JKS Restaurants will discuss reimagining its digital guest experience, and joining the dots between marketing, events and operations, in a special three-strong panel at Hostech.

Featuring three senior members of the BAO, Berenjak and Gymkhana operator, the discussion will centre around digital marketing, events and reservations, and ops, and explore this collaborative cross department effort.

Marketing director David Staley, head of sales, events & reservations Vanessa Torrie and director of operations Tom Ward will discuss how a collaborative approach, combined with a relentless focus on data driven optimisation, has unlocked growth in covers and sales across the group.

Taking place at the Ham Yard Hotel on Wednesday 7 Feburary, the hospitality sector’s leading technology conference brings together a unique blend of operators, suppliers and industry innovators for a day of inspiring panels, discussions and insight sessions. 

Key topics for exploration include tech infrastructure and integration, data management and bookings optimisation, attracting and retaining customers, omnichannel approaches and loyalty, perks and rewards. 

Discussing digital transformation and its newly launched network, MiXR, is Stonegate Group’s marketing director, James Metcalfe, in a presentation exploring digital media at the UK’s biggest pub company.

Delegates will hear how the “game-changing” new app, which connects guests to the entire 850-strong managed estate, earn loyalty rewards and unlock personalised experiences, will also allow brands to connect with target consumers throughout their digital and physical journeys in outlet.

Meanwhile, Jon Davis, chief technology officer for The Ivy Collection, Caprice Holdings, The Birley Clubs, Bill’s Restaurants, explores elevated guest experiences through digital, and will reveal how The The Ivy Premier Rewards is more than just an app, offering exclusive rewards and seamless reservations. 

Other highlights include insight from Pizza Express digital and loyalty director Arslan Sharif, who will tell the story of the casual dining brand’s multi-million loyalty scheme, and how it drives loyalty across dine-in, delivery and retail channels.

Gail’s Bakery head of e-commerce Rosie Hill will detail how the bakery brand is improving the customer experience, operations and quality, while reducing waste, as it builds craft at scale.

Driving great in-restaurant experiences with digital, is the topic for the day for Azzurri Group digital & technology director Joel Robinson.

He will discuss the digital transformation journey and critical tech infrastructure at the ASK and Zizzi operator and share innovative ideas to tackle the challenge of managing complex datasets at the Italian casual dining group.

With a focus on financial technology, Pizza Pilgrims FD Sophie Gilchriest will explore how bespoke innovation is driving financial efficiencies and operational insight.

Further topic-lead panel discussions feature experts from Fuller’s, Creams, Mitchells & Butlers, Burger King, Uber Eats, F1® Arcade, Lucky Voice, Red Engine, Marugame Udon, Sessions, Rosa’s Thai Café and Caravan.