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

Talking Tech & Business

Rich McLeod is not just another executive in the hospo tech space; he’s a hospitality veteran turned tech CEO on a mission. For over 15 years, Rich navigated the ups and downs of owning and operating hospitality businesses. Starting with a single venue, Rich and his business partner developed Loaded

Wes Lambert is a leading advocate, economist, and business leader in Australia’s hospitality industry. As CEO of the Australian Restaurant & Café Association (ARCA), he represents over 56,000 restaurants and cafés, championing workforce reform, tax relief, and policy change to support the sector’s sustainability and growth. A Certified Practising Accountant

Olivia Casson, a Michelin-trained chef with 25+ years in hospitality, has opened and operated 25+ venues, from UK celebrity hotspots to large-scale ADF F&B operations. She left corporate hospitality to help independent operators, specializing in exit planning, maximizing business value, and assisting hospitality businesses in buying the right business.

Chef by trade, foodie by heart, and passionate about creating spaces that elevate the culinary experience. With a deep love for the food industry, I dedicate myself to bridging the gap between function and form, designing kitchens & bars that showcase our clients. I’m committed to supporting the people who

Paul has been a cornerstone in the hospitality industry for over 15 years, cementing his reputation as a sought-after consultant and mentor. His expertise lies not just in his vast experience, but in his innate ability to understand and transform any hospitality challenge into an opportunity. Paul has harnessed the

I am the owner of Hurricane’s Grill restaurants, running 3 stores plus overlooking 2 franchises and 4 international licences. I am the founder of Women in Cafes and Restaurants- a space to shine a light on the incredible women who work in cafes and restaurants and often don’t get the

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Sarah Franklyn & Francis Nicholls-Wunder are passionate storytellers. Francis helps brands and businesses find their why & Sarah helps them turn it into actionable marketing