The Pizza Tomorrow Summit and Florida Restaurant Show return to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center on November 6 through 7, 2024. Co-located for the second consecutive year, these shows will feature nearly 300 exhibitors, offering attendees the latest innovations in food, beverage, kitchen equipment and tech solutions.
One admission gives pizzeria, restaurant and foodservice professionals access to both shows. The Florida Restaurant Show is sponsored by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), and both events are produced by Restaurant Events, LLC. All attendees will have access to more than 40 hours of complimentary education plus engaging culinary demonstrations and competitions.
“Our two-day education program is designed to tackle the key challenges in today’s pizzeria, restaurant and foodservice industry, from technology to sustainability,” said Glenn Celentano, CEO of Restaurant Events, LLC. “We focus on practical strategies that attendees can implement immediately. This year, we’ve brought together top industry experts to provide real solutions. Our goal is to equip attendees with the tools they need to thrive and stay competitive.”
While descriptions of the full lineup of sessions are available online at the 2024 Program-at-a-Glance, highlights of key trends and opportunities featured in this year’s program include:
Technological advances: Learn how AI-driven tools and emerging technologies are reshaping pizzeria, restaurant and foodservice operations. Presenters from various fields, including tech developers, restaurant operators, and systems integration experts, will provide actionable insights on using technology to streamline processes, improve customer service, and boost profitability.
Sustainability & eco-friendly practices: As consumer demand for sustainable dining options increases, experts from sustainability consulting, food safety, and culinary operations will share strategies to reduce waste and adopt eco-friendly practices while maintaining profitability. Attendees will gain practical tools to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.
Mental health & leadership: With ongoing staffing challenges, leading HR professionals, mental health advocates, and leadership consultants will provide solutions for building supportive workplace cultures. These sessions will focus on reducing employee burnout, improving retention, and fostering stronger, more cohesive teams.
Customer engagement & marketing: Marketing specialists, digital strategists, and brand experts will offer data-driven approaches to increase customer loyalty, enhance brand visibility, and optimize social media strategies. Attendees will leave with clear tactics for strengthening their customer engagement and building long-term relationships.
Capital solutions & funding: Financial consultants, leasing experts, and industry advisors will cover essential topics on securing funding, navigating leases, and improving financial stability. These sessions will provide attendees with key insights to help them grow their businesses and ensure financial success.
Operational efficiency: Logistics professionals and off-premises dining experts will provide practical advice on optimizing delivery, takeout, and catering services. Attendees will learn how to maintain operational excellence.
The NEW Culinary Innovation Theater will feature live culinary demonstrations with Chef Jennifer Hill Booker, a celebrated culinary educator, author, and owner of Bauhaus Biergarten. She’ll share her expertise in leveraging community engagement as a critical success factor for independent restaurants.
Maneet Chauhan, award-winning Indian chef and owner of eet in Disney Springs, will showcase her fusion of traditional Indian flavors with contemporary techniques while discussing culinary innovation and personal branding.
Matt Catherincchia, founding member of Chefs Feeding Kids will present with Chef Jamie Culliton from the Nonna Slice House in Safety Harbor, Florida, who will demonstrate Detroit-style Pizza while the two talk about social responsibility.
Social media influencer and Michelin-trained Chef Alex Trim, known for his fine dining experience, will demystify high-end Michelin-style cooking, focusing on how restaurateurs can elevate their menu offerings without sacrificing accessibility. Plus, he’ll provide insights on personal branding to grow the business. Sommelier Brian Connors will lead a session on food and wine pairings for restaurateurs, guiding them on the business impact of curating the perfect beverage list.
In partnership with the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Central Florida Chapter, there will be three ACF-sanctioned, live-action showpiece competitions—including the Rapid-Fire Market Basket Competition, Mystery Basket Fruit & Vegetable Carving, and Cake Decorating—which will showcase regional culinary talent.
During the Pizza Tomorrow Summit, the U.S. Pizza Team (USPT) will host the 2024 Galbani Professionale Pizza Cup & Acrobatic Trials (GPPC). Some of the nation’s most talented pizzaioli and pizza athletes will compete in categories like Non-Traditional Pizza, Best Cheese Pizza, and Pizza Acrobatics to name a few.
These two full days of demonstrations and competitions will provide chefs, foodservice managers, pizza, and culinary professionals with real-world inspiration and new ideas to elevate their operations. In addition, Tom Santos from General Mills will present his popular Pizza Dough Boot Campon Wednesday afternoon.
Additionally, attendees are invited to register separately for two in-depth workshops. Restaurant Management 201, led by leadership and operations experts, will focus on team development and operational efficiency. A new addition is The Restaurant Marketing Playbook, led bytop restaurant marketerswho will offer strategies to improve branding, customer engagement, and profitability.
Register by November 5 to save more than 20% on the event. General admission includes exhibits, sessions, and competitions. Separate registration is required for the specialty workshops.
