What to expect in this year’s QSR Media Conference & Awards 2025
Local and international QSR brand leaders are gathering for this one-day event.
The QSR Media Conference & Awards 2025, powered by Red Bull, is set to gather top executives, innovators, and decision-makers from the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant sector for a full-day programme of keynotes, panels and networking opportunities.
Kicking off at 8:30 AM with registration and networking, the event will formally open at 9:00 AM with welcoming remarks.
The first speaker will be Jim Bitticks, President & COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, with a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s explosive growth from a 2017 parking lot pop-up to nearly 300 locations across the US, Canada, the UK, and the Middle East. With the backing of celebrity investors like Drake, Usher and Samuel L. Jackson, the brand has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America.
Ben Gilbert, Managing Director and Head of Australian Equity Research at Jarden, will provide a timely economic outlook, examining inflation, interest rates and consumer sentiment and what they mean for QSR operators navigating pricing and profitability challenges.
The Leader’s Panel will gather some of the country’s most influential QSR executives to reflect on 2025 and share their outlook for 2026. Panellists include Brett Houldin (El Jannah), Chris Green (Hungry Jack’s), Chris Garlick (Retail Zoo), and Simon Crowe (Grill’d).
After the morning break, Roxanne Uy, Senior Manager at Circana, will lead a session on emerging consumer trends and shifting behaviour amid economic uncertainty.
Therese Frangie, CEO of Oporto, will explore how decision fatigue and cognitive load impact leadership, offering practical tips to boost productivity and decision-making quality.
Matthew Marshall, CEO of Retail Food Group, and Jeff Vassel of Geotech will engage in a fireside chat at 11:55 AM, sharing insights on the strategy and expansion of Firehouse Subs.
The afternoon will feature the QSR Media Awards and the induction of Steven Marks, Founder and Co-CEO of Guzman y Gomez, into the QSR Media Hall of Fame, recognising his contributions to the industry.
Richard Goodman, CEO of FoodCo, will present on how Jamaica Blue reimagined its café format to serve short, mid, and long-stay customers — aligning physical space with customer behaviour.
Julia Illera, Research Manager at Euromonitor International, will present on the latest global loyalty trends, sharing case studies and insights on what’s working and where brands are falling short.
Closing the programme is the Next-Gen QSR Panel at 3:40 PM, featuring fast-growing brands and the stories behind their success. Speakers include Charlie Hachem, Co-Founder of Piccolo Me.
Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of the QSR industry — register now to secure your place at QSR Media Conference & Awards 2025.
