2.21.2025
HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, returns to Excel London on 17-19 March, once again bringing together hospitality and foodservice operators with quality suppliers across Foodservice, Professional Kitchen Equipment, Furniture, Interiors & Tableware, and Hospitality Technology.
At the heart of the show’s technology offering is the TechX stage, in partnership with Foodsteps, where industry leaders will explore the latest tech trends and innovations shaping the future of hospitality.
The TechX stage at HRC 2025 promises an exciting program curated in collaboration with Peach 20/20 and Tech on Toast. Industry veteran Peter Martin, Co-Founder of Peach 20/20 and The Atlantic Club, will host key discussions, describing the platform as “free consultancy for anyone looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond.”
Day one kicks off with a fireside chat between Martin and Tom James, MD of Bill’s Restaurants, exploring how technology is transforming hospitality, from AI-powered chatbots to self-service kiosks. This is followed by a session on AI’s role in operations and guest experience, featuring Chris Fletcher of Tech on Toast, Frankie O’Connell of Blank Street Coffee UK, and Matt Grimshaw of Youda.
Later, Jo Lynch of KAM will moderate a discussion on cultivating customer loyalty through technology, with insights from Dan Brockman (Airship & Toggle), Rebecca Farrer (wagamama), Rhiannon Scarlett (TGI Fridays UK), and Richard Dawson (dunnhumby). Another panel, featuring Joel Robinson (Openr), Tommy Giraux (Honest Burgers Ltd), and William Connors (Wingstop UK), will address navigating the tech stack and balancing bespoke and add-on solutions.
Day two will feature sessions on maximizing CRM potential with speakers including Edwina Low (Harry Ramsden’s), Harry Fielder (Umi Digital), Ruth Carpenter (Pizza Pilgrims), and Yogesh Ram (The Athenaeum). A panel on food delivery evolution, moderated by Chris Fletcher, will include Chris Matthews (Pret a Manger), Florian de Chezelles (The Salad Project), and Joe Heather (Deliverect). The day concludes with a discussion on tech in culinary operations, featuring experts from Google, Sylvester Keal, and the Asian Restaurant Owners Network.
The final day will explore the connection between brands and guests, AI’s role in forecasting, and how tech is shaping hospitality recruitment, with speakers from Burger King UK, JKS Restaurants, Gaucho, and Nightcap.
Meet the Innovators in Hospitality Tech
Beyond the TechX stage, HRC’s Hospitality Tech section will feature a wide range of cutting-edge brands. Hawktivity will be showcasing QHawk, an AI system for QSRs that provides real-time operational insights. Predictive Insights will offer strategic forecasting and AI-powered labor scheduling, helping businesses optimize their workforce planning.
Cerve will address data inefficiencies and AI-powered data integrity for the food and beverage sector, ensuring that businesses can make more informed decisions with cleaner, more reliable data. Meanwhile, All Gravy is tackling Gen Z workforce challenges with an AI-driven employee engagement app designed to improve staff retention and workplace satisfaction.
HRC takes place alongside IFE Manufacturing, IFE, The Pub Show and International Salon Culinaire as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. To learn more about everything happening at this year’s event and to register for your complimentary trade ticket visit hrc.co.uk.
