2025 TechX Programme

TechX at HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week 2025

Hospitality Tech360 is an evolution of HRC’s popular Hospitality Tech section, which in 2025 saw hospitality leaders including Bill’s Restaurants MD Tom James, Pizza Pilgrims Head of Learning & Development Leanne Gunson, Wagamama Director of Digital & Loyalty Rebecca Farrer, Gail's CTO Darren Wilkinson, and many more take part in the TechX stage seminar programme.

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11:00 11:30

How Tech is Shaping Hospitality: A Fireside Chat with Bill’s MD Tom James

TechX Stage

Join Tom James, Managing Director of Bill’s, and Peter Martin, Executive Director of Peach, for an insightful fireside chat on how technology is transforming the hospitality industry. From AI-powered ...

Moderator

Peter Martin, Founder & Executive Director - Peach 20/20
11:45 12:15

AI in Hospitality: Revolutionising Operations and Enhancing Guest Experiences

TechX Stage

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the hospitality industry, offering new ways to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and create more personalised guest experiences. From automating routine t ...

Moderator

Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO - Tech On Toast

Panelist

Frankie O’Connell, UK Director of People & Talent - Blank Street Coffee, UK

Leanne Gunson, Head of Learning & Development - Pizza Pilgrims

Matt Grimshaw, Founder - Youda
12:30 13:00

Cultivating Customer Loyalty: Leveraging Tech to Build Lasting Relationships

TechX Stage

In today’s competitive market, guest loyalty is essential. From personalised experiences to loyalty programs, this panel discusses the innovative ways technology can strengthen relationships with gues ...

Moderator

Jo Lynch, Account Director - KAM

Panelist

Dan Brookman, CEO - Airship & Toggle

Rebecca Farrer, Director of Digital & Loyalty - wagamama

Rhiannon Scarlett, Chief Marketing Officer - TGI Fridays UK

Richard Dawson, Global Head of Loyalty - dunnhumby
13:15 13:45

Driving Sustainable Action through Data: Insights from Levy and Foodsteps

TechX Stage

For food service businesses, decarbonising menu items has become a business and regulatory priority. However, accessing insights from accurate data and collaborating with cross-functional teams pose s ...

Panelist

Andrew Jones, Data Analyst, E15 Insights - Levy

Kevin Watson, Sustainability Director - Levy
14:00 14:30

Tech is a Boardroom Issue Part 1: Transforming Productivity

TechX Stage

In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology is not just an operational tool—it’s a strategic driver of productivity at the highest level. This session will explore how boardroom leaders can ...

Moderator

Peter Martin, Founder & Executive Director - Peach 20/20

Panelist

Darren Wilkinson, CTO - Gail's

Kate Eastwood, MD of Lounges - Loungers Plc

Luke Fryer, CEO & Founder - Harri
14:45 15:15

Delivering Innovation: How Tech and Food Innovation Are Transforming Hospitality

TechX Stage

The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with delivery, kitchen efficiencies, and food innovation playing a crucial role in shaping its future. As consumer expectations shift, brands like Deliver ...

Moderator

Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO - Tech On Toast

Panelist

Iain Dickson, Head of Food Operations - Carluccio's

Jessica Markowski, Director of Global Restaurant Brands - Deliveroo

Olivia Reid, Consultant Head of Food - Market Halls
15:30 16:00

Navigating the Tech Stack: Tackling Challenges with Bespoke vs. Add-On Solutions

TechX Stage

As businesses strive for efficiency, scalability, and seamless guest experiences, the decision to build a custom tech stack or integrate multiple third-party tools can be a complex one. This session w ...

Moderator

Jo Lynch, Account Director - KAM

Panelist

Harry Fielder, CEO - Umi Digital

James Garner, CEO - Sticky Connections

Joel Robinson, Founder & CTO - OpenR

Tommy Giraux, Head of Restaurant Systems - Honest Burgers Ltd
16:45 17:45

INVITE ONLY: Hospitality Tech360 Launch Drinks - Shaping and Influencing the Future of Hospitality Tech

TechX Stage

In 2026, the UK’s newest hospitality tech event launches in London – bringing together the world’s most exciting innovators, decision-makers, and forward-thinking influencers. As part of Food, Drink & ...

11:00 11:30

Tech is a Boardroom Issue Part 2: Driving Predictable, Scalable Revenue Models

TechX Stage

As technology continues to reshape business strategies, the boardroom must take an active role in leveraging tech to drive predictable, scalable revenue. In this session, industry leaders will explore ...

Moderator

Peter Martin, Founder & Executive Director - Peach 20/20

Panelist

Dan Brookman, CEO - Airship & Toggle

Jo Fontaine, Strategic Customer Partnership Director - Access Hospitality - The Access Group

Juliette Keyte, Marketing Director - Red Engine Team
11:45 12:15

Digging for Gold: Making the Most of Your CRM

TechX Stage

Your customer database is one of your most valuable assets—but are you truly maximising its potential? In this session at HRC’s TechX Theatre, industry experts will explore how to unlock the full powe ...

Moderator

Mecca Ibrahim, Co-Founder - Women in The Food Industry

Panelist

Edwina Low, Brand & Marketing Manager - Harry Ramsdens

Harry Fielder, CEO - Umi Digital

Yogesh Ram, Head of Marketing - The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
12:30 13:00

The Evolution of Food Delivery: Navigating Demand with Technology

TechX Stage

Food delivery has become an essential part of hospitality, reshaping how brands connect with their customers. As technology continues to evolve, businesses must navigate the challenges of managing dem ...

Moderator

Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO - Tech On Toast

Panelist

Chris Matthews, Global Retail Technology Director - Pret A Manger

Florian de Chezelles, Co-Founder - The Salad Project

Joe Heather, Regional General Manager Northern Europe - Deliverect
14:15 14:45

Allergen Management: Ensuring Safety and Compliance with Technology

TechX Stage

Managing allergens is a fundamental responsibility for hospitality operators, not only to protect guests but also to maintain trust and compliance with ever-evolving regulations. Ensuring accurate all ...

Moderator

Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO - Tech On Toast

Panelist

Alana Bralsford, Co-Founder & COO - Served App

Eve Williamson, Co-Founder & CEO - Served App

Sonny Wells, Founder - Sonny's
15:00 15:30

Revolutionising the Kitchen: How Tech is Transforming Culinary Operations

TechX Stage

From smart appliances and kitchen automation to real-time inventory management and data-driven kitchen analytics, technology is enhancing efficiency, improving food quality, and reducing waste in comm ...

Moderator

John Cunningham, Chief Executive - Foodservice Equipment Association

Panelist

Ben Keal, Director - Sylvester Keal

James Shaw, Workplace Design Lead - Google

Rehan Uddin, CEO - Asian Restaurant Owners Network
16:00 16:30

CFSP Certificate Presentation

TechX Stage

Join the Foodservice Equipment Association to congratulate the latest cohort of accredited Certified Food Service Professionals. With over 750 qualified delegates spanning the UK, UAE, United States, ...
16:30 17:00

Foodservice Carbon Professional Certificate Presentation

TechX Stage

Join the Foodservice Equipment Association to congratulate the latest cohort of accredited Foodservice Carbon Professionals. FCP is the Foodservice Equipment Association’s latest learning and developm ...

11:00 11:30

Demystifying AI: Heather Murray on Unlocking the Potential of Technology for Hospitality Leaders

TechX Stage

Join Heather Murray, founder of AI for Non-Techies, for an eye-opening keynote session at TechX, dedicated to hospitality technology. In this session, Heather will break down the complexities of artif ...
11:45 12:15

Frictionless Tech: Connecting Brands to Guests for Long-Term Success

TechX Stage

Seamless technology is redefining how hospitality brands engage with their guests, creating smoother interactions, reducing operational friction, and enhancing customer loyalty. In an industry where c ...

Moderator

Chris Fletcher, Founder & CEO - Tech On Toast

Panelist

David Kirby, IT Innovation & Project Manager - Young's Pubs

Dominic Rosenfeld, Commercial Director - Pepper

Katie Akers, Head of Operations - Market Halls
12:30 13:00

Tech-Driven People Engagement: Empowering HR and People Teams in Hospitality

TechX Stage

In this session we’ll explore how technology is transforming employee engagement, retention, and development in the hospitality sector. For HR Directors and Chief People Officers, tech tools are helpi ...

Moderator

Peter Martin, Founder & Executive Director - Peach 20/20

Panelist

Ceri Gott, CPO & Chief Growth and Culture Officer - Hawksmoor

Fernanda Antonio, People & Culture Director - Caravan Restaurants

Jonatan Rasmussen, CEO & Co-Founder - All Gravy
13:15 13:45

Startups Shaping The Future Of Hospitality Tech At Launchpad

TechX Stage

Hear from new businesses just starting out in the world of hospitality technology, and what they have to offer the market, during these exciting live 10 minute pitching sessions. Cerve, Hawktivity and ...

Panelist

David Walker, CCO - Cerve

JJ Tan, CEO - Jelly

Richard Barry, Founder & CEO - Hawktivity
14:00 14:30

AI x Forecasting = Profit++: Unlocking Predictive Power for Hospitality CFOs

TechX Stage

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving hospitality industry, accurate forecasting is essential to stay ahead of market trends and drive profitability. This session explores the powerful synergy between A ...

Moderator

Peter Martin, Founder & Executive Director - Peach 20/20

Panelist

Brendan Kelly, Head of Projects - JKS Restaurants

Erika Biggadike, Director & Head of Supply Chain - 4C Associates

Tim Doubleday, Group CFO - Burger King UK
14:45 15:15

Tech Driving Recruitment in Hospitality

TechX Stage

Finding and retaining top talent has become one of the biggest challenges in hospitality. With talent shortages, high turnover rates, and shifting workforce expectations, businesses can no longer rely ...

Moderator

Abbi Simms, Sales Director - Tech On Toast

Panelist

Dan Razavi, Director - Leisurejobs

Emma Wood, Senior Account Executive - Planday

Jordan Moore, Head of Talent Acquisition - Gail's Bakery

Mike Phillips, Head of Talent Attraction - Nightcap