Top QSR chiefs to gather in Sydney for industry's biggest conference of the year
The biggest names behind the most successful fast-food franchise are getting together for this one-day event.
Some of Australia's most recognised fast-food brands and a handful of the world's fastest-growing international concepts will converge on Sydney in October for the QSR Media Conference & Awards 2026, powered by Red Bull.
Set for 12 October at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, the full-day event brings together chief executives, senior operators, investors and brand leaders for a program built around the pressures and opportunities reshaping Australia's quick-service restaurant industry.
The day opens with Shake Shack, which made its long-awaited Australian debut earlier this year with a pop-up at the Australian Open. Alaric Sng, director of global marketing at SSE Hong Kong Limited, will share what it took to bring the cult New York burger brand to Melbourne — and what comes next.
The morning's leader panel is headlined by some of the most prominent names running QSR businesses in the country. Merrill Pereyra, chief executive of Domino's Australia and New Zealand, will take the stage alongside Kristi Woolrich, general manager of KFC SOPAC, Richard Hinson, chief executive of Minor DKL Food Group, and Kerri Wane, chief executive of Schnitz. The panel is billed as a candid conversation about what it actually takes to win in one of the most competitive business environments in the country.
Meanwhile, Wendy's Australian entry gets its own dedicated session. Richard Wallis, president APAC at Flynn Group, will break down what happened when Wendy's opened in Australia — breaking global records for opening day and opening week sales — and what every international brand underestimates about this market.
The investment conversation will be anchored by a panel featuring Grant Lee, chief executive of Concept 8, Chris Garlic, chief executive of Retail Zoo, alongside consumer analysts from Barrenjoey, River Capital and UBS. The session is framed around what makes a QSR brand investable right now and where institutional capital is moving next.
Rounding out the main stage, a panel featuring Zeus Street Greek chief executive Ramon Castillo, Gami Chicken founder Jun Lee and Roll'd group operations manager Jarrod Montigue will explore how brands are growing beyond their store footprint — through retail extensions, convenience channel partnerships and format innovation.
The conference will also feature economic and consumer data sessions from Jarden managing director Ben Gilbert and Circana senior manager Roxanne Uy, giving operators a grounded read on interest rates, cost-of-living pressures and the latest intelligence on where Australian consumer spending is actually heading.
A second stage running in parallel will host a data-driven strategy workshop led by Fonto, alongside a session on customer intelligence featuring Soul Origin chief marketing officer Petra Orrenius and representatives from Meltwater and Tracksuit.
The QSR Media Awards will also be held on the day, recognising the standout brands, operators and individuals across Australia's fast food and quick-service industry over the past year.
Doors open at 8:30 AM on 12 October at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
Grab your tickets now. For more information about the conference, please visit this link.
