As founder of Cali BBQ Media, Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) helps brands leverage the new B2B Creator Economy with Smartphone Storytelling. His restaurant Cali BBQ (@calibbq) opened in 2008 and has multiple locations in San Diego, including at Snapdragon Stadium and the Navy Exchange. Shawn is the host of multiple digital series, including Toast’s Family Style show. His Restaurant Influencers video podcast published by Entrepreneur Media has reached more than 30 million people since debuting in 2022. As a keynote speaker and industry leader, he has influenced lots of people to start creating their own B2B content and improving their digital presence. Shawn’s strategies have led to Cali BBQ Media (@calibbqmedia) being featured by the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, New York Times, Eater, and other local and national media outlets.

Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu is the Dean and the McKibbon Endowed Chair Professor of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHRM) in the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida (USF), who also serves as the Director of the M3 Center for Hospitality Technology and Innovation and Coordinator of International Programs for the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. He is a renowned hospitality and tourism technology expert. Dr. Cobanoglu is a Fulbright Specialist commissioned by the Fulbright Commission (2018-2021). He is a Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) commissioned by Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Educational Institute of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). He is the Editor of the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology (JHTT)(Indexed in SSCI IF=4.2) and a co-author of 10+ books and 20+ conference proceedings.

Odia Kagan is a Partner and Chair of GDPR Compliance & International Privacy Practice at Fox Rothschild LLP, a US national law firm. Odia has advised more than 200 companies of varying industries and sizes in the hospitality sector and beyond on compliance with GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other US data protection laws. With an emphasis on a pragmatic, risk based approach, Odia provides clients with practical advice on how to design and implement their products and services in a compliant manner. Odia holds 3 law degrees, 5 bar admissions and 7 privacy certifications (CIPP/US/E, CIPM, CDPO, C-GDPR/P, FIP, PLS). You can follow her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/odiakagan/ and on Twitter @odiakagan.

Odia Kagan is a Partner and Chair of GDPR Compliance & International Privacy Practice at Fox Rothschild LLP, a US national law firm. Odia has advised more than 200 companies of varying industries and sizes in the hospitality sector and beyond on compliance with GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other US data protection laws. With an emphasis on a pragmatic, risk based approach, Odia provides clients with practical advice on how to design and implement their products and services in a compliant manner. Odia holds 3 law degrees, 5 bar admissions and 7 privacy certifications (CIPP/US/E, CIPM, CDPO, C-GDPR/P, FIP, PLS). You can follow her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/odiakagan/ and on Twitter @odiakagan.

Courtney Maxedon has been at Kahala Brands since 2018 and currently leads the Interactive (Digital) Department that serves as an internal digital agency to support 28 unique restaurant concepts including: Cold Stone Creamery, Baja Fresh, Planet Smoothie, Pinkberry and more. She oversees all digital initiatives for Kahala Brands including: off-premise ordering, digital and social media, loyalty, SEO, digital design/development and more.

Anna Wolfe is Hospitality Technology’s senior editor. She has more than 15 years of experience as a B2B journalist. Before joining Hospitality Technology in 2018, Anna focused on specialty food and kitchenware retail segments. She has spoken at several trade events including the American Cheese Society Conference, Las Vegas Market, NY Now and has served on the global jury of the International Housewares Association’s coveted Global Innovator Awards (gias).

Jon Taffer is the entertainer, the entrepreneur, the strategic advisor, the thought leader that transforms industries. Utilizing his four decades of unprecedented industry experience, Taffer guides companies through remodeling, reprogramming, and restarting their business models to embrace the future. He has consulted for well-known brands, such as the NFL Network, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Anheuser-Busch to name a few. Taffer also rebuilds the lives of failing bar owners in his hit series Bar Rescue on Paramount Network. Taffer is a master of powerful presentations that rescues businesses from themselves to propel them towards success. Jon Taffer is an international celebrity and a New York Times best-selling author, but most people know him as the highly sought-after hospitality industry guru, who takes a no-holds-barred approach to helping hotels, restaurants, bars, and other businesses reach their full potential. With more than 40 years of global experience with powerhouse brands and award-winning ventures, Taer is a valuable asset for companies seeking guidance on transformation, training programs, and "reaction management strategies." His broad areas of expertise include product and brand recognition, merchandising promotions, and customer acquisition.

Wade Allen is senior vice president and chief digital officer at Brinker International, Inc., one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies and home of Chili’s® Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy® and two virtual brands: It’s Just Wings® and Maggiano’s Italian Classics™. In this role, Wade oversees growing the company’s off-premise business and driving the digital Guest experience online through the Chili’s app, To-Go and Delivery. He works with the Chili’s CMO, George Felix; CIO, Pankaj Patra; and COO, Doug Comings to identify strategies and plans to accelerate the Chili’s off-premise business, most of which is transacted digitally. Since joining Brinker in 2014, Wade has held multiple leadership roles in technology, analytics and digital marketing. Most recently, Wade served as senior vice president of innovation, overseeing culinary innovation, engineering, strategic growth, and the development and execution of virtual brands. Prior to that, he led Chili’s to be recognized as the technology leader in the casual dining restaurant industry as vice president of digital Guest experience and analytics. He’s led the implementation and continued advancement of tabletop devices, My Chili’s Rewards, Chili’s mobile app and website, plus the capture and use of data to inform all aspects of the business. Prior to joining Brinker, Wade served as president of CouponFactory, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rockfish Interactive, where he was responsible for the company’s overall strategy, retail digital shopper marketing initiatives, new business growth and product ideation. He held positions as vice president of retail for Rockfish Interactive and as an account director/solution lead at the integrated marketing agency, RAPP, where he worked on a number of Brinker brands. Wade realizes the unique opportunity for technology to change and improve the dining and to-go Guest experience through ease and personalization. His perspective on technology and trends has been quoted in a number of credible outlets including Bloomberg, DigiDay and Forbes. He has also been published several times by Shopper Technology Institute, including the book, “The Essentials of Shopper Technology.” Wade enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about emerging technology, politics and history and stays active through participating in water sports, snow sports and other athletic activities. Wade serves on the digital innovation advisory council for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and is an active member of his church. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University.

Geoff Alexander joined Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) in 1993, and after working on multiple concepts within LEYE’s portfolio, Alexander took over LEYE’s three unit Wow Bao concept in 2009. Being a pioneer in technology and social media, Alexander implemented mobile ordering, self-ordering kiosks, bicycle delivery, nationwide shipping, and made Wow Bao one of the first Chicago brick & mortar restaurants to take to the streets with its BAO-Mobile Food Truck. Alexander has overseen Wow Bao’s inclusion into airports, NFL/MLB/NHL/NBA stadiums, university campuses, music venues, and more than 300 grocers sell Wow Bao’s frozen retail line. In 2017 Alexander changed the landscape for fast casual dining by introducing Wow Bao 2.0 – a fully tech enabled front of the house environment, where guests order via an iOS or Android device, and pick up their food from an animated personalized cubby. Shortly after being named to both Nation’s Restaurant News Power List (2020) and Most Influential Restaurant CEOs in the country (2021), Alexander evolved the restaurant industry once again by creating Wow Bao Now; launching 500 Wow Bao Dark / Virtual Kitchens in more than 400 cities in less than 18 months. This new extension of the business is not only allowing Wow Bao to grow its national footprint, Wow Bao is also helping restaurant operators across the nation grow top line sales and increase bottom line profits.

Michael Beacham is the President of REEF kitchens where he has the overall responsibility of growing and managing REEF into becoming the world’s largest Ghost Kitchen operator. Michael has been a career long operator, most recently as President of Darden International where he served. August 2016 responsible for the International portfolio, and overall franchise strategy, development and execution. From 2011 until 2016 Mr. Beacham served as Chief Operations Officer of Hard Rock Cafe International. In this role, he oversaw all corporate operations worldwide as well as the Franchise division and was responsible for the growth and expansion of the organization in 72 countries. He served as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President at CEC Entertainment Inc, the parent company of Chuck E Cheese’s and Showbiz Pizza. Mr. Beacham served as the Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President of Moscow based Rosinter Restaurants, Eastern Europe’s largest restaurant company operating brands such as TGI Friday’s, Costa Coffee, KFC, Benihana, and many more. He served as Vice President of International Development of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide of TGI Friday's Inc., responsible for the growth of TGI Friday’s international portfolio into 70 countries around the globe. He served as Vice President of Operations and Development of The Hospitality Development Group, opening their international division for the former American Express affiliate. Mr. Beacham also served as Director of Operations and Director of Restaurants for Marriott Hotels Suites and Resorts and Vice President of Marketing for the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce. He was an adjunct professor of Restaurant Management for several NJ Universities. Mr. Beacham graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and Graduate of George Washington University.

Leveraging more than 22 years of technology leadership experience with iconic brands including TGI Fridays, Applebee's, Potbelly, Main Event, and Le Duff America, Tamy helps companies solve business challenges and enable growth strategies through technology transformation in the c-suite, in the center of vendor partnerships, and on the front line of IT leadership. Tamy received the Top Women in Restaurant Technology for 2018 Innovator award for her leadership in defining and delivering an integrated enterprise technology stack across multiple brands that laid a secure platform-as-a-service infrastructure layer, an integrated POS and back office SaaS platform, and a new digital ecosystem. Tamy received the Top Women in Restaurant Technology for 2018 Innovator award for her leadership in defining and delivering an integrated enterprise technology stack across multiple brands that laid a secure platform-as-a-service infrastructure layer, an integrated POS and back office SaaS platform, and a new digital ecosystem.

In a fast-paced restaurant industry with new technology, competition, and laws changing the game each day, Fred LeFranc brings order to disorder and helps businesses thrive. He is a well-respected industry veteran who has advised many of the industry’s most significant executives and companies – from startups to billion-dollar global chains – to deliver long term sustainable success. Fred is a change agent, assisting brands in reinventing and evolving to stay relevant to their current and potential customers. He combines direct knowledge of operating a restaurant with an inherent talent for business and acute vision for growth. He leverages his passion for business, understanding of human behavior and knowledge of technology to provide corporate counsel and make a lasting impact. As a corporate strategist, he has turned around many declining businesses, helping significantly improve sales. Fred and his team of hospitality specialists work closely with entrepreneurs, investors and C-suite execs in finding a company's purpose that resonates and energizes the company's team members and its guests. They are true partners, working with companies to assess their business and uncover paths to improvement. His proprietary process provides powerful insights to help devise and implement strategies to optimize every facet of the organization. Currently, Fred holds the position of President, CEO, Chaos Strategist and Consultant with Results Thru Strategy, a restaurant consulting company he founded in 2006. Fred’s mission is to support company owners and executives while driving change and implementing long-term sustainable growth strategies. On a day to day basis, Fred leads project teams and is responsible for business development initiatives. His confidentiality and discretion is sought after and he serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams and CEO’s, offering guidance throughout the often challenging and complex path to business stability and profitability. Fred is a change agent, assisting brands in reinventing and evolving to stay relevant to their current and potential customers. He combines direct knowledge of operating a restaurant with an inherent talent for business and acute vision for growth. He leverages his passion for business, understanding of human behavior and knowledge of technology to provide corporate counsel and make a lasting impact. As a corporate strategist, he has turned around many declining businesses, helping significantly improve sales. Currently, Fred holds the position of President, CEO, Chaos Strategist and Consultant with Results Thru Strategy, a restaurant consulting company he founded in 2006. Fred’s mission is to support company owners and executives while driving change and implementing long-term sustainable growth strategies. On a day-to-day basis, Fred leads project teams and is responsible for business development initiatives. His confidentiality and discretion are sought after and he serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams and CEO’s, offering guidance throughout the often challenging and complex path to business stability and profitability.

Toby manages the day to day operations for ConStrata and works personally with many of ConStrata’s top clients to help them leverage their technology investments and bring measurable results to the company’s business operations. Toby Malbec is an “operational technologist” who brings over thirty years of technical and operational expertise to his clients. He began his career in the hotel industry coming up through the operations ranks before getting into the technology domain as hotels were first beginning to embrace the value of technology as a mainstream affordable operational tool. He was responsible for the design and development of some of the first PC-based Property Management Systems for small to mid-sized hotels as well as working on the design of early touchscreen-based POS systems. After ten years in hospitality, Toby was recruited into retail by Saks Fifth Avenue to head up their CRM initiatives and was responsible for designing and managing the development of several key applications including Saks Trak and their E-Client Book. In 2004, Toby assumed the role of Vice President of Business Development for Springer-Miller Systems, one of the premier hotel software companies in the world with applications designed for the resort and high-end luxury properties. In 2008, he joined the IPC (Independent Purchasing Co-Operative), the franchisee-owned arm for Subway restaurants, and was responsible for building and managing the team to build the in-house proprietary restaurant technology platform that would create a standard POS and technology platform for all restaurants worldwide. Subway is the world’s largest restaurant chain with over 37,000 units in over 100 countries. Malbec is a 1985 graduate of the University of Vermont and is in his final stages of completing his MBA at the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Joe Tenczar is an innovative and accomplished Chief Information Officer and Strategist. He specializes in the strategic focus on emerging technology’s role as a business driver. Tenczar is the founding partner of Restaurant CIOs, a strategic advisory company where he and his CIO partners collaborate to help hospitality companies see their restaurant business through the eyes of seasoned CIOs. Joe also acts as the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Information Officer for Sonny’s BBQ, one of the largest and most popular barbecue restaurant companies in the country. Tenczar has also led the Marketing, Finance, and Purchasing areas for Sonny’s. Before Sonny’s BBQ, Tenczar was the global CIO for Hard Rock International, where he led the R&D and rollout of many innovative technologies that still affect Hard Rock guests and staff members. After beginning his career as a programmer and manager for financial software companies, Tenczar was a senior technology leader for the second largest arm of the Marriott Corporation. Tenczar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications and Computer Science from the University of Florida and a Masters of Business Administration from the Crummer Business School at Rollins College. He sits on the executive advisory boards for many industry groups, conferences, and cutting-edge hospitality technology companies.

Sid collaborates with cross-functional teams to establish ServiceChannel as a thought leader in our space, enhance market awareness and positions our company and solutions for growth. In his role, Sid oversees ServiceChannel Partnerships and serves as an internal advisor, supporting Sales, Account Management, Product, and Marketing. Over the past 15+ years, Sid has held various leadership positions across Operations, Business Intelligence, Global Services, Marketplace Strategy and Account Management. Recognized as an industry thought leader, Sid has forged deep executive relationships with brands and most recently served as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors of ConnexFM. He also hosts the industry podcast “Elevating Brick and Mortar,” where he interviews industry leaders to discuss how top brands deliver compelling customer experiences. Prior to ServiceChannel, Sid was the Director of Engineering and Facilities at Steve and Barry’s. He holds a Master's in Engineering Management from Duke University and a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University.

As the Marketing Strategy Lead for Retail, Travel and Distribution for Verizon, David develops the marketing strategy, messaging and content for these industries for Verizon's business group. David has more than 20 years of experience marketing to retail and hospitality companies and is considered a thought leader in the retail and restaurant industries. He was recently recognized as a 2022 Top Retail Influencer by RETHINK Retail and is a daily contributor and featured BrainTrust advisor on RetailWire.

Brian is a software engineer, entrepreneur, innovator and tech trailblazer with more than 15 years of expertise, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at ClusterTruck. Brian oversees day-to-day operations at ClusterTruck, touching every aspect of the organization to ensure the company continues to serve both customers and employees in the highest capacity. Brian has previous software engineering experience from roles at DeveloperTown, Objex, Inc. and impressive internships at Apple, before he joined ClusterTruck months after launch in 2016. Brian has played a pivotal role in building the unprecedented technology supporting ClusterTruck’s current food delivery model.

Andrew Rebhun is an accomplished global marketing executive, who has delivered first-to-market products and profitable growth for billion-dollar brands across Fortune 50 companies, including McDonalds Corporation and Ford Motor Company, through product innovation/launch, brand strategy, integrated marketing, digital transformation, and customer service. He’s a franchisee leader with keen understanding of franchise models and partnerships – achieving unprecedented growth, sales and profitability. He’s known as an engaging people leader who operates with agility, motivating employees and franchisees at both general office and regional environments, employing innovation, data, insights and business acumen. He is currently Senior Vice President of Marketing at El Pollo Loco, where he is responsible for overseeing all marketing and brand strategy functions, including menu and new product development, advertising and public relations, digital and social media and consumer engagement for El Pollo Loco’s 487 company and franchise restaurants in six states. Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management. He currently lives in Playa Vista, California, where he enjoys running on the beach, riding his Peloton Bike, trying new restaurants and traveling the world.

Anna Wolfe is Hospitality Technology’s senior editor. She has more than 15 years of experience as a B2B journalist. Before joining Hospitality Technology in 2018, Anna focused on specialty food and kitchenware retail segments. She has spoken at several trade events including the American Cheese Society Conference, Las Vegas Market, NY Now and has served on the global jury of the International Housewares Association’s coveted Global Innovator Awards (gias).

Phil Crawford is currently the CTO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's which operates 4000+ QSR restaurants worldwide. Crawford leads CKE’s Digital and Technology functions and is responsible for building a technology-forward, data-driven company that exceeds consumers/ evolving expectations. Crawford has over 20 years of experience in C-Level Technology rolls. Previous he has served as Global Chief Technology Officer at Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. Prior to that, he served as Chief Information Officer/Head of Technology for Shake Shack, Inc. and Yard House Restaurants, Inc.

Anna Wolfe is Hospitality Technology’s senior editor. She has more than 15 years of experience as a B2B journalist. Before joining Hospitality Technology in 2018, Anna focused on specialty food and kitchenware retail segments. She has spoken at several trade events including the American Cheese Society Conference, Las Vegas Market, NY Now and has served on the global jury of the International Housewares Association’s coveted Global Innovator Awards (gias).

Phil Crawford is currently the CTO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's which operates 4000+ QSR restaurants worldwide. Crawford leads CKE’s Digital and Technology functions and is responsible for building a technology-forward, data-driven company that exceeds consumers/ evolving expectations. Crawford has over 20 years of experience in C-Level Technology rolls. Previous he has served as Global Chief Technology Officer at Godiva Chocolatier, Inc. Prior to that, he served as Chief Information Officer/Head of Technology for Shake Shack, Inc. and Yard House Restaurants, Inc.

André Vener is a seasoned executive and award-winning pioneer in the hospitality space, with more than 25 years of expertise in restaurant development and franchising, large-scale event production and promotion, creative brand building and revenue generation. Andreì co-founded Dog Haus in October 2010, with the mission to elevate stadium food classics into gourmet culinary creations. Dog Haus has since expanded from its Pasadena, Calif., base to more than 75 locations across 20 states, including 50+ brick-and-mortar restaurants. Andreì has helped spearhead the craft-casual brand's rapid expansion by embracing continuous menu innovation, cutting-edge technology and creative collaborations and partnerships, while consistently pushing both culinary and service boundaries in the ever-changing restaurant industry. André has been interviewed as a restaurant industry expert on multiple national platforms, including CNN, FOX News Channel and MSNBC. He and his Dog Haus partners were featured on the cover of QSR Magazine’s April 2020 edition, and they have been profiled in Entrepreneur magazine, Food & Wine and more. Prior to co-founding Dog Haus, André served as Executive Producer of Pasadena Entertainment, where he produced hundreds of events in venues of all sizes, including The Rose Bowl, Los Angeles County Arboretum, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and more. André founded and operated redwhite+bluezz, an award-winning restaurant and jazz club that served great food, wine and live music for eight years. Before entering the hospitality industry, André served as CEO & President of the California Philharmonic for 10 years. Under his leadership, the orchestra performed its annual concert series at noted venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Ambassador Auditorium and Santa Anita Race Track. André earned his Executive MBA in 2007 from the Claremont Graduate School of Management, and his BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University. A competitive athlete, André played soccer in college and served as captain of the LA-based semi-pro soccer club Euro Stars. He has played across the US, as well as in Germany, Holland and Costa Rica. André enjoys sharing his passions for food, wine and world travel with friends and family. He, his wife Amanda and daughter Ava live in Pasadena and enjoy spending weekends on Catalina Island.

Aaron Noveshen is the Founder & Chairman of The Culinary Edge (TCE), America's leading innovation consultancy. TCE fuses culinary excellence, operational expertise, and human-centered design to forge the future of what we eat and drink. Aaron and his team have worked with 30% of the top 200 restaurants and co-created over 25 global and regional restaurant brands. Aaron leads TCE Ventures which hatched Starbird Chicken, TCE’s first self-actualized and self-operated concept. Starbird opened to critical acclaim with the Breakout Brand Award from NRN and currently operates nine locations in the Bay Area. Aaron is also the co-founder of Pacific Catch, the co-founder of World Wrapps, the Director Emeritus of the California Restaurant Association and the former Chairman of the board of the California Restaurant Association Foundation.

Sherri Landry, Chief Marketing Officer of CEC Entertainment, is a strategic and innovative executive with over 25 years of marketing experience in CPG, restaurant, and family entertainment. She oversees marketing for CEC Entertainment and all three brands – Chuck E. Cheese, Peter Piper Pizza, and Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings. Her experience spans across brand development, marketing strategy, menu innovation, digital and social marketing, research and consumer insights, and she has held various positions and leadership roles at such recognized companies as Procter and Gamble, Sara Lee, Pizza Hut, T.G.I. Fridays, and Main Event Entertainment. Sherri holds a B.A. in Public Policy Studies from Duke University and an MBA in both Marketing and Finance from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. In her free time, she enjoys attending gymnastics meets and soccer games for her two girls, Kendall and Morgan, and relaxing on the beach in Puerto Rico with her husband Chris.

Anna Wolfe is Hospitality Technology’s senior editor. She has more than 15 years of experience as a B2B journalist. Before joining Hospitality Technology in 2018, Anna focused on specialty food and kitchenware retail segments. She has spoken at several trade events including the American Cheese Society Conference, Las Vegas Market, NY Now and has served on the global jury of the International Housewares Association’s coveted Global Innovator Awards (gias).

Mary Melvin is the Director of Restaurant Technology for Checkers and Rally’s Restaurants residing in St. Louis, Missouri. She has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry with roles in technology support, business analytics, financial analysis, and project management. In her current role, she is responsible for driving strategic innovation to support continued growth and sustainability. Mary is leading the AI initiative that carries the Checkers and Rally’s drive thru into a seamless ordering experience for our guests.