QSR Media to spotlight investment, data and growth channels in upcoming conference

The conference features several speaking sessions from prominent brands.

The upcoming QSR Media Conference & Awards 2026, powered by Red Bull, will turn a significant part of its programme towards the commercial forces reshaping the Australian quick-service restaurant industry, from investment and capital to consumer data and the push beyond the traditional store footprint.

Taking place on 12 October 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, the one-day event will dedicate a session to the increasingly active investment landscape facing Australian QSR. The QSR & Money panel will bring together operators and investment professionals including Concept 8, Retail Zoo, Barrenjoey, River Capital and UBS for a frank discussion on what makes a brand investable, what taking on capital looks like from the operator's side, and where institutional money is moving next, as private equity and franchise networks attract growing interest.

Another session will examine how brands are extending their reach beyond the restaurant itself. The Beyond the Counter panel, featuring Zeus Street Greek, Gami Chicken and Roll'd, will explore how operators are finding new revenue streams through retail product ranges, convenience channel partnerships and format innovation, as cost-of-living pressures reshape where and how Australians eat, and the challenge of doing so without diluting the brand.

Data and the consumer will feature heavily across the day. A trends session led by Circana will present the latest market intelligence on what Australians are ordering, how often they are eating out and which formats are winning their spend. A separate discussion bringing together Soul Origin, Meltwater and Tracksuit will combine social listening, transaction data and brand perception research to give operators a fuller picture of their customers. At the same time, a hands-on strategy workshop led by Fonto will task attendees with tackling a live growth challenge using a real data brief.

The programme also includes an economic outlook session from Jarden, offering operators a grounded read on interest rates, cost-of-living pressures and consumer confidence, and what these mean for pricing, profitability and planning through the rest of 2026. Kerry will also deliver a speaking session during the day.

The event will also see the presentation of the QSR Media Awards, recognising standout brands, campaigns and individuals across the Australian quick-service restaurant industry over the past year.

To find out more about the QSR Media Conference & Awards 2026, powered by Red Bull, click the link.