Some say Christmas is the best time of year and they’re not wrong. I might say my birthday is the best time of year and I’m not wrong either. But let’s be honest, the best time of year for our business is right now: spring leading into summer.
Foot traffic starts picking up across the industry. People are getting out of their houses, the weather gets better, dining rooms come alive again, and restaurants start buzzing.
It also means some of the best restaurant trade shows and conferences of the year are happening, especially for marketers.
I’m hoping all of these are already on your calendar. If they aren’t, I highly recommend making plans now. Here are three events restaurant marketers should prioritize and where you’ll find me at each.
National Restaurant Association Show 2026
Chicago, IL • May 16–19, 2026
I’ll be back at the National Restaurant Association Show speaking on restaurant marketing, AI, retention, and guest acquisition while also spending time exploring the latest trends, technology, and ideas shaping hospitality.
Your Marketing Questions Answered: Ask Us Anything!
Saturday, May 16 • 11:00 AM–11:30 AM Discovery Theater – South Hall – 2693
A live Q&A covering restaurant marketing, social media, reviews, search visibility, and what actually drives traffic and sales for restaurants today.
Panelists:
Troy Hooper — Pepper Lunch
🥪 Deric Rosenbaum — Groucho's Deli
Julie Wade, CFE — Crazy Pita
AI + Predictive Marketing: Smarter Campaigns, Less Discounting
Saturday, May 16 • 2:00 PM–2:45 PM S404
A session on using AI and predictive marketing to drive smarter campaigns, improve targeting, increase guest frequency, and protect margins without over-discounting.
Panelist:
Kenneth Scharlatt, AHLA CFBE — Savage Orchid Hospitality
Restaurant Marketing Workshop 2026
Boston, MA • June 2–3, 2026
I’ll be opening the Restaurant Marketing Workshop with a keynote focused on building restaurant marketing systems that actually create long-term growth.
Tuesday, June 2
A session focused on why restaurants need infrastructure before exposure, and how brands can turn attention into repeat guests, retention, and sustainable growth.
The keynote will cover lessons from brands like Dave's Hot Chicken, Chili's, and Salad House, plus the systems restaurants should be building right now to maximize every marketing opportunity.
I’ll also be hosting the pre-show lunch crawl!
Digital Transformation in Fast Casual and QSR Summit 2026
The Westin Chicago Lombard • June 16–17, 2026
I’ll be joining a panel focused on predictive targeting, personalization, loyalty, and retention in modern restaurant marketing.
Marketing That Moves the Needle: Predictive Targeting, Personalization & Retention in 2026
Monday, June 15
A conversation around behavior-based marketing, first-party ordering, loyalty ecosystems, guest retention, and building stronger emotional connections with guests through smarter marketing systems.
Panelists:
Isaac Cordy — Swig
Dessie Brown — Feng Cha
Amanda Parker — Vicious Biscuit
==> Where will I see you?
PS. Looking for guidance on how to use AI to grow your restaurant business smarter?
Don’t forget to download my free e-book: The AI Playbook for Restaurants
Do you have any questions? Send me an email at [email protected]
— Rev Ciancio
WHAT DOES REV DO?
I help restaurants build guest marketing programs.
I help hospitality tech companies with lead generation and content marketing.
