BUSINESS & TECH STAGE

STRATEGY. SYSTEMS. FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY.

The Business & Tech Stage explores the forces shaping the future of hospitality, from high-growth quick service models to broader industry transformation. Across two distinct days, the program examines how hospitality businesses build scale, improve performance and strengthen long-term resilience through better systems, smarter operations and strategic decision-making.

DAY 1: THE FUTURE OF QSR & HOSPITALITY

Systems. Scale. Growth.

Day 1 brings together the strategies, ideas and leaders shaping the future of hospitality, opening with a strong focus on QSR and fast-casual dining.

Explore what it takes to grow and scale in one of hospitality’s most competitive sectors, from operational excellence and changing customer expectations to convenience, international expansion and the inside story of bringing a major QSR brand to Australia.

The program then expands to explore the bigger opportunities and challenges facing Queensland hospitality, from Brisbane 2032 and the development of hospitality destinations to the people and leadership required to build successful businesses.

What you’ll take away
Practical insights into how hospitality businesses can grow, adapt to changing customer expectations and build the systems, experiences and teams needed for long-term success.

DAY 2: THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY OPERATIONS

Systems. Revenue. People.

Day 2 explores the ideas, innovations and strategies helping hospitality businesses operate smarter, grow revenue and build more resilient businesses.

From emerging food trends and customer choice to technology, energy management, waste and efficiency, the program looks at the practical changes businesses can make today to improve performance and prepare for what’s next.

What you’ll take away

Practical insights into how hospitality businesses can improve performance, strengthen operations, respond to changing customer expectations and build more sustainable models for growth.

INSIGHTS FROM THE TOP

HEAR DIRECTLY FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Alexandra Preece
General Manager / Gradi Group
Andrew Briese
Founder / The Culinary Group
Anna Pholaket
Owner / Melrose Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Asantha Wijeyeratne
Executive Director, CEO and Co-Founder / PaySauce
Ben Cleary-Corradini
Co-Founder & Managing Director / Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers
Bernie Hogan
CEO / Queensland Hotels Association
Chris Ridd
Executive Director / PaySauce
Daniel Turner
Head of Operations / Firehouse Subs
Greta Wohlstadt
Multi-Site General Manager / Anyday Hospitality Group
Heather Smyth
Deputy Director of Research, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation / Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA)
James Frostick
Editor / The Weekend Edition
Julie Woodall
Head of Property / Firehouse Subs
Keary Shandler
Client Partner / OnTalent | Leadership, Workforce & Sustainability
Liz Pike
Group Marketing Manager / Ghanem Group
Lorelle Chittick
General Manager / Brisbane Economic Development Agency
Melanie Shortland
Master Sales & Pricing Strategist / PaySauce
Nicholas Mitrossilis
Founder & CEO / The Yiros Shop
Paul Rifkin
Executive Chef Consultant / chefpaulrifkin consulting
Rachelle Yilmaz
CEO & Founder / Visumé
Rob Comiskey
Co-founder & Director / Comiskey Group
Sam McKnoulty
Director / Merge Marketing
Sarah Baldwin
Owner & Head Chef / Joy Restaurant
Sarah Franklyn
Head of Partnerships / Impact Data
Sean Carthew
Founder & Managing Director / Burger Urge
Tim Kummerfeld
Founder / Foodie Coaches
Tony Ibbotson
Founder & Creative Director / The Creative Method
Tracy Steinwand
Senior Executive and Franchise Leader /
Trish Harty
Marketing Consultant / Harty Food Media
    Location
  • Business & Tech Stage
    Format
  • Fireside
  • Individual
  • Panel
Reset
Mon 12 Oct 2026
Tue 13 Oct 2026
All days
Smarter Systems, Better Outcomes: Where Automation Creates Value
Tuesday 13 October 2026
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Business & Tech Stage

BUSINESS & TECH STAGE

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