All sessions will be approximately 30 minutes in length.

Opening Keynote

Kevin King

CEO & President
Donatos Pizza


How to Scale Your Pizzeria Without Losing Quality or Customers

This session will equip operators with the strategies and tools to successfully scale their pizzerias. We’ll delve into key areas like optimizing kitchen operations for increased efficiency and throughput, developing effective marketing campaigns to attract and retain loyal customers and exploring innovative strategies to expand your reach through delivery services, online ordering platforms and franchising. You’ll learn how to manage inventory effectively, control costs and maintain consistent quality while increasing production.

Steven Adyani

Chief Operations Officer
Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Estella Ferrera

President & CEO
Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co.

Kevin King

CEO & President
Donatos Pizza


Turn Ordinary Employees into an Extraordinary Team

This session will focus on the critical aspect of building a high-performing team within your pizzeria. We’ll explore effective team-building exercises, communication strategies, and leadership development techniques to foster a positive and productive work environment. You’ll learn how to delegate tasks effectively, provide constructive feedback and resolve conflicts constructively. We’ll discuss the importance of creating a clear vision and shared goals for your team and how to motivate and inspire your employees to achieve them.

Tom Sacco

CEO, Chief Happiness Officer & President
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlors and Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Kitchen

Troy Tracy

CEO
Emmy Squared Pizza

Kevin King

CEO & President
Donatos Pizza


How to Master Pizzeria Finances without a Business Degree

This session will provide you with the essential financial management skills needed to ensure the long-term success of your pizzeria. We’ll cover key areas such as budgeting, cost control and profit maximization. You’ll learn how to analyze your financial statements, track key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify areas for improvement. We’ll also discuss strategies for managing cash flow, securing funding and minimizing financial risks.

Carl Comeaux

CEO
Crust Pizza Co.

Jordan Krolick

President
Blue Moon Pizza

Kevin King

CEO & President
Donatos Pizza


Why Being Good Isn’t Good Enough: The New Rules of Pizza Competition

This session will equip you with the strategies and tools to effectively navigate the competitive landscape of the pizzeria industry. We’ll explore market research techniques to identify your target audience and understand your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. You’ll learn how to differentiate your pizzeria by developing a unique brand identity, offering innovative menu items and providing exceptional customer service. We’ll also discuss strategies for leveraging online platforms, social media marketing and local partnerships to build brand awareness and attract new customers.

George Panagopoulos

Owner & Operator
Dedham House of Pizza

Michael Stevens

Co-Owner
Palo Mesa Pizza

Kevin King

CEO & President
Donatos Pizza


The Future of the Pizza Biz: Are You Ready for These Tech Trends?

This session will explore how to leverage technology and innovation to enhance the efficiency, customer experience and profitability of your pizzeria. We’ll delve into the latest technologies impacting the food service industry, such as online ordering platforms, mobile payment systems and POS systems and customer relationship management (CRM) software. You’ll learn how to utilize technology to streamline operations, improve order accuracy and gain valuable customer insights. We’ll also discuss innovative menu development strategies, exploring trends like plant-based options, customizable pizzas and unique flavor combinations.

Greg LaFauci

Vice President of Technology
&pizza

CJ Wolford

Chief Marketing Officer
Sbarro

Kevin King

CEO & President
Donatos Pizza


From Dough to Sauce: What You’re Missing in Crafting the Perfect Pie

So, you’ve got a pizzeria. How’s your food? This session will take a look at the art and science of crafting the perfect pizza. We’ll explore the fundamentals of pizza-making, from selecting the highest quality ingredients, such as flour, yeast and tomatoes, to mastering dough prep techniques like kneading, proofing and shaping. You’ll learn about different pizza styles, from classic Neapolitan and Roman to Chicago deep-dish and New York-style, and how to adjust your techniques accordingly. We’ll also cover advanced techniques like creating unique dough variations, developing signature sauces and mastering the art of cheese blending.

Brian Brindza

Director of Culinary & Menu Innovation
Toppers Pizza

Kathleen Kennedy

Director of Culinary Innovation
Marco’s Pizza

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