31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Hospitality is one of the most complex business models in Australia. In today’s economic climate, venues with strong systems consistently outperform those relying on instinct or firefighting. According to James O’Connell, Founder of The Hospitality Company, operators who embrace systemisation gain clarity, control and commercial stability in a way that passion alone can’t deliver. Hospitality
Commercial kitchen profitability, Rising costs, shrinking margins and constant operational pressure are redefining how kitchens need to operate. According to Andrew Briese, Founder of Cooking the Books, profitability now relies less on instinct and more on discipline, consistency and intelligent systems. His core message is simple: a kitchen becomes profitable
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t a future concept for hospitality. It’s already reshaping how operators run venues, connect with guests, and manage their business. Leaders across booking software, staffing technology and multi-venue operations agree: operators who begin experimenting now gain a clear commercial edge. Rather than replacing human connection, AI is
Across Australia, women are reshaping the leadership landscape of hospitality – not by mirroring traditional models, but by introducing new standards of empathy, accountability, confidence and community. Their insights reveal a shift happening across the industry: hospitality performs stronger when leadership is human, values-driven and unashamedly authentic. From overcoming self-doubt
Running a successful café or restaurant takes more than a decent menu. Of course, serving up a great product is key to business success, but if customers don’t feel positive about their overall experience, it could be the reason they choose not to come back. “82% of customers would dump
Sponsored content provided by Retail World Whether it’s cutting back on meal prep or reducing the time spent shopping in the first place, convenience continues to shape Australia’s grocery habits. The desire for convenience has shaped the grocery sector perhaps more than any other trend. From the ability to get
Sponsored content provided by Foodie Coaches Hospitality is a love-driven business. We serve, we host, and we care. But behind the passion, there’s often quiet exhaustion. Long hours. Shrinking margins. A full dining room that somehow doesn’t translate into full bank accounts. It’s the kind of burnout that doesn’t come
The Melbourne born-and-bred chef spent his formative years cooking in the subterranean venue when it was called Ezard, a fine-dining institution closed without fanfare by chef Teague Ezard in the blur of 2020’s pandemic lockdowns. Now Brendan’s back in the iconic space under the Adelphi Hotel giving Melburnians a local
The last few months have been a whirlwind of industry triumphs and hardships. Now with the easing of almost all restrictions across the east coast, increased travel and a positive outlook for the industry, we’re looking ahead excitedly for the rest of this year. This week would have hosted Fine
