Start your day with a light breakfast and barista-made coffee while connecting with fellow delegates. A chance to catch up, meet new contacts, and get ready for a full day of industry insights.

Presented by Ken Hartley, FSAA Chair

FSAA Chair Ken Hartley will open the conference, set the tone for the day, and outline the opportunities and challenges ahead for the foodservice sector.

Speaker | Emily, Country & Marketing Lead, Unilever Food Solutions ANZ

Explore the latest global food and beverage trends and how they translate to opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. Packed with consumer insights, innovation examples, and practical ways to future-proof your menu.

Speaker | John Hart OAM, Chair of Policy & Advocacy, FSAA

A clear-eyed view of the state of play in Australian foodservice. John Hart shares key insights on market conditions, recovery, and reinvention, setting the stage for a day of forward-thinking discussion.

Refuel with a coffee or tea and continue networking before the next session.

Facilitator: Venessa Barnes (Co-founder, FoodLogic)
Panelists:

• John Jordan – Marketing Manager / Creative Director, Meyer Food Co
  

• Kshitija Deshmukh (KD) – AI Specialist
  

• Simon Revelman – CIO, Craveable Brands
  

• Paul Kerr – CTO, 42 Interactive
  
  From smart rostering and predictive ordering to AI-generated marketing content, this session examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing, staffing, supply chains, and operational efficiency - plus the ethical and practical considerations you need to know.

Speaker: Ross Greenwood, Business Editor, Sky News Australia

A no-nonsense look at inflation, interest rates, and shifting consumer confidence — and what these forces mean for your business planning and decision-making in the year ahead.

Enjoy a catered lunch while building connections and exchanging ideas with peers, suppliers, and industry leaders.

Facilitator: Eugene Visione - FSAA Director & Head of Sales, Marketing Birch & Waite
Panellists: Gerry Maher (General Manager Food & Beverage, Australian Turf Club), Mike Twemlow (Circular Economy Specialist, Edge Impact), Garry O’Brien (General Manager, Envirochoice)

Real-world examples of waste reduction, smarter packaging, and future-fit sourcing. Hear from operators, packaging experts, and circular economy specialists on what’s working now and where the biggest opportunities lie.

Presented by ProForce: Marcus McCairns & Kathryn Whitehead

Discover how graduate programs, early career pathways, and targeted recruitment strategies can secure the talent your business needs. Practical approaches to attracting, developing, and retaining top people in foodservice.

Recharge with refreshments before the final sessions of the day.

Facilitator: Karen Doyle, Australian Culinary Federation
Panellists: Duane Barber (Subway ANZ), Darren Templeman (Izy.Aki), Steve Sidd (CateringHQ), Shane Krebs (Gema Group)

From QSR and independents to hotels and large venues, hear directly from operators on how they’re adapting to evolving tastes, service expectations, and operational pressures - and what they need from their supply partners.

Moderator: Peter Wright
Panellists: Barton Beverley Smith (FSAA Board Director & Customer Director, Primo Foods) and Jeff Dhu (CEO, Countrywide)

A candid discussion on pricing, risk-sharing, innovation, transparency, and resilience in a time of ongoing supply chain disruption.

Speaker: John Hart OAM

An update on national policy, workforce trends, and supply chain issues - plus what the reinstatement of the Australian Chamber’s Food Group means for FSAA members.

Speaker: Minnie Constan, CEO, FSAA

Key takeaways from the day and a look ahead at what’s next for FSAA members.