MURTEC Executive Summit: Tech Tides Kicks Off at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

MURTEC Executive Summit: Tech Tides (October 21-23, at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, in San Diego) is bringing together innovators, operators, and experts for education, networking, and collaborative ideation that will help shape the future of restaurant technology.

Here’s a look at the educational content on our conference agenda:

Interactive Keynote: Leading with Innovation

The event kicks off with a dynamic keynote from Scott Steinberg, a renowned business strategist, technology expert, and futurist. In his session, Steinberg will bring the same energy and insights that have inspired organizations like IBM, PwC, and the US Department of Defense. The bestselling author of Make Change Work For You will explore how technology can be a game-changer, asking attendees to share their business challenges and discover solutions that boost the bottom line.

Unlocking Loyalty Through Experiential Engagement

Customer loyalty is more crucial than ever. Kevin Seo of Sonic Speed Cafe and Jodi Boyce of Teriyaki Madness will share strategies for cultivating long-term loyalty and maximizing value from their most prized customers.

IHOP's AI-Driven Food Recommendation Engine

A highlight of the summit is IHOP's industry-first AI-powered food recommendation engine, an innovation that personalizes the guest experience based on purchase history and frequent orders. In a one-on-one fireside chat, Justin Skelton, CIO of Dine Brands Global, and Abigail Lorden, VP and Publisher  of Hospitality Technology, will explore how this breakthrough technology is shaping the future of family dining.

Celebrating Innovation: 2024 MURTEC Breakthrough Awards

Recognizing the industry's best and brightest, the MURTEC Breakthrough Awards will honor finalists Dine Brands, Dave & Buster’s, Teriyaki Madness, District Taco, and Wingstop for their pioneering use of technology. These companies are redefining the guest experience and pushing the boundaries of what tech can achieve in the restaurant industry.

Dynamic Pricing: A Real Talk on the Future

With rising costs and shifting market conditions, dynamic pricing is a hot topic. Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ, will lead an engaging session on how restaurants can use dynamic menus to capitalize on day-part opportunities, increase guest satisfaction, and ultimately drive larger orders.

Blending Digital and Physical: The "Phygital" Guest Experience

Today's most successful QSRs are those that seamlessly blend physical and digital experiences. Hope Neiman, CMO of Tillster, will share insights on why kiosk users are some of the most valuable customers and how to meet guest demand for flexible, personalized experiences.

Robotics to the Rescue

As labor costs rise in California, technology is stepping in to fill the gap. In this fireside chat, Rich Hull, CEO of Miso Robotics, and Clark Matthews, SVP and CIO of El Pollo Loco, will explore how robotics can alleviate labor shortages and reduce costs while maintaining efficiency in the back of house.

Build vs. Buy: Navigating the Tech Stack

Should you build your tech in-house or buy from best-of-breed partners? In a session moderated by Skip Kimpel, CEO of Magicgate, experts Alistair Levine of Vine Hospitality and Vadim Parizher of Taco Bell will share insights on how to strike the perfect balance between smart procurement, smooth integration, and strategic customization.

Creative Ideation: Architecting Your Ideal Enterprise

In this interactive workshop, Russell Cotter of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Jake Simon of ConnectedFresh will guide attendees through the possibilities of aligning restaurant systems and processes. Attendees will learn how to architect the perfect tech-driven enterprise.

Big Ideas Breakfast: Fresh Data, Fresh Strategies

Kick off the day with a breakfast session that promises big ideas and bold takeaways. Sid Shetty of Service Channel and Brooke Hluza of Restaurant 365 will join me in leading a lively discussion around consumer sentiment, loyalty, and the findings from Hospitality Technology's 2024 Customer Engagement Technology Study.

Key Takeaways From 2024's Most Innovative Restaurants

To wrap up the summit, a panel featuring leaders from Dave & Buster’s, Teriyaki Madness, District Taco, and Wingstop will offer insights on how their award-winning technology deployments are setting new standards in the industry. Attendees will leave with a must-do list of actionable strategies to implement in their own businesses.