walks of the restaurant training industry. It's great place for experts and industry stakeholders to network with peers and discover new learning trends and advancements in the foodservice industry. If you’re an owner or manager of a restaurant, be sure to send your training team.
FSTEC
FSTEC is the regarded as the foodservice industry's most comprehensive technology conference. It's a 3-day event from September 13 - 15th in Texas invites more that one thousand c-level executives to view emerging technologies in the industry. With its exclusive focus commercial and noncommercial foodservice, it's a memorable, must-attend event for emerging restaurant brands and technology companies who are looking to launch into the space and emerge as brands of choice. Unlike the National Restaurant Association show, It's not just about the latest gadgets; FSTEC focuses on people-to-people interaction and healthy exchange of information to help restaurant leaders get real business solutions.
