QSR Media Conference & Awards 2025 powered by Red Bull

subject to change...
 

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM   Networking Registration

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM   Welcoming Remarks

9:05 AM - 9:25 AM   Dave’s Hot Chicken: Parking Lot Pop Up to Franchise Phenomenon

Get the inside scoop on how Dave’s Hot Chicken went from a scrappy parking lot pop-up in 2017 to a red-hot, international franchise concept with nearly 300 locations across the US, Canada, the UK, and the Middle East today. Fueled by mind blowing hot chicken, 4 million Instagram and TikTok followers, and celebrity investors like Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, and Drake, Dave’s Hot Chicken has taken the franchising world by storm. Named the fastest growing restaurant chain in America in 2023, Dave's has opened over 250 restaurants since 2021, and expects to open an additional 100 this year alone.

• Jim Bitticks, President & COO, Dave's Hot Chicken

9:25 AM - 9:40 AM   Economic Outlook for Australia’s QSR Sector

This session will discuss key economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates, and consumer sentiment, and how they are impacting the QSR industry in Australia. It will explore the downstream effects on pricing, profitability, and strategic planning.

• Ben Gilbert, Managing Director, Head of Australian Equity Research, Jarden

9:40 AM - 9:55 AM  Fireside chat 

• Joe Chiczewski, CEO, McDonald’s Australia

9:55 AM - 10:25 AM   Leader's Panel

As 2025 enters its final stretch, this panel brings together top leaders in Australia’s quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industry to reflect on the year’s key takeaways and look ahead to 2026. Panellists will explore how evolving consumer expectations, technological advancements, and operational challenges are shaping the industry, sharing insights and strategies to help brands stay competitive and future-ready.

• Brett Houldin, CEO, El Jannah
• Gaven Needham, General Manager APAC, CKE Restaurants, Inc.
• Chris Green, CEO, Hungry Jack's
• Chris Garlick, CEO, Retail Zoo

10:25 AM - 11:05 AM   Morning Break

11:05 AM - 11:20 AM   Consumer Trends Report  

In this session, Roxanne will talk about the key trends in the QSR industry and how consumer behaviour is changing amidst the current economic challenges.

• Roxanne Uy, Senior Manager, Circana

11:20 AM - 11:40 AM   Brewing a Billion-Dollar Brand

Edward Tirtanata, co-founder and CEO of Kopi Kenangan, discusses the growth journey that took the Indonesian coffee chain from its local beginnings to becoming a unicorn with a billion-dollar valuation. Now expanding into the Australian market, this session offers a look at the brand’s rapid rise and the opportunities and challenges of bringing an emerging Asian brand to new markets.

• Edward Tirtanata, Co-founder and CEO, Kopi Kenangan (Kenangan Coffee)

11:40 AM - 11:55 AM   Speaking Session  

11:55 AM - 12:25 PM   Fireside chat

In this session, a representative from Geotech will lead a fireside chat with a senior leader from Firehouse Subs, offering insights into the brand’s current strategies and operational focus. 

• Representative, Geotech
• Representative, Firehouse Subs

12:55 PM - 1:55 PM   Lunch Break

1:55 PM - 2:40 PM   Awards Program

2:40 PM - 3:00 PM   Rethinking Café Formats

Learn how Jamaica Blue redesigned its store layout to serve short, middle, and long-stay customers. The session explores how physical space can drive dwell time and customer satisfaction.

• Richard Goodman, CEO, FoodCo

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM  Unpacking Loyalty Trends

This session explores how loyalty is evolving on the global stage through real-world case studies and strategic insights. Presented by Euromonitor, it will uncover what’s working, what’s not, and how brands can adapt loyalty initiatives to meet shifting consumer expectations.

• Julia Illera, Research Manager, Euromonitor International

3:20 PM - 3:50 PM   Panel Session

STAGE 2

10:10 AM - 10:40 AM   Speaking Session

10:40 AM - 11:20 AM   Morning Break

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM   Lunch Break

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM   Speaking Session

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM   Speaking Session

3:50 PM   End of Programme

3:50 PM - 6:00 PM   Cocktail Party

more to come...