May 16–19, 2026
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Peak Season Prep, Issue 4
Win the Busy Season with Smart Labor Retention Strategies
Summer is the moment operators work toward all year. More crowds, more travelers, more opportunity. But it also means more pressure for everyone on the floor and in your kitchen.
That’s why being at full strength matters. But the labor landscape is making that harder. The pool of potential workers ages 16 to 19 has dropped from 53% in 1994 to 37% in 2024, and immigration scrutiny has also tightened the hiring squeeze, according to Technomic. With fewer people entering the industry, retaining the staff you have has never been more valuable.
And once you have that team in place, the next question is: are you setting them up to succeed? The right technology doesn't replace good people; it makes them better at their jobs. This summer, the tools giving operators a real edge include:
- AI-powered systems that cut down on errors and keep service moving
- Real-time sales analytics that adjust pricing dynamically as demand shifts
- Automated kitchen equipment that speeds up prep without sacrificing consistency
- Customer loyalty platforms that serve up promotions and notifications
Your people show up ready every day. Give them the systems that match their effort. The Show is where operators find strategies from Workforce Management sessions and Operations Solutions education, plus the newest innovations from the TECH Pavilion and KI awardees. Come to Chicago, May 16-19, ready to build your strongest peak season yet.
