QSR Media Australia Conference & Awards 2023 returns bigger than ever

The event gathers the top leaders of the fast-food industry for a day of industry conversations.

The top leaders of the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industry are coming together for a day to discuss the latest industry trends, share the latest innovations, and network at the QSR Media Australia Conference & Awards powered by the main sponsor Redbull.

The day starts with a Leader’s Panel, where Brett Houldin, CEO of charcoal of chicken brand El Jannah, Chris Green, CEO of Hungry Jack’s, one of the top five fast-food brands in Australia, Nishad Alani, CEO of Retail Zoo, which operates over 750 company-owned and franchised stores, and Karen Bozic. Group CEO of Craveable Brands, an operator of iconic Australian brands such as Red Rooster and Oporto discussed their different strategies and opinions on key trends as business leaders.

The panel discussion is followed by a speaking session about insights on customer behaviour, food and menu trends, and more in the industry by Circana, one of the world's leading research firms. 

Meanwhile, QSR Media will have a quick fireside chat with Phil Reed, CEO of Pizza Hut about his veteran opinions as the leader of a brand that delivered more than 50 straight months of record sales and same-store revenues.

Following immediately after the morning tea, Emma Pitfield, and Ross Widdows, partners at KPMG will talk through some highlights of investing in digital transformation and overlay with some key retail cyber challenges and how QSR leaders can think about taking a threat-based approach to cyber security.

Businesses can also learn the secrets to successful deals with insights from River Capital’s Josh Ludski, the firm that acquired The Cheesecake Shop, last year, on how private equity firms assess risk profiles and craft growth and exit strategies for QSRs. On the other side, Barrenjoey’s Tom Kierath will reveal their approach to advising investors and businesses backed by meticulous market research to create investment recommendations and analysis for investors.

Joining them is Flynn Restaurant Group, the largest franchise operator in the world with over 2,400 restaurants of major brands such as Applebee’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Arby’s, which made headlines after it made a landmark deal with Allegro Funds to acquire Pizza Hut Australia and its 260 restaurants for its first international acquisition. QSR veteran and now also the Director of International Business for Flynn, Phill, will offer his unique take on investments in the QSR industry as one of the originators who spearheaded the deal.

With Gen Z becoming a key target demographic, Sally Spriggs, Group Marketing Director of KFC Australia will talk about engaging a younger audience through a case study of one of their own successful campaigns.

After a quick lunch, the rest of the day will have two simultaneous streams which will include several interesting case studies and speaking sessions,

Up first is Subway’s Brand Refresh story as told by Shane Bracken, Managing Director of Subway Australia & New Zealand. This is followed by a case study Inside a Krispy Kreme Wedding, headed by Olivia Sutherland, Marketing Director Krispy Kreme Australia & New Zealand

Meanwhile, TikTok’s Industry Lead, Danielle Rigg-Smit from TikTok AUNZ, will hold a speaking session on leveraging TikTok for marketing opportunities and more. Simon-Kucher’s Mitchell Taylor will also hold a speaking session on better revenue management.

In the second stream, Carlos Cacho, chief economist at Jarden, will take a look at the state of the economy and explain what this means for QSR operators. Meanwhile, Therese Frangie, CEO of Mad Mex will provide insights into effective leadership in multi-site settings. 

Full-service marketing and communications agency Bastion will also do a case study on the trending Dreamburgers Diner collaboration with Grill’d.

The QSR Media Conference & Awards 2023 is happening on 30 October, in Sydney, Australia. To register and know more about the event, please visit this link.