31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
The hospitality industry has always been about people. Whether it’s the warm smile at the front desk, the personalised recommendations at a restaurant, or the barista who remembers your order, hospitality is built on human connection. Yet, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful force that is transforming this
Australia’s restaurant and café sector has always been resilient. It has survived pandemics, supply shocks, labour shortages, and shifting consumer behaviour. But in 2026, operators are confronting something different: three structural pressures arriving at the same time-each capable of reshaping the economics of running a venue. These are not temporary
