Speakers 2024

Anita Adams assumed the Chief Executive Officer role at Black Bear Diner in January 2020. She joined the company in March 2017 as the Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to President in March 2019. Anita has more than 28 […]

Dave Becker’s approach to food is an extension of his personality. From his childhood shucking clams in Newburyport MA, to his nearly 25 years as patron chef at the renowned Sweet Basil he has always led with a desire to […]

Sarah Beckett, Director of Marketing at Intouch Insight, a Customer Experience solutions company and home of the Annual Drive-Thru Study. Sarah is committed to delivering value-added insights to Intouch’s clients, as well as broader CX communities. Sarah leads the team […]

Howland launched his career doing award-winning creative work on Madison Avenue. In 1979 he co-founded Juran Institute, Inc. (pioneers in continuous quality improvement) and built the Juran brand into the most prestigious quality consultancy in the world. As a principal […]

Brandy Blackwell actively serves as vice president, and head of marketing for Another Broken Egg Cafe, an upscale breakfast, brunch, and lunch chain with 98 locations spanning 16 states. The full-service brand specializes in southern-inspired dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. With […]

Philip Bollhoefer originally joined the Parks Hospitality Group in 2016 as an executive chef and food and beverage director. Bollhoefer became the vice president of food and beverage in 2022. He is responsible for the growth of food and beverage […]

As the visionary Senior Brand Director at Mellow Mushroom, Elizabeth Brasch’s passion for brand curation and storytelling has played a pivotal role in defining the iconic Mellow Mushroom experience. With a career steeped in brand development, Elizabeth brings a unique […]

One part performer, one part philosopher, and a healthy splash of cocktail historian, the name Jackson Cannon has been synonymous with the Boston craft cocktail scene since 2005. Son and brother of renowned award-winning journalists Lou and Carl Cannon, Jackson […]

Geo Concepcion is an accomplished restaurant turnaround executive with an extensive background in professional investing. Concepcion currently serves as the President and CEO of ITA Group Holdings (ITA), a private equity–held restaurant platform company based in the Mid-Atlantic which includes […]

A world traveler who understands the life-changing impact that hospitality can have, Alex Curley has a passion for creating guest experiences that are second to none. Born in Greece, but with time spent in Africa, Germany, Australia, and Asia, his […]