David McKillips, president and CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company to Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, is keynoting The Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit, a free half-day learning event for qualified pizzeria owners, operators and executives on July 31, 2024. Hosted by Networld Media Group, the parent company of Pizza Marketplace, FastCasual and QSRWeb, the virtual event features six 30-minute workshops with panelists from big chains, independent concepts and emerging brands.
“Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit is an event like no other,” said Mandy Detwiler, managing editor of Pizza Marketplace. “The event is free for qualified attendees, and learning opportunities abound. We have sessions on technology, labor shortages, rising costs and more — all the topics keeping restaurant executives up at night. And you’ll hear it straight from industry experts.”
McKillips will explore the state of the pizza industry today.
“According to a recent out-of-home impact on inflation survey we conducted with more than 1,000 parents of kids two to nine years old, 75% of parents said it is difficult for their family to find affordable entertainment options, and 93% said significant discounts on food and beverage would influence their decision to purchase a family entertainment pass,” he said. “So, we know that consumers are seeking value offerings for their families. This drove our decision when we were building our Summer Fun Pass for this summer on the Chuck E. Cheese side.”
McKillips will also discuss how creative toppings and menu LTOs are driving interest and sales.
“Our off-premises business is adjusting with stronger carry-out vs delivery for general consumers,” he added. “And finally, we see catering as a great growth opportunity as more corporations are pushing their employees back in the office.”
Other speakers include leaders from Pizzeria Camion, Amici, Papa Johns, Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria and more.
The summit is seeking additional speakers for the event. For more information, email Mandy Detwiler at mandyd@networldmediagroup.com.
To register for the Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit, click here.
About Networld Media Group
Founded in 2000, Networld Media Group is a leading media communications company specializing in digital media, events and associations in the technology, restaurant, banking, and retail industries. It’s media brands include ATMmarketplace.com, DigitalSignageToday.com, FastCasual.com, KioskMarketplace.com, QSRweb.com, RetailCustomerExperience.com and RewardsThatMatter.com. Events under the Networld umbrella include the Fast Casual Executive Summit, the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit and the Self-Service Innovation Summit.
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