Gail's and PizzaExpress representatives to discuss benefits of technology at HRC

Representatives from Gail’s, PizzaExpress and Tonkotsu will headline the technology-focused stage at this year’s HRC trade show.

During the event, which will take place on 25-27 March at London's ExCeL, the TechX stage will be the hub of discussions centring around opportunities and best practice in the world of hospitality technology.

This seminar programme will kick off with a session examining how tech-powered labour productivity tools can improve margins and result in happier teams and customers. The panel will discuss how these tools can be coupled with great leadership and well-connected teams to optimise the guest experience.

Speakers include PizzaExpress productivity and change director Graham Fenwick; Gail’s Bakery operations director Edyta Stec; Ballie Ballerson managing director Travis Fish; Chantal Wilson, interim people director at NQ64 Arcade Bars; and Karina Coen, sector labour productivity specialist.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) will also be top of the agenda at this year’s event, as where a panel of hospitality professionals will explore the complexities, risks and potential applications of the tech for the hotel, restaurant and catering sector.

The Athenaeum hotel’s general manager Joanne Taylor-Stagg, who will be one of the panellists, said: “The generative AI panel will no doubt spark lively discussions, and hopefully some innovative ideas that we can all benefit from.”

HRC has also partnered with tech stack consultancy Tech on Toast. Its founder and chief execeutive Chris Fletcher will host a number of discussions across the three days of the show, looking at topics including retaining customers through loyalty, rebuilding a fractured tech stack, modernising shift patterns and how a hospitality organisation can become ‘change ready’.

Fletcher said: “HRC has stood at the forefront of innovation for 88 years and we are delighted to play our part in supporting digital innovation as the industry enters a new era of growth driven by technology, we look forward to meeting and supporting all who visit.”

Other highlights of this year’s TechX programme include advice on how venues can prepare for legislative changes to tronc systems, how a brand can break through on social media and how to make tech and delivery work for hospitality operators.

Emma Reynolds, co-founder of Tonkotsu; Ruth Carpenter, head of marketing at Pizza Pilgrims; Annica Wainwright, co-founder of marketing firm 2Forks; and Joe McCanta, global head of brand experience at vodka producer Grey Goose, will discuss how hospitality and foodservice businesses can make use of customer feedback to elevate menu, brand message and drink development.

Finally, TechX will see the return of ‘Launchpad’, an opportunity to hear brief pitches from innovative up-and-coming hospitality tech brands.

The wider show will have dedicated sections covering hospitality tech, foodservice, professional kitchen equipment and furniture, interiors and tableware.

HRC has also joined forces with IFE Manufacturing, IFE, the Pub Show and International Salon Culinaire to run Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, a celebration of industry innovation.