10 Expo + Education Sessions to Look Forward to in 2025

Expert speakers. Timely topics. Actionable strategies. The 2025 Show’s Expo + Education program has it all. Ready to begin your education journey? We’ve handpicked 10 exciting sessions that are sure to spark ideas and energize your goals. Check them out below:

Note: Sessions are open to Expo + Education badge holders only. Click here to register or upgrade your badge.

1. Lowering Food Costs and Maximizing Flavor: Balancing Profit and Quality in Culinary Excellence

Low cost, high flavor—is it possible? Absolutely. Ideal for culinary professionals, this session offers a three-step strategy to optimize food costs without sacrificing quality. Chef Adrianne Calvo will take you through the process of breaking down food costs and identifying savings areas, implementing flavor maximization techniques and designing menus that highlight high-margin items. You’ll get all the tips you need to keep your guests hooked and costs down.

• Date/Time: Tuesday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Key Topics: Cost Management, Menu Optimization
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Winning Customers with Snack-Inspired Menus and FABI Awardee Tastings

2. The Experience Economy: Why Food Alone Won’t Fill Your Seats Anymore

Rising star alert! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s brightest, Nia Grace, named The Boston Globe’s 2023 “Restaurateur of the Year.” An entrepreneur and Experience Architect, Nia will teach the key elements of designing an experiential dining concept that uses connection, performance and immersion to drive customer retention and brand differentiation. This session will even feature an immersive demonstration complete with live music! Can you say “wow”?

• Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
• Key Topics: Customer Experiences, Menu Trends
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Dining Dynamics: Understanding Consumer Behavior and Enhancing Guest Experience

3. Top 10 Email Marketing Campaigns that WORK for Restaurants

Bring your data and email marketing questions to this hands-on, action-packed session! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you’ll walk away with 10 proven campaigns that deliver high ROI for every restaurant. Discover how to encourage guests to share more data and get personalized advice from email marketing expert Jessica Best. Got a tricky email challenge? Jessica’s got you covered.

• Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Key Topics: Marketing Trends
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Driving Customer Loyalty with Data-Driven Rewards and Personalized Engagement and Building Authentic Community Connections: How Grassroots Marketing Drives Loyalty and Growth in Local Markets

4. Strategic Branding and PR: Driving ROI Through Emotional Connections and Quality Excellence

Join industry leaders Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Bob Schalow and Scott Taylor as they explore the power of emotional connections in building customer loyalty and brand equity. This session will dive into advanced branding and PR strategies that not only foster loyalty but also drive long-term profitability. Perfect for those aiming to elevate their brand and achieve sustained growth.

• Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Key Topics: Customer Data & Insights, Customer Experiences, Finance
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Predictive Personalization: The Secret to Increased Sales & Customer Loyalty

5. Expanding Footprints While Maintaining Brand Consistency

Attention franchisors (and future ones): This panel is your blueprint for growth. Experts from leading brands like Potbelly Sandwich Works, Jeremiah's Italian Ice and Dine Brands Global will share proven methods for scaling your business while preserving brand identity. Learn how to choose the right franchisees, support them effectively and maintain standards across multiple locations. If expansion is on your radar, don’t miss this session!

• Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
• Key Topics: Business Expansion, Finance, Franchise Management

If you like this, you’ll also like: Ready to Franchise? 10 Essential Questions to Assess Your Concept and Seamlessly Integrating and Scaling New Operations Across Your Restaurant Fleet

6. Building Strong Partnerships: Best Practices for Working with Foodservice Distributors

Strategic purchasing is key to staying profitable, and this session will help you refine your approach. Discover how to maximize the value of your foodservice distributor partnerships by evaluating vendor options more effectively, leveraging your purchasing power and fostering better communication and collaboration—it’s supply chain optimization at its best!

• Date/Time: Monday, May 19, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Key Topics: Cost Management, Restaurant Startup, Supply Chain, Vendor Relations
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Supply Chain Negotiations: How to Win Every Time

7. 6 Strategies for Building the Perfect Tech Stack

Is your tech stack ready for the future? Speaker Emma Blecker is here to help you ensure it is. Full-service restaurant pros, this session is designed with you in mind! Emma will guide you through six essential strategies to assess, build or revamp your current stack, setting you up for the next 5–10 years. After the session, swing by the TECH Pavilion to discover innovative solutions to fill any gaps or inefficiencies in your system.

• Date/Time: Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
• Key Topics: Cost Management, Customer Experiences, Tech Solutions
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Navigating a Difficult Goodbye: How to Successfully End a Tech Vendor Partnership

8. Practical Applications of AI, from Ideation to Delivery

AI might be the buzzword of the moment, but how can it truly benefit your operation? And where should you even begin? Chris Padilla and Jason Suarez of Dine Brands Global will guide you through identifying key business areas where AI can deliver real value. You’ll also explore strategies for seamless implementation and securing team buy-in. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a cautious skeptic, this session will give you practical insights to start your AI journey—and maybe even geek out a little!

• Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Key Topics: AI, Customer Experience, Tech Solutions

If you like this, you’ll also like: Hospitality Workforce Revolution: Enhancing Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement with AI and Future-Ready Skillsets

9. Embracing the Wanderlust: The Value of Job Hoppers in Today’s Hospitality Workforce

Struggling to fill open positions? It’s time to rethink an often-overlooked talent pool. “Job hoppers”—candidates with frequent job changes—are becoming a significant part of today’s workforce. While traditionally seen as a red flag, these individuals can bring adaptability, diverse experiences and innovation to your team—when assessed and integrated effectively. Patrick Yearout, Director of Innovation at Ivar’s Restaurants, will share actionable strategies for interviewing, hiring and onboarding job hoppers, helping you transform this workforce trend into a competitive advantage.

• Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Key Topics: Recruiting & Retention
• If you like this, you’ll also like: Demonstrating the Business ROI for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

10. Show Them the Money! How to Design Effective Compensation Plans

Compensation plays a critical role in retention, but finding the right approach can be challenging. Salary or hourly pay? Quarterly incentives or year-end bonuses? In this session, speaker Anthony Lambatos will help you navigate the complexities of compensation, encouraging an open discussion on this “sensitive” topic. Discover which benefits resonate most with employees, make them feel valued and attract top talent. Come with questions—nothing’s off the table here!

• Date/Time: Sunday, May 18, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Key Topics: Employee Compensation
• If you like this, you’ll also like: A Restaurateur’s ROI-generating Approach to Mental Health in the Workplace

With details on most of our 2025 sessions already confirmed in The Show To Go—including our thrilling Expo + Education General Session featuring Courtney Storer, Chef and Culinary/Co-Executive Producer of FX’s The Bear and Donnie Madia, Managing Partner/Owner of 11-time James Beard award-winning One Off Hospitality Group—now is the perfect time to secure your spot. Register or upgrade to an Expo + Education badge today and unlock new possibilities for your career and business.

NOTE: Session speakers, dates and times are subject to change. Please refer to The Show To Go for updated information.