31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sponsored content provided by Foodie Coaches Payday super is coming. And honestly? It’s the best thing that’s happened to payroll in Australia. Payday super starts 1 July 2026. I’ll be straight with you — it’s what should have happened when super was first introduced. From that date, every time you
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
Sponsored content provided by ARCA 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
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
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
