FutureFWD 2026 Agenda
Tue, 21 Apr | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
The Digital Transformation Journey for Hospitality: Balancing Technology and Humanity in Hospitality 2026
Session
Discover how hospitality leaders are successfully navigating digital transformation in 2026 and beyond by integrating cutting-edge technologies—AI personalisation, contactless services, and predictive analytics—while preserving the authentic human connections that define exceptional guest experiences. This session features real-world case studies and practical strategies for leveraging technology as an enabler of enhanced service rather than a replacement for it, helping operators achieve the optimal balance between digital convenience and personal touch that drives guest loyalty and operational excellence in today’s competitive landscape.
Tue, 21 Apr | 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Tue, 21 Apr | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
The End of Hospitality as We Know It: Why Transformation is Our Greatest Opportunity
Keynote
Are traditional hospitality models becoming obsolete? Explore how industry leaders are seizing this moment of disruption as their greatest opportunity for innovation. This forward-looking session reveals how visionary operators are completely reimagining their business models, service delivery, and guest engagement strategies to thrive in the new hospitality landscape, providing actionable insights for transforming industry challenges into competitive advantages and sustainable growth opportunities.
Tue, 21 Apr | 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
The Sustainable Digital Hotel: Where Environmental Responsibility Meets Guest Experience
Session
In this era of conscious consumers, explore how innovative hotels are using smart technology and digital solutions to achieve ambitious sustainability goals while enhancing guest experiences. This session showcases breakthrough strategies for implementing green digital initiatives—from AI-powered energy management to food-waste reduction platforms—that reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and create meaningful connections with eco-conscious consumers, transforming sustainability from an operational challenge into a powerful competitive advantage.
Tue, 21 Apr | 2:50 PM – 3:20 PM
From Data Breaches to Ransomware: Building Cyber Resilience in Guest-Facing Industries
Session
Navigate the growing cybersecurity threats targeting hospitality operations, from data breaches to ransomware attacks, while maintaining brand confidence. This critical session sheds light on practices for building comprehensive cyber defence systems for hospitality, featuring real-world case studies, staff training best practices, and proven security frameworks that protect sensitive guest data and operational infrastructure without compromising service quality or business continuity.
Tue, 21 Apr | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Rise of QSR and Retail Brands From the East, Driving Innovation Through Technology
Session
Explore how innovative QSR and retail brands from the East are disrupting global markets through revolutionary technology adoption and business models. This session showcases unique strategies and approaches that are setting new worldwide standards for speed, convenience, and customer engagement, to drive competitive advantage and market penetration.
Tue, 21 Apr | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Business Networking
Invite Only
Wed, 22 Apr | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Business Breakfast by Saladplate
Wed, 22 Apr | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Why Unified Commerce is No Longer Optional: The New Retail Imperative
Session
Unified commerce has become a retail survival imperative as consumers demand seamless experiences across all channels. This essential session reveals how leading retailers are integrating their online, in-store, and mobile operations to create consistent brand experiences, featuring practical strategies for real-time inventory management, cross-channel data integration, and flexible fulfilment that drive customer satisfaction and competitive advantage in today’s connected marketplace.
Wed, 22 Apr | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Change Management & Upskilling for Tech Adoption
Session
Industry leaders share their views on how their brands and teams are overcoming resistance to new technology, designing effective training programs, and building cultures of continuous learning that turn technological challenges into competitive advantages, ensuring their workforce thrives in an increasingly digital business environment.
Wed, 22 Apr | 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Wed, 22 Apr | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
AI and the Age of Hyper-Personalisation – A Myth, Mystery or Magic?
Keynote
Separate AI hyper-personalisation reality from hype in this revealing session that examines what’s genuinely possible versus marketing promises. Explore real-world implementations, breakthrough innovations, and practical challenges of delivering individualised experiences at scale, while learning to navigate data privacy concerns, algorithmic limitations, and the balance between automation and human connection to create authentic personalisation strategies that drive business results.
Wed, 22 Apr | 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
Case Study: Innovation and Trends from Non-Commercial Food Operators
Session
This case study session highlights how mission-driven operations are pioneering sustainable practices, wellness-focused technologies, and inclusive dining models that commercial operators are adopting to meet the evolving demands of consumers for purpose-driven experiences. Explore innovations emerging from non-commercial food operators—corporate cafeterias, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions—that are setting industry trends and reshaping foodservice standards.
Wed, 22 Apr | 2:50 PM – 3:20 PM
Leveraging Data to Drive Revenue & Guest Loyalty
Session
Transform guest data into revenue-driving strategies and lasting loyalty through proven analytics frameworks and personalisation techniques. This practical session reveals how industry leaders are leveraging booking patterns, spending behaviours, and preference data to optimise pricing, create targeted experiences, and build compelling loyalty programs that maximise both guest satisfaction and business profitability while maintaining privacy and trust.
Wed, 22 Apr | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
The AI-Powered Middleman: How Smart Aggregators are Revolutionising Customer Discovery
Session
AI-powered aggregators are transforming customer discovery by using machine learning and predictive analytics to match consumers with relevant products and services more effectively than ever before. This forward-looking session explores strategic partnerships with intelligent platforms, optimisation techniques for AI-driven discovery, and the competitive implications of smart middlemen reshaping traditional customer acquisition in the digital marketplace.
Wed, 22 Apr | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Business Networking
Invite Only
Thu, 23 Apr | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Business Breakfast by Saladplate
Thu, 23 Apr | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
The Great Foodservice Talent Challenge: Navigating Labour Shortages Across APAC Markets
Session
Address the critical talent shortage impacting APAC foodservice markets through regional insights and innovative workforce solutions. Learn from market-specific challenges across Asia-Pacific countries and industry leaders reveal practical strategies for talent acquisition, retention, and operational optimisation that help foodservice operators build resilient teams and sustainable business models despite ongoing labour market pressures.
Thu, 23 Apr | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Need to Manage Omnichannel Customer Experiences – Integration Challenges Across Online and Offline Touchpoints
Session
As customer journeys become increasingly complex, spanning multiple digital and physical touchpoints, organisations face the critical challenge of delivering seamless, consistent experiences that meet rising expectations for personalisation and convenience across all channels. This essential session addresses the technical, operational, and strategic complexities of creating truly integrated omnichannel experiences, exploring how leading companies are breaking down silos between online platforms, mobile applications, physical locations, and customer service channels to create unified customer journeys.
Thu, 23 Apr | 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Thu, 23 Apr | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Surviving the Squeeze: Reinventing F&B for Resilience in an Era of Rising Costs via Kitchen Automation and Delivery Optimisation Platforms
Keynote
As food and beverage operators face unprecedented pressure from rising ingredient costs, labour shortages, and increased operational expenses, the strategic implementation of kitchen automation and delivery optimisation technologies has become essential for maintaining profitability and competitive advantage. This vital session explores how forward-thinking F&B businesses are leveraging cutting-edge automation solutions—from robotic food preparation and AI-powered inventory management to automated cooking systems and smart kitchen workflows.
Thu, 23 Apr | 2:10 PM – 4:00 PM
FCSI Session
Session
Thu, 23 Apr | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
FCSI Networking
Invite Only
Brought to you by
In partnership with
Silver Sponsor
FutureFWD 2026 Agenda
Tue, 21 Apr | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
The Digital Transformation Journey for Hospitality: Balancing Technology and Humanity in Hospitality 2026
Session
Session Description
Discover how hospitality leaders are successfully navigating digital transformation in 2026 and beyond by integrating cutting-edge technologies—AI personalisation, contactless services, and predictive analytics—while preserving the authentic human connections that define exceptional guest experiences. This session features real-world case studies and practical strategies for leveraging technology as an enabler of enhanced service rather than a replacement for it, helping operators achieve the optimal balance between digital convenience and personal touch that drives guest loyalty and operational excellence in today’s competitive landscape.
Tue, 21 Apr | 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Tue, 21 Apr | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
The End of Hospitality as We Know It: Why Transformation is Our Greatest Opportunity
Keynote
Keynote Description
Are traditional hospitality models becoming obsolete? Explore how industry leaders are seizing this moment of disruption as their greatest opportunity for innovation. This forward-looking session reveals how visionary operators are completely reimagining their business models, service delivery, and guest engagement strategies to thrive in the new hospitality landscape, providing actionable insights for transforming industry challenges into competitive advantages and sustainable growth opportunities.
Tue, 21 Apr | 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
The Sustainable Digital Hotel: Where Environmental Responsibility Meets Guest Experience
Session
Session Description
In this era of conscious consumers, explore how innovative hotels are using smart technology and digital solutions to achieve ambitious sustainability goals while enhancing guest experiences. This session showcases breakthrough strategies for implementing green digital initiatives—from AI-powered energy management to food-waste reduction platforms—that reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and create meaningful connections with eco-conscious consumers, transforming sustainability from an operational challenge into a powerful competitive advantage.
Tue, 21 Apr | 2:50 PM – 3:20 PM
From Data Breaches to Ransomware: Building Cyber Resilience in Guest-Facing Industries
Session
Session Description
Navigate the growing cybersecurity threats targeting hospitality operations, from data breaches to ransomware attacks, while maintaining brand confidence. This critical session sheds light on practices for building comprehensive cyber defence systems for hospitality, featuring real-world case studies, staff training best practices, and proven security frameworks that protect sensitive guest data and operational infrastructure without compromising service quality or business continuity.
Tue, 21 Apr | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Rise of QSR and Retail Brands From the East, Driving Innovation Through Technology
Session
Session Description
Explore how innovative QSR and retail brands from the East are disrupting global markets through revolutionary technology adoption and business models. This session showcases unique strategies and approaches that are setting new worldwide standards for speed, convenience, and customer engagement, to drive competitive advantage and market penetration.
Tue, 21 Apr | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Business Networking
Invite Only
Wed, 22 Apr | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Business Breakfast by Saladplate
Wed, 22 Apr | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Why Unified Commerce is No Longer Optional: The New Retail Imperative
Session
Session Description
Unified commerce has become a retail survival imperative as consumers demand seamless experiences across all channels. This essential session reveals how leading retailers are integrating their online, in-store, and mobile operations to create consistent brand experiences, featuring practical strategies for real-time inventory management, cross-channel data integration, and flexible fulfilment that drive customer satisfaction and competitive advantage in today’s connected marketplace.
Wed, 22 Apr | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Change Management & Upskilling for Tech Adoption
Session
Session Description
Industry leaders share their views on how their brands and teams are overcoming resistance to new technology, designing effective training programs, and building cultures of continuous learning that turn technological challenges into competitive advantages, ensuring their workforce thrives in an increasingly digital business environment.
Wed, 22 Apr | 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Wed, 22 Apr | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
AI and the Age of Hyper-Personalisation – A Myth, Mystery or Magic?
Keynote
Keynote Description
Separate AI hyper-personalisation reality from hype in this revealing session that examines what’s genuinely possible versus marketing promises. Explore real-world implementations, breakthrough innovations, and practical challenges of delivering individualised experiences at scale, while learning to navigate data privacy concerns, algorithmic limitations, and the balance between automation and human connection to create authentic personalisation strategies that drive business results.
Wed, 22 Apr | 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM
Case Study: Innovation and Trends from Non-Commercial Food Operators
Session
Session Description
This case study session highlights how mission-driven operations are pioneering sustainable practices, wellness-focused technologies, and inclusive dining models that commercial operators are adopting to meet the evolving demands of consumers for purpose-driven experiences. Explore innovations emerging from non-commercial food operators—corporate cafeterias, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions—that are setting industry trends and reshaping foodservice standards.
Wed, 22 Apr | 2:50 PM – 3:20 PM
Leveraging Data to Drive Revenue & Guest Loyalty
Session
Session Description
Transform guest data into revenue-driving strategies and lasting loyalty through proven analytics frameworks and personalisation techniques. This practical session reveals how industry leaders are leveraging booking patterns, spending behaviours, and preference data to optimise pricing, create targeted experiences, and build compelling loyalty programs that maximise both guest satisfaction and business profitability while maintaining privacy and trust.
Wed, 22 Apr | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
The AI-Powered Middleman: How Smart Aggregators are Revolutionising Customer Discovery
Session
Session Description
AI-powered aggregators are transforming customer discovery by using machine learning and predictive analytics to match consumers with relevant products and services more effectively than ever before. This forward-looking session explores strategic partnerships with intelligent platforms, optimisation techniques for AI-driven discovery, and the competitive implications of smart middlemen reshaping traditional customer acquisition in the digital marketplace.
Wed, 22 Apr | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Business Networking
Invite Only
Thu, 23 Apr | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Business Breakfast by Saladplate
Thu, 23 Apr | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
The Great Foodservice Talent Challenge: Navigating Labour Shortages Across APAC Markets
Session
Session Description
Address the critical talent shortage impacting APAC foodservice markets through regional insights and innovative workforce solutions. Learn from market-specific challenges across Asia-Pacific countries and industry leaders reveal practical strategies for talent acquisition, retention, and operational optimisation that help foodservice operators build resilient teams and sustainable business models despite ongoing labour market pressures.
Thu, 23 Apr | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Need to Manage Omnichannel Customer Experiences – Integration Challenges Across Online and Offline Touchpoints
Session
Session Description
As customer journeys become increasingly complex, spanning multiple digital and physical touchpoints, organisations face the critical challenge of delivering seamless, consistent experiences that meet rising expectations for personalisation and convenience across all channels. This essential session addresses the technical, operational, and strategic complexities of creating truly integrated omnichannel experiences, exploring how leading companies are breaking down silos between online platforms, mobile applications, physical locations, and customer service channels to create unified customer journeys.
Thu, 23 Apr | 12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Thu, 23 Apr | 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Surviving the Squeeze: Reinventing F&B for Resilience in an Era of Rising Costs via Kitchen Automation and Delivery Optimisation Platforms
Keynote
Keynote Description
As food and beverage operators face unprecedented pressure from rising ingredient costs, labour shortages, and increased operational expenses, the strategic implementation of kitchen automation and delivery optimisation technologies has become essential for maintaining profitability and competitive advantage. This vital session explores how forward-thinking F&B businesses are leveraging cutting-edge automation solutions—from robotic food preparation and AI-powered inventory management to automated cooking systems and smart kitchen workflows.
Thu, 23 Apr | 2:10 PM – 4:00 PM
FCSI Session
Session
Thu, 23 Apr | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
FCSI Networking
Invite Only
Brought to you by
In partnership with
Silver Sponsor