31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Talking Tech & Business

CEO of House of Pocket group, President of NSW’s Independent Bar Association as well as Vice President of YCK Laneways, Karl Schlothauer decades of hospitality experience under his belt. He set up Pocket Group Pty Ltd with a partner in 2009, which is responsible for Pocket Bar. Then came Stitch

Head of ERP Practice at Sage, Gareth Moore has over 15 years of experience advising distribution and manufacturing businesses on tailored technology solutions. Gareth specialises in helping companies navigate digital transformations by recommending the right ERP systems to drive efficiency and growth. Gareth’s deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach enable

John Reed is a director and shareholder at LPC, where he advises the leadership team on strategies to help commercial tenants turn their lease portfolios into a driver of business success. His property experience includes leading property service organisations and consulting to clients on complex leasing and property management requirements.

Bianca Brady, co-founder of Axify, is a hospitality-turned-tech leader with 20 years’ operational expertise. She blends deep hospitality industry insight with advanced AI capability, delivering solutions that capture bookings, streamline workflows, and free teams to focus on exceptional guest experiences. Currently completing her Master’s in Statistics & Data Science at

Emily is a product leader at Tyro Payments, where they help thousands of hospitality businesses deliver smarter, more seamless customer experiences. With over a decade in fintech and a strong track record in AI innovation, Emily specialises in turning emerging technology into practical, human-centred tools that make service faster, operations

Marilyn Annecchini’s dedication to culinary excellence alongside her husband and business partner, Giovanni Pilu, has earned her acclaim as one of Australia’s foremost restaurateurs. Together, they helm two esteemed establishments on Sydney’s Northern Beaches: Pilu at Freshwater and the Pilu Baretto. With over two decades of dedication, their ‘Sardinian’ inspired

Director and Founder of love.fish Barangaroo Michelle is a seasoned hospitality veteran with over 30 years of industry experience, having served as a Director for the past 25 years. Her passion lies in supporting and empowering women, both within her own business and through her extensive professional networks. With an

Chris Mavris – Hospitality & Franchise Operations Leader Chris Mavris is an accomplished hospitality professional with nearly four decades of experience in the café, QSR, and franchise sectors. Renowned for his hands-on leadership and operational excellence, Chris has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of some of

Born and raised in Perth, Australia, CEO and Co-Founder Craig Joel has worked in hospitality since the start of his career. From running his own restaurant to presiding the Catering Institute of Australia (ACI) for a full decade, his 30 years in hospitality led him to discover a gap in

I believe that technology should make people’s lives easier while still allowing a sense of connection. A secure livelihood and a better lifestyle don’t always have to come at the cost of time. So, after seeing hospitality venues struggling and customers waiting in lines I realized there was an opportunity.