QSR Media UK Conference & Awards 2025

*Subject to change

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM   Networking Registration

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM   Welcome Remarks

9:05 AM - 9:25 AM   Economic Update

• Shannon Goldsmith, Senior Insight Analyst, IGD

9:25 AM - 9:45 AM   International Keynote 

• Jim Bitticks, President & COO, Dave’s Hot Chicken

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM   Leader’s Panel

This panel convenes leading figures from the UK's quick-service and fast-casual restaurant sectors to address the pressing challenges operators are encountering in 2025. Amidst a backdrop of rising operational costs, including increased energy bills and inflation, many establishments are grappling with financial difficulties, leading to closures across the industry. Panelists will delve into shifting consumer behaviours, such as heightened price sensitivity and growing demand for healthier options, as well as the integration of emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and customer engagement

• Will Stratton-Morris, CEO, Caffè Nero
• Guy Meakin, President & Managing Director UK & Ireland, Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland 
• Ian Cranna, General Manager, Taco Bell UK & Europe
• Chris Phylactou, UK Managing Director, Papa Johns

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM   Morning Break

10:45 AM - 11:10 AM   Speaking Session, followed by a 1:1 with McDonald's

• Seton Leung, Head of UK Foodservice, Circana
• Edd Hermes, Business Insight Lead, McDonald's

11:10 AM - 11:40 AM   CEO Fireside Chat

• Alasdair Murdoch, CEO, Burger King UK

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM   Speaking Session

12:10 AM - 1:10 PM   Lunch Break

1:10 PM - 2:10 PM   Awards Programme

2:10 PM - 2:30 PM   Marketing Case Study

2:30 PM - 2:50 PM   Sandwich Sandwich speaking session

• Nick Kleiner, CEO & Founder, Sandwich Sandwich

2:50 PM - 3:15 PM   Marketing Panel

This panel brings together top marketing leaders from the UK’s quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industry to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities in 2025. As rising costs, shifting consumer behaviours, and digital transformation reshape the landscape, panelists will explore innovative strategies to drive customer engagement, build brand loyalty, and maximize marketing impact.

• Anya Mackessy, Head of Marketing & E-commerce, Paul UK
• Siobhan Randles, Marketing Manager, Auntie Anne's
• James Dodd, Group Head of Marketing, Boparan Restaurant Group

3:15 PM - 3:45 PM   Afternoon Break

3:45 PM - 4:00 PM   Thriving in Turbulence in the Foodservice Market: Growth Opportunities and Success Strategies

This session will cover the following topics: (1) Current market overview: Identifying growing segments and regional variations, (2) The Impact of Inflation on the Sector: Effects across different segments, product categories, and price ranges, (3) Menu and Pricing Strategies: How key players are adapting, and (4) Promotional Support: Strategies key players use to enhance product visibility. 

• Maria Vanifatova, CEO & Founder, Meaningful Vision

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM   Is AI the future of pricing?

AI is becoming an increasingly important tool for QSR leaders across brands; however we often see confusion on what it can and can’t do. By breaking the question down into 3 parts we aim to provide clarity on where AI can support your price strategy. Firstly, by addressing what is the future of pricing, then where can AI support and closing by identifying where else AI can support sales and transaction growth.  

• Rosalind Hunter, Partner, Simon-Kucher 

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM   Panel Session

4:45 PM   End of Programme