THE BUSINESS STAGE

AGENDA

Where big ideas meet real-world strategy.

The Business Stage brings together Australia’s most respected hospitality leaders, operators, and innovators to unpack the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry today. From growth strategies and financial foundations to leadership, brand building, and navigating industry change, this stage delivers insights you can put into action immediately.

Expect candid conversations and practical solutions that help venues of all sizes thrive. This is where the future of hospitality leadership takes shape — with big-picture perspectives designed to inspire smarter decisions, stronger teams, and sustainable growth.

Included in your show pass.

CATCH IT LIVE

Bringing together Australia's most respected hospitality leaders

Daryl McCormack
CEO / Zambrero
Rachel Korbel
Chief Marketing Officer / Pappa Flock
Jun Lee
Executive Director and Co-Founder / Gami Chicken & Beer
Adam Issa
Chief Marketing Officer / El Jannah
Fran Harper
Head of Sales & Marketing Global / Paramount 21 Ltd
Ben Dixon
CEO & Founder / Fonto
Ramon Castillo
CEO / Zeus Street Greek
Phil Keelan
Head of Operations / Five Guys
Corina Black
CMO / Wendy's
Wes Lambert
CEO / ARCA
James O'Connell
Founder/CEO / The Hospitality Company
Ben Carroll
Co-Founder & Director / Applejack Hospitatlity
Hamish Watts
Co-Founder & Director / Applejack Hospitatlity
Mark Shaw
Business Success Leadership Coach/Consultant / Shaw Thing
Daniel Drakopoulos
Managing Director / SRG Hospitality
Laura Goldberg
Chief Operating Officer / Hurricane's Grill
Judy McMahon
Director / Catalina
Brian Geraghty
Owner & Executive Chef / Berowra Waters Inn
Paul Ayyash
Hospitality Service Consultant / Hospo Dojo
Shane Richardson
Joint Director / Laundy Hotel Group / Watsons Bay Hotel
Joshua Hillary
Food & Beverage Director / Solotel
Joshua Green
Group General Manager / East Coast Collective
Paul Rifkin
Hospitality Consultant & Chef Coach / chefpaulrifkin consulting
George Redmond
Co-founder / Stanley House Studios (Moderator)
Justin Newton
Director / President / House Made Hospitality / UpTown District Sydney
Karl Schlothauer
Vice President / YCK Laneways
Lorraine Lock
Precinct Manager / Eastside Sydney
Jo Steuart
Director of Marketing & Partnerships / Applejack
Alice Ellis
Managing Editor / Time Out Sydney
Steve Sidd
Group Managing Director / Catering HQ
Anna Pavoni
Chief Business Officer / Maestro Hospitality | Cibaria at Manly Pacific
Giovanni Pilu
Chef / Flaminia at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Luke Mangan
Restaurateur/Chef / Luke's Kitchen at Kimpton Margot Sydney
Rebecca Jarvie-Gibbs
COO & Co-Founder / Example PR
Robert Smithson
Head of Culinary / Dnata
Nitin Kumar
Executive Assistant Manager - Food and Beverage Operations / Hyatt Regency Sydney
Dwane Goodman
COO / GEMA Group
David Martin
Hotel Service Manager & Executive Chef Manager / St Vincent's Care
    Location
  • Business Stage
    Type
  • Free
Reset
Mon 25 May 2026
Tue 26 May 2026
Wed 27 May 2026
All days
The Unstoppable Rise of Zambrero: Inside 20 Years of QSR Success
Monday 25 May
10:30 am - 11:15 am
The Business Stage - QSR + Fast Casual
Daryl McCormack
CEO
Zambrero
Domenic Sozzi
General Manager
Real Dairy Australia
Demand Plateaus, But Supply Accelerates - What Happens Next in QSR?
Monday 25 May
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
The Business Stage - QSR + Fast Casual
Ben Dixon
CEO & Founder
Fonto
From Souvlaki to Scale: The Zeus Street Greek Growth Story
Monday 25 May
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
The Business Stage - QSR + Fast Casual
Ramon Castillo
CEO
Zeus Street Greek
Tim Kummerfeld
How to Build a High-Performing Fast Casual Restaurant
Monday 25 May
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
The Business Stage - QSR + Fast Casual
James O'Connell
Founder/CEO
The Hospitality Company
How Institutional Catering Shapes Health, Morale and Community
Wednesday 27 May
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
The Business Stage - Institutional
David Martin
Hotel Service Manager & Executive Chef Manager
St Vincent's Care