Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

Top 5 reasons to attend RFIS in Myrtle Beach

The early bird deadline ends Friday, Dec. 20.

Image: Networld Media Group

December 16, 2024 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit is making its Myrtle Beach debut March 11-13 at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes.

Although there are several reasons for restaurant operators and vendors to attend, I'm focusing on my Top 5. Also, we've extended the early bird discount to Friday, Dec. 20, so register now!

5. McDonald's CDO is keynoting

In her keynote, "McDonald's: Arching Towards the Future," Tabassum Zalotrawala, VP and CDO of McDonald's, will describe how McDonald's is redefining the fast-food landscape through strategic expansion and technological innovation. She'll reveal an exclusive look into the future of the Golden Arches, and teach attendees about the strategies driving restaurant design, operations and the customer experience, as well as a glimpse into the company's winning formula: Proximity = Frequency = Profitability.

4. Spring break at the beach

We may not be in college anymore, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy Spring Break at the beach. We'll gather 6 p.m., March 12 at the hotel's private beach for a night of networking, cocktails, dinner and a few surprises at the "Meet the Speakers Dinner party," where you'll have the chance to dine and chat with several of the event's speakers.Also you can discover oceanfront bliss at the only AAA-rated Four Diamond Myrtle Beach front hotel.

3. Meet first-time speakers and brands

Although we love our fast casual OGs, we understand attendees and sponsors also want to hear from executives and brands that don't routinely make the speaker circuit. We have committed to bringing innew faces and even more women and people of color. We even have a few speaker slots left for restaurant operators, so email me at Cherryhc@networldmediagroup.com if you'd like to join a panel.

2. Focus on technology and innovation

There is a reason the word "innovation" appears in the summit's name. We ensure the session topics go beyond entry-level information. This year, you'll leave with a deep understanding of how the industry is using the latest technologies, including AI, robotics and data collection, to increase profits, train employees, diversify revenue streams and more

1. Saving the best for last

Although it's tempting to leave conferences early, you will not want to miss the closing keynote, which includes a Q&A with industry leaders. Confirmed speakers are:

Jeff Galletly | chairman and CEO | Brooklyn Dumpling Shop.
Toni Ronayne | president | Perkins Restaurant & Bakery.
David Schmidt | president | Keke's Breakfast Cafe.
Denise Tran | founder & CEO | Bun Mee Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery.

OperationsMcDonald's

About Cherryh Cansler

Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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