The culinary technology landscape is set to convene this week as FS/TEC, the premier annual conference for restaurant technology leaders, commences its 30th anniversary celebration in Grapevine, Texas, starting Wednesday. Hosted at the expansive Gaylord Texan Resort, the event anticipates a significant turnout, drawing an estimated 600 restaurant operators and over 650 technology vendors. This milestone gathering promises three days of intensive educational programming, crucial networking opportunities, an expansive tech marketplace, and, in a unique touch of levity, the presence of puppies, a nod to attendee well-being and stress relief. FS/TEC, owned and operated by Informa, the parent company of Restaurant Business, is poised to mark its three decades of influence with special programming designed to commemorate its legacy and forecast the future of restaurant innovation.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Evolution of FS/TEC
For three decades, FS/TEC has served as a vital nexus for the foodservice industry, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technological advancements and their practical application in restaurant operations. Founded in the early 1990s, the conference emerged during a period of burgeoning digital transformation, where early point-of-sale systems and rudimentary online ordering platforms were beginning to reshape customer interactions and back-of-house efficiency. Over the years, FS/TEC has consistently evolved, mirroring the rapid pace of technological change. From the introduction of mobile POS and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to the current wave of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and data analytics, the conference has remained a barometer for the industry’s technological pulse. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt and provide a platform for dialogue, discovery, and strategic partnerships that have fueled the modernization of countless restaurant brands. The sheer scale of this year’s event, with its robust attendance figures, underscores the enduring importance of technology in the competitive foodservice sector, a trend that FS/TEC has consistently championed.
Day One: Innovation Forums and Industry Foundations
The opening day of FS/TEC 2024 is set to diverge from traditional conference formats, initiating with a series of eight focused breakout sessions, known as Innovation Forums, before transitioning to the main stage programming. This strategic approach aims to foster deeper engagement and more targeted learning in a less formal setting. These smaller forums are designed to offer an intimate environment for attendees to delve into specific technological trends and challenges, often including valuable Q&A opportunities with speakers. The emphasis on these initial sessions highlights a deliberate effort to provide immediate, actionable insights, recognizing that early engagement can significantly enhance the overall conference experience. Attendees are advised to arrive early to secure spots in these popular forums, which frequently reach capacity.
Among the inaugural breakout sessions, two are particularly noteworthy for their exploration of practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) within the restaurant sector. The integration of AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality impacting operational efficiency, customer engagement, and strategic decision-making. These sessions are expected to provide concrete examples of how AI is being leveraged to optimize inventory management, personalize marketing campaigns, enhance customer service through chatbots, and even predict consumer demand. Such discussions are crucial for operators seeking to understand and implement AI solutions that can provide a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven market.
Following the Innovation Forums, the main stage will host Technomic’s highly anticipated industry overview. Technomic, a leading consulting and research firm for the food industry, consistently delivers data-driven insights that are indispensable for understanding market dynamics, consumer behavior, and emerging trends. Their presentation at FS/TEC is expected to offer a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the restaurant industry, highlighting key performance indicators, growth areas, and the challenges that operators face. This foundational session serves to contextualize the technological discussions that will unfold throughout the conference, providing a strategic backdrop for the innovations to be showcased.
Day Two: A Packed Agenda and Influencer Power
Thursday is slated to be the most densely programmed day of the conference, commencing with a networking breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a continuous stream of educational content beginning at 9:15 a.m. The morning will again feature a diverse array of Innovation Forums, offering attendees continued opportunities to explore specialized topics. These forums are expected to cover a broad spectrum of technological advancements, from cybersecurity measures designed to protect sensitive customer data to the implementation of cloud-based solutions for enhanced operational flexibility. The sheer volume of sessions available underscores the multifaceted nature of technology’s role in modern foodservice.
A pivotal moment on Thursday’s main stage will be a sit-down interview featuring renowned foodie influencer Keith Lee and Leigh Anne Zinsmeister, Foodservice Group Managing Editor for Informa. Keith Lee’s substantial following across social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to influence consumer traffic to restaurants. A positive review from Lee can translate into significant increases in business for establishments he highlights. This interview is expected to provide valuable insights into the profound impact of social media on restaurant discovery and customer acquisition. Lee and Zinsmeister are likely to discuss strategies that restaurant operators can employ to effectively leverage social media platforms, cultivate positive online reputations, and engage with a digitally connected consumer base. This session is a crucial opportunity for operators to understand how to harness the power of digital word-of-mouth.
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The afternoon will shift focus to the bustling tech marketplace, where vendors will showcase the latest innovations. This exhibit hall is a critical component of FS/TEC, offering a tangible space for attendees to interact with new technologies, from advanced kitchen automation systems to sophisticated back-office management software. Specific areas of interest are expected to include demonstrations of next-generation ordering kiosks, AI-powered analytics dashboards for optimizing menu engineering, and sustainable technology solutions aimed at reducing waste and improving environmental impact. The marketplace serves as a direct conduit for forging partnerships and exploring potential investments in technology that can drive efficiency and profitability.
Adding an element of cutting-edge logistics, attendees will have the opportunity to witness live drone delivery demonstrations by Wing, situated just outside the convention center’s main entrance. Wing’s demonstrations, scheduled throughout the event with specific times on Thursday, including 2:30 p.m. and 4:55 p.m., offer a glimpse into the future of last-mile delivery for food and other goods. This technology has the potential to significantly alter delivery models, offering faster and potentially more cost-effective solutions for certain geographic areas. The presence of such innovative demonstrations underscores FS/TEC’s commitment to showcasing transformative technologies.
Concluding Thursday’s events will be a special 30th-anniversary group photo at 5:20 p.m., a symbolic moment to capture the collective spirit of the industry and celebrate the enduring legacy of FS/TEC. This commemorative activity aims to bring together the diverse group of professionals who have contributed to and benefited from the conference over the past three decades.
Day Three: Visionaries and the Future of Foodservice
Friday’s program is poised to deliver a series of high-impact sessions, with each of the three main-stage presentations possessing the caliber of a keynote address. The day will commence with a talk by Stephen Witt, author of "The Thinking Machine," a celebrated biography of AI pioneer Nvidia and its CEO Jensen Huang. Witt’s book, recognized as the best business book of 2025 by the Financial Times, provides a deep dive into the trajectory of AI development. His presentation at FS/TEC will focus on the profound implications of the AI revolution for the restaurant industry. Witt is expected to articulate how operators can strategically leverage AI as a competitive advantage, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical implementation strategies that can drive innovation and efficiency in a rapidly evolving market. The insights from a leading AI historian are invaluable for understanding the long-term impact of this transformative technology.
The second main-stage session will feature leadership from Wonder, a company that has rapidly gained prominence for its innovative hybrid model, blending food halls with advanced robotics and delivery services. Jonathan Maze, Editor-in-Chief of Restaurant Business, will engage in a dialogue with Tony Hoggett, Wonder’s North American CEO, and Michael Farid, SVP of Robotics. Their discussion will delve into Wonder’s unique, technology-driven business model, exploring how their integration of physical dining spaces, ghost kitchens, and sophisticated automation contributes to their operational success and market differentiation. This session offers a compelling case study of a company at the forefront of reimagining foodservice delivery and experience through technology.
The final main-stage presentation will highlight the contributions of female executives who are instrumental in shaping technology within prominent beverage brands. Danyel Bischof-Forsyth, CTO of 7 Brew Coffee, and Jyoti Lynch, CIO of Smoothie King, will share their perspectives on how advancements such as AI, automation, and digital channels are revolutionizing operations and fostering growth within their respective organizations. Moderated by Ellie Doty, Chief Business Officer of Women’s Foodservice Forum, this panel promises to offer crucial insights into leadership, innovation, and the strategic deployment of technology in driving business success. The focus on beverage brands acknowledges the significant growth and innovation within this segment of the foodservice industry, often driven by sophisticated technological integration.
As the conference concludes, attendees will depart armed with a wealth of knowledge, strategic insights, and potential partnerships forged over three days of intensive engagement. The 30th anniversary of FS/TEC serves not only as a celebration of its past but as a powerful indicator of the industry’s continued commitment to embracing technological evolution for a more efficient, engaging, and prosperous future. The integration of AI, robotics, social media influence, and advanced operational platforms, all showcased at this landmark event, signals a dynamic and exciting era for the restaurant industry.
