Hostech, the sector’s leading tech conference, returns to London’s Ham Yard Hotel on 22 May, bringing together hospitality operators, tech suppliers and digital leaders for a day of practical insight, strategy and innovation.
Key topics on the agenda include the future of AI, robotics, guest experience, loyalty, omnichannel engagement and smart investment strategies for scalable growth.
Kicking off the day, former PizzaExpress and Whitbread digital chief Arslan Sharif will map out the future of hospitality tech, exploring global AI trends and the pros and cons of being a first mover.
John Colley, executive chairman and CEO of Majestic Wine, will reveal how combining customer data from its acquisition of Vagabond Wines has unlocked powerful omnichannel growth opportunities.
A panel on AI’s practical potential will feature Thom Elliot (Pizza Pilgrims), Neve Rabbou (Individual Restaurants), Aaron Jones (Costa) and Ben Dixon (Sona), sharing real-world applications across customer and team journeys.
Innovation and technology is centre stage as Tortilla CEO Andy Naylor and KAIKAKU co-founder Josef Chen explore how robotics and AI-driven automation could shape the restaurant of the future.
Operational excellence will also be a key theme. Bill’s MD Tom James will share the brand’s five-year tech roadmap, while leaders from Pho, Turtle Bay, Kricket and Slerp will discuss enhancing digital customer journeys.
Burger King UK’s director of digital Timothy Love and frog’s director of experience innovation Joe Batista will share insights into their AI-driven partnership. frog, part of Capgemini, is a global design and innovation consultancy specialising in customer experience, brand strategy and digital product development.
Getting ‘tech ready’ for scalable growth will be the focus of a panel featuring Big Table Group, Heartwood Collection, Azzurri and Fourth, offering advice on future-proofing digital infrastructure.
Other highlights include Stonegate’s Joe Comiskey and Laurence Brown sharing how the MiXR platform is driving engagement across their estate, and a customer relationship, loyalty and delivery panel featuring marketing leaders from Comptoir Group, 200 Degrees and Heartwood.
Creams COO Oliver Rodbard will round off the day, exploring how to successfully deliver human-focused tech transformation across a franchised model.
For more information and to book tickets to the event, please visit hostech.co.uk
