HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, has unveiled the seminar programme for its TechX stage. Aimed at showcasing the latest tech trends and innovations in foodservice and hospitality, TechX in partnership with Foodsteps, is, according to Peter Martin, co-founder of Peach 20/20 and the Atlantic Club, ‘a free consultancy for anyone looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond.’
Meanwhile, HRC has partnered with Peach and Tech on Toast to curate a programme of content throughout the show, which takes place from 17th-19th March at Excel London.
Day One
The first day of the show will kick off with a fireside chat between Martin and Tom James, MD of Bill’s Restaurants, exploring how technology is transforming the hospitality industry, from AI-powered chatbots to self-service kiosks and digital ordering.
This will be followed by a session on how AI can revolutionise operations and enhance guest experience, hosted by Chris Fletcher of Tech on Toast, joined by Frankie O’Connell of Blank Street Coffee UK and Matt Grimshaw of Youda.
Meanwhile, Jo Lynch of KAM will take to the stage to moderate a discussion between Dan Brockman of Airship & Toggle, Rebecca Farrer of Wagamama, Rhiannon Scarlett of TGI Fridays UK and Richard Dawson of dunnhumby, on cultivating customer loyalty through technology.
Day Two
The second day of HRC will see the TechX stage cover how to make the most of CRMs, with speakers including Edwina Low of Harry Ramsdens, Harry Fielder of Umi Digital, Ruth Carpenter of Pizza Pilgrims and Yogesh Ram of The Athenaeum.
This will be followed by a discuss on the evolution of food delivery, moderated by Tech on Toast’s Chris Fletcher and featuring panellists Chris Matthews of Pret a Manger, Florian de Chezelles of the Salad Project and Deliverect’s Joe Heather.
Day two will conclude with a discussion on how tech is transforming culinary operations. Moderated by FEA Chief Executive, John Cunningham, panellists will include Ben Keal of Sylvester Keal, James Shaw of Google and Rehan Uddin of the Asian Restaurant Owners Network.
Day Three
The final day of HRC will see the TechX stage cover how connecting brands to guests can drive long-term success, with panellists Dom Rosenfold of Pepper, Harry Ridley of Levy (Compass Group), and Katie Akers of Market Halls.
Brendan Kelly, of JKS Restaurants, Erika Biggadike of 4C Associates and Tim Doubleday of Burger King UK will then take to the stage to discuss to potential of AI in forecasting and how to unlock new predictive powers for hospitality CFOs.
‘People talk about AI as a replacement but I believe it is an addition,’ says Kelly. ‘It’s about giving our teams these tools so that they can enhance rather than automate the guest experience, which will in turn improve the bottom line.”‘
Finally, Tech on Toast’s Chris Fletcher will be joined by Dominic Ashworth of Gaucho and Mike Philips of Nightcap to discuss how technology is driving recruitment in the hospitality sector.
To view the full seminar programme for HRC 2025, including the Vision Stage, in partnership with Future Menus by Unilever Food Solutions and designed by Harp Design, visit hrc.co.uk/seminar-programme.
Taking place alongside IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, HRC is the UK’s most popular trade show for the hospitality sector. To find out more about everything happening at HRC 2025, and to register for your complimentary trade ticket, visit hrc.co.uk.