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
Mental health in the restaurant industry has become one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. With 76% of hospitality workers reporting mental health struggles during their careers, operators who prioritise wellbeing aren’t just doing the right thing. They’re building more resilient, productive teams. The Numbers Tell a Confronting Story Recent
Sponsored content provided by Restaurant & Catering Australia Running a restaurant or café in Australia has always required dedication, but in 2025, it demands something more: strategic thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to redefine what success looks like. The foodservice industry continues to evolve rapidly. Rising input costs, staffing pressures,
Julian V. Cincotta has made a name for himself in the Sydney hospitality scene with his bold approach to food, culture, and community. As the co-founder of Butter, he’s created an iconic venue that blends fried chicken, hip-hop, champagne, and sneaker culture into a unique dining experience. Beyond the indulgence,
The following update was provided by Minnie Constan, CEO, FSAA The association’s recent name change from Foodservice Suppliers Association Australia to Foodservice Association Australia reflects a renewed commitment to better represent and support our diverse membership base—manufacturers, distributors and service providers—through expanded resources, exclusive programs and new pathways for collaboration.
Established in 1922, by café owners wanting to provide a unified community for sharing information, saving money and talking to government, their impact over the years has worked to improve regulations and policies that that have in turn created more robust and prosperous hospitality businesses across Australia. R&CA’s current members
It’s a similar concept in the business world, with the foodservice and hospitality industry itself being one large community. It can also be divided into smaller subsections, where retailers or café and restaurant owners will each be part of their own specific groups, with shared interests unique to their business
Launched in May, ARCA is an instrumental voice for positive change in the restaurant and cafe segment of the Accommodation and Foodservice industry – a $64 billion sector that employs 450,000 people across 55,000 venues around the country. (or alternatively a $110 billion industry employing 1 million people across 110,000
The Ladder to Leadership Minnie’s career with Fine Food started in 2006 when she began as an event manager. Her rapid advancement to event director marked the beginning of a period of significant growth and innovation for the show. Under her leadership, Fine Food expanded not only in size but
