Presented by Technomic, this in-depth look at the state of foodservice will address current headwinds facing the industry. Our discussion on industry sales and traffic data and over-arching trends will highlight technology’s growing impact on foodservice using Technomic’s Transaction Insights sales-performance tracking tool.

Jimmy Wales speaks on a wide range of issues surrounding the future of technology, shedding light on the opportunities and threats for businesses and organizations in a globally connected world. Speaking fluidly about artificial intelligence, automation, and other new technologies that lie at the heart of disruption, Mr. Wales illuminates how open-source, open-content technology is changing the face of the internet and how businesses can adapt in order to compete and innovate. He reveals opportunities in tapping into new technologies—whether implementing new collaborative tools, or cutting-edge ways to interact with customers, distributors, and suppliers—to ultimately reveal what is needed to thrive in a Wiki future.

Restaurant Business recognizes companies that are revolutionizing their business model by using technology that results in operations improvements or an enhanced guest experience—and ultimately bottom-line growth. From among the three winners—one each from limited service, full service and emerging operations—one will rise to the top. Join us as we celebrate the innovations and accomplishments of three outstanding operations – to be announced.  And then, of course, enjoy the excitement as we announce the Tech Accelerator of the Year!  

Is Bitcoin going to take off as a form of payment in restaurants? Probably not anytime soon. But as debates wage on about the fairness of cashless restaurants, the best form of digital ordering and payments—website or in-app—and whether or not tap-and-go/NFC technology is worth turning on, operators need to address how consumers will want to pay tomorrow, and what technology is and will be available to get there. 

Thinker, tinkerer, inventor, problem solver, backyard engineer, special effects wizard, pyromaniac.. and co-host of the hit series MythBusters on the Discovery Channel.  Adam Savage has proven that it's cooler than ever to be a geek.  From his unique way of thinking to his unique experiences as a designer, expect Adam's presentation and interactive moderated Q&A session to be insightful, entertaining and unforgettable. Look at science and innovation and risk taking in a whole new way--lessons applicable to all types of businesses and organizations.

As the Grammy Award-winning guitarist for The Doobie Brothers and one of the founding members of Steely Dan, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is particularly skilled in looking at existing technologies to see other ways they can be used.  As he said in an interview some years ago, this "happens in music all the time and happens to be what terrorists are incredibly good at." He successfully brings his creativity and passion for music to his work today, which includes consulting for the U.S. Department of Defense at the highest levels.  Baxter highlights creative, unconventional problem-solving and planning techniques by showing audiences how to apply knowledge gained in one area to advance goals in completely different fields. He explains how to approach issues with new "logic templates" and how to leave preconceptions behind. Through humor and lateral thinking, Baxter helps corporations and colleges map effective strategies and rediscover the drive to innovate and ignite passion.

Restaurants already look and function much different than they did 20 years ago. And as innovation continues to rip through the industry at warp speed, we can expect even more changes in the future. So what does the restaurant of tomorrow look like? This session provides a peek into the technologies and ideas that are poised to change the game.