With the creation of Modern Restaurant Concepts in 2019, Brian has been working improving the technology of our new brand Lemonade. We have upgraded payment technology and are improving the guest experience with 3rd party platforms. Other initiatives include a new desktop, mobile and app experience with a new loyalty platform and launching our first ghost kitchen. Brian is a third-generation restaurateur, with his roots in operations. He has worked every role in the FOH and BOH before his passion for technology won out. His experience as an operator enhances his ability to translate technology into solutions that improve the guest experience.

Speaker bio coming soon!

Michael Chachula serves as Dine Brands Global Executive Director of IT, where he oversees the IT relationship with all things IHOP. Michael joined Dine Brands in 2016 with over 20 years of leading IT Digital and Operations experience for large and multinational companies in industries such as Finance, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Goods and Consumer Electronics and Hospitality. Michael has a full breadth of experience in creating business and IT solutions that work. Michael holds a BA from DePaul University and an Executive MBA from Northwestern – Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Il. He currently sits on the CX (Customer Experience) Advisory Board of Rutgers University, which looks to understand customer experiences.

Speaker bio coming soon!

Laura Rea Dickey currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Laura served as the Chief Information Officer for eight years, and made the transition to CEO after excelling in her previous role. She has worked in the marketing and information technology field for over 15 years, and has led the marketing, IT and training departments at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. during her time there. After graduating from Texas Christian University in 2001, Dickey went on to work at agencies such as Murray Brown Creative Group and The Richards Group. Laura’s specialty is the intersection of technology and marketing, turning data insights into brand and business solutions.

Speaker bio coming soon!

Christopher Gumprecht leads guest technology innovations for Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants across 60+ brands, representing 120 locations nationally. With 15+ years in the organization, Christopher is the business owner for all website design and development, road mapping for the LettuceEats mobile app, and delivering insight for additional marketing channels like loyalty, SMS, gift card and email. He provides a unique perspective combining his years of experience to drive customer acquisition and engagement. He is continually exploring new ways to integrate technology seamlessly into the customer experience with an emphasis on user experience, content generation, mobile engagement, and valuable data insights.

Chris Hansen is Sr. Director of Digital at TGI Fridays overseeing the complete digital technology experience including eCommerce, site and app development, build-out, and maintenance. His mission is to deliver an innovative end-to-end frictionless guest user experience to all guests of Fridays. Prior to TGI Fridays, Chris spent 18 years in a variety of industry and UX positions, focused on digital design, performance analytics, strategy & implementation, to drive consumer engagement and conversion. As an additional outlet for his passion on design thinking, Chris founded www.jeepmodreview.com, an online marketplace for product reviews & news about Jeep Wranglers.

Prakash Karamchandani is a self-proclaimed foodie and technology junkie who co-founded Balance Pan-Asian Grille, a nationally-acclaimed fast-casual Asian fusion multi-unit concept based in Ohio. Prakash oversees development and finance, as well as leads the brand’s marketing and technological innovation efforts. Since starting the venture in 2010, Prakash has been recognized as a Top 24 Fast Casual Executive and a 20 Under 40 recipient as recently as 2017. In addition to meeting his co-founder at the University of Toledo, Prakash met his wife and is a father of two.

Rachel Layton is the Vice President of Marketing + Growth for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, building sustainable growth strategies that drive sales for the company’s 90+ locations nationwide. Rachel oversees the management of the Taziki’s brand, including digital and local store marketing and was a critical force behind the launch of the company’s email marketing program, in addition to their loyalty program, TAZ Rewards. These initiatives drove an 11% increase in system same store sales. She built initiatives that increased online ordering by 80% and led a 15% increase in same store catering sales by coaching local markets in growth techniques. Additionally, Rachel manages the Taziki’s off-premise dining program which includes catering and delivery.

Steve Leasure is a foodservice industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. In his current role as Director of Franchise Operations at BurgerFi International, Steve has the opportunity to work with a growing brand that is at the forefront of consumer trends and tastes. Steve has extensive experience in all facets of restaurant operations, having served in various roles across the QSR and Fast Casual segments. He started his career operating high volume restaurants in Manhattan and has worked with franchise owners throughout the United States and around the globe over the years. Steve currently resides in Orlando, Florida.

Elliot Maras is editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. He is a former board member of the International Foodservice Editorial Council, a recipient of the Office Refreshment Development Foundation’s Award For Journalism, and a graduate of the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s Executive Development Program at Michigan State University.

Speaker bio coming soon!

Retail Customer Experience Editor Judy Mottl is an award-winning experienced senior editor, reporter, writer, and blogger who has worked for top media outlets, technology companies and publications including AOL, InformationWeek, CNET, Information Security Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily, InternetNews and Tech Times as corporate marketing divisions within IBM and HP. She’s written everything from breaking news on business and technology to in-depth articles on tech trends to profiles on top business leaders.

Speaker bio coming soon!

Christie Rice is the segment director responsible for Intel’s digital signage and interactive kiosk business worldwide in the Internet of Things Group at Intel. In her role she works to ensure that Intel technology meets the ever changing digital signage needs. She also works closely with the ecosystem to promote solutions that provide the immersive and interactive experience that our customers demand. Before assuming her current role, Christie’s 20 years at Intel included various technical, product, business development, and marketing management positions across a broad range of products and segments including memory, PCs, storage, networking, and IOT.

Richard Ventura is the Senior Vice President of Strategy for NEC Display Solutions of America’s, overseeing all strategy related activities for the organization. Focusing on leading the development and communications of strategies aimed at evolving the business and driving it forward, while working with the Executive Team to define the vision and direction for the company and establish strategic initiatives that disrupt current and future markets, explore alternative solutions, and result in short and long-term gains. Richard has spent 17+ years within the NEC sales and marketing organizations focusing on display solutions, display technologies, projectors and direct-view LED.