Education

Discover innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and future-forward ideas through operator-led education. Available exclusively for Expo + Education badge holders, the Show’s newly revamped education provides a focused learning experience for growth-minded attendees.

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In 2024, the National Restaurant Show is delighted to offer education with an increased emphasis on focused learning, collaboration, and connection. Attendees will have access to 40+ operator-led sessions, exclusive roundtable discussions, networking refreshment breaks, and more. Held in a distraction-free setting just off the Show floor, 2024 education will be scheduled in a way that allows operators more flexibility and more time with suppliers. This enhanced education experience is available exclusively for
Expo + Education badge holders. 


Education sessions run from 10:00 – 11:45 a.m. each morning of the Show, so you can connect with your community before visiting the show floor.

What’s included with your Expo + Education badge

Want the complete Show experience? Here’s what the Expo + Education badge offers: 

  • Exhibit Hall Access
  • Show Floor Theaters (including live demos)
  • Keynote & Featured Sessions 

PLUS

  • 40+ Operator-led Sessions
  • Exclusive Roundtables Discussions
  • Networking Refreshment Breaks
  • Session Recordings & Presentation Materials

    • Register Now

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    Session schedule and details subject to change.

2024 Education Tracks and Topics

Session schedule and details subject to change.


Culinary Insights: Through culinary-focused education, explore the latest in food and beverage trends, menu insights and optimizations to boost sales, and more. 

  • Culinary and menu innovations: secret menus, LTO’s and beyond
  • Emerging flavor trends
  • Managing supply chain and inflation challenges
  • Menu pricing
  • Menu optimization and efficiencies

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Operations Solutions: Find strategies to improve operational efficiencies, maximize ROI, and navigate today’s new business realities. 

  • Emergency preparedness
  • Financing options for business growth
  • Food safety training
  • New off-premise business realities
  • Navigating service fees and tipping

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Marketing Matters: Learn new consumer trends, insights and engagement strategies to successfully market your brand and connect with today’s evolving consumer. 

  • Consumer myths and realities
  • Digital marketing
  • Lessons from successful LTO’s 
  • New off-premise business realities
  • Marketing for different dayparts
  • Social media trends, best practices, and influencer campaigns

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Technology Strategies: Discover how the power of technology can improve your business. 

  • AI: opportunities, challenges, and where to start 
  • Assessing & prioritizing technology needs
  • Location-based marketing tools
  • Loyalty program tech
  • Managing & leveraging customer data

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Trends in Adult Beverage: From new revenue opportunities to what’s trending in beer, wine and spirits, find business insights to maximize your beverage program.

  • Beverage trends
  • Beverage LTO’s
  • Daytime drinking occasions
  • Low and zero-proof drinks
  • The evolving bar customer
  • The latest in to-go alcohol

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Workforce Management: Gain tools to create a stronger workforce. Learn how to navigate the new labor landscape, bolster hiring, retention and training efforts, and prioritize DEI and wellness. 

  • Creating an inclusive work environment
  • Nontraditional hiring channels and platforms
  • Prioritizing authenticity in DEI work
  • Rethinking compensation models
  • The next generation of workforce
  • Training & reskilling

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Education Speakers

Preview a sampling of education speakers below, and click here to explore all speakers and session details.

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Speaker

Arthur Carl II 

Vice President, Culinary & Menu Strategy Innovation, IHOP

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Billy Dec

CEO & Founder, COACT Agency, Sunda New Asian, The Underground Chicago, The Underground Cocktail Club

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Deborah Von Kutzleben

Chief Marketing Officer, Tropical Smoothie Café

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Erica Holland-Toll

Culinary Director, The Culinary Edge

SPEAKER

Erin Newkirk

Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, Caribou Coffee

SPEAKER

Justin Skelton

SVP, Chief Information Officer, Dine Brands Global

SPEAKER

Laurie Schalow

Chief Corporate Affairs & Food Safety Officer, Chipotle Mexican Grill

SPEAKER

Lynette McKee

SVP Franchising, Potbelly

SPEAKER

Nancy Kruse

President, The Kruse Company

SPEAKER

Nicolle DuBose

CMO, Playa Bowls

SPEAKER

Rachel Richal

Vice President, Training - Buffalo Wild Wings, Inspire Brands

SPEAKER

Ray Kees

Director of Menu & Culinary Innovation, Krispy Krunchy Chicken

SPEAKER

Ryan Gromfin

Owner/Consultant, The Restaurant Boss

SPEAKER

Tom Carr

Chief Marketing Officer, Chicken Salad Chick

SPEAKER

Vicki Hormann

Executive Director, Off-Premise, Applebee's

A Sampling of Speaker Brands

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Don’t miss your opportunity to access world-class insights, perspectives and strategies. Get your Expo + Education badge today. 
register now