INAUGURAL TECHTABLE SUMMIT ADDRESSES TECHNOLOGY’S IMPACT ON HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
One-day conference sponsored by American Express, Union Square Hospitality Group, Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc., and OpenTable brings together leaders in hospitality, technology, and venture capital
(NEW YORK, NY; August 10, 2015) – Leaders from the technology, hospitality, and investment industries will gather to discuss how their worlds are increasingly converging at the TechTable Summit on September 10th in New York. The one-day conference includes speakers and panel discussions on big data, payment and reservation technologies, social media, and other key topics that highlight how “hi-tech” solutions can support the “hi-touch” of hospitality through collaboration and innovation.
“As the pace of tech development increases, I believe consumers will continue to look for meaningful solutions that save them time—with no cost to quality or hospitality,” says Danny Meyer (CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group). “Hospitality professionals are hungry for technologies that create insights and efficiencies to enhance guest experiences and restaurant profitability.” Meyer will kick off the day at TechTable, along with Steve Case (Co-Founder of AOL and noted tech investor). As Case recently remarked to QSR Magazine, progress in the space is “going to require more partnerships between people who understand the restaurant industry and people who understand technology.”
Joining Meyer and Case, speakers include: Gary Vaynerchuk (Tech/Media Entrepreneur and Angel Investor), Phil Stead (VP Retail Systems, Reliant), Guy Rigby (VP Food & Beverage, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts), Dana Cowin (Editor-In-Chief, Food & Wine Magazine), Jocelyn Mangan (SVP Product Management, OpenTable), Nic Jammet (Co-Founder, Sweetgreen), and Alice Cheng (Founder & CEO, Culinary Agents). “I’m excited to join this incredible group of innovators to exchange perspectives and insights,” says Cheng. “I hope TechTable will lay the foundation for productive communication and co-development between leaders in tech and hospitality.”
The Summit will also feature a “Startup Showcase” curated by InSITE Fellows (a prominent technology leadership development program), where early stage entrepreneurs will be given a platform to present their companies to TechTable attendees.
TechTable was founded by individuals working in hospitality and technology who recognized the unprecedented change happening in both industries. Roughly one-quarter of consumers say technology options are important features that factor into their decision to choose a restaurant, underscoring that technology is rapidly becoming an expectation rather than a novelty when dining out (2014 Technology Innovations Consumer Survey, National Restaurant Association). As technology transforms the nature of the restaurant and hotel experience, the opportunities for each sector to adapt the way they do business will only continue to grow.
The TechTable Summit will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th at Apella, Event Space at Alexandria Center (450 East 29th Street, New York City). Tickets are $400, advance purchase required. For additional information please visit www.techtablesummit.com, or follow @techtablesummit on Twitter or Instagram.
