5 Tech Takeaways from This Year’s Top Hospitality Shows
From London to Las Vegas, autumn's biggest hospitality conferences shared a common thread: technology isn't just about innovation - it's about impact. As operators face mounting pressure to control labor costs while maintaining service excellence, industry leaders are sharing how they're making tech investments count. Here are five key insights from the frontlines of hospitality innovation:
1. Making Moves That Matter ???
While technology has become restaurant table stakes, leaders at Informa's FSTEC show spoke about the importance of carefully evaluating which solutions merit investment. Rather than jumping on every industry trend, FSTEC speakers strategically implement solutions that meaningfully reduce labor costs and support their teams.
“AI-first, but not AI everywhere” is the approach championed by Yum! Brands Chief Technology and Digital Officer Joe Park. He noted that Taco Bell's drive-thru Voice AI has become such an asset that team members view it as part of their crew.
2. The Art and Science of Tech Selection ??
A similar conversation took place across the pond at the Hospitality Tech Expo in London. The Head of Systems at Honest Burgers Ltd led a standing room only session about “Selecting and Implementing the Right Hospitality Tech.”
Here are a few tips from the session:
3. The real power of AI ??
AI took center stage at Vegas’s HR Tech, echoing through every hall and headlining several sessions. While our SVP of Innovation Quincy Valencia (she/her/hers) thought she could dodge the topic on The Chad & Cheese Podcast (spoiler alert: she couldn't), her perspective cut through the noise:
Quincy, Joel Cheesman, and Chad Sowash share more insight from HR Tech show in the full episode here.
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4. Staying Ahead of the Compliance Curve ??
The Caterer’s first People Awards were full of powerful insights from industry leaders. As UK operators face mounting pressure in 2025 from rising employers' National Insurance rates and proposed employment regulations from the Labour government, our own Peter Willis broke down these challenges.
Some tips from Pete? While there's no silver bullet, you can maximize team flexibility through cross-training, boost retention through engagement insights, streamline operations through automation, and reduce your risk with pre-configured compliance.
5. The Bottom Line Remains Top of Mind ??
From Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s ‘C-Suite Briefing’ to a session with investment firm Garnett Station Partners, conversations at Restaurant Finance Monitor's RFDC circled back to labor. As consumers demand more value, competition intensifies, and labor costs soar, operators are tightening controls to manage expenses. So, how can you safeguard your profit margins?
Matt Perelman, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Garnett, which has invested in restaurants like Outback Steakhouse and Burger King, shared that one of “the highest ROI projects” his team has invested in has been around labor software.
As RFDC closes our 2024 event season, one thing is clear: hospitality's resilience shines through. Leaders are tackling rising costs and shifting legislation head-on, embracing solutions that protect margins while empowering their teams.
?? Take Home Recipe
With the holiday season around the corner, you can't go wrong with this crowd pleaser: Baked Sweet Potato Rounds.
Slice sweet potatoes into rounds, brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until tender. Top with a slice of brie and pop it back in the oven to melt the cheese. Add a slice of brie and return to the oven until melted. Finish with fresh thyme, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of honey for the perfect festive appetizer or side dish! ?
?? Until December!