December 4-6, 2023 | Miami — It’s not too late! Registration is open until Dec. 1. Register Now

AGENDA

MONDAY // DECEMBER 4, 2023


| Registration

Registration Opens

All attendees, sponsors and speakers must check in at the registration desk and pick up a name badge. Please wear your badge at all times during the Summit.

| Exhibits

Tech Time

Spend some time in our tech pavilion, where you'll learn about products and services dedicated to improving your company's operations.


| Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host:
  • Cherryh Cansler | VP of Events | Networld Media Group


| Opening Keynote

Migrating to Self-Service: A Roadmap for Success

As consumers seek more engaging forms of entertainment, the amusement industry has been on an upswing, thanks in no small measure to self-service technology. Mike Abecassis, owner of the Florida GameTime family entertainment chain, shares his inspiring journey in his multi-faceted gaming operation. Gain insights into the challenges he faced, the strategies he devised, and the innovations that have propelled him to the pinnacle of success. Discover how one man's vision and dedication have paved the way for a new era of self-service technology, offering a roadmap for success that that transcends industries and inspires us all.
Keynote Speaker:
  • Mike Abecassis | Founder & CEO | GameTime & General Vending Service

Keynote Speaker
Mike Abecassis
Founder & CEO
GameTime & General Vending Service


| Networking Event

Welcome Reception

Join us at the start of the Summit for a chance to network with attendees, speakers and sponsors over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.


TUESDAY // DECEMBER 5, 2023


| Breakfast

| Keynote Session

Digital Innovation in Travel: Is the Next Frontier Airport Dining?

Today’s travel experience is vastly different than it was 20 years ago thanks to digital initiatives that can remove friction and barriers nearly every step of the journey. Travelers have become accustomed to the convenience of booking and managing their trips, requesting rideshares, checking in to hotels, and more — all via their smartphone. They have significantly more control over their experience, and the next frontier of this innovation is airport dining. Learn how kiosks, mobile order and pay, and vending are transforming how and where travelers eat while on the move.
Keynote Speaker:
  • Neil Thompson | VP, Digital | HMS Host

Presenters:
  • Steven MacArthur-Brooks | Director, Non-Traditional Development, Burger King, U.S. & Canada | Restaurant Brands International
  • Morgan Petty | Interactive Experience Account Director | Frank Mayer

Sponsored by Frank Mayer – Kiosks and Displays
Keynote Speaker
Neil Thompson
VP, Digital
HMS Host


| Break

| Kiosk Focus

Check-in Kiosks: Finding the Right Solution for Your Venue

The growth of check-in kiosks in recent years has drawn a host of new equipment and technology players to the market. User verticals have expanded beyond travel, health care, hotels, lobby, and hospitality to include many types of businesses and organizations. How does an organization determine what capabilities they need for a check-in kiosk, and what qualities should they seek in a provider? This session will offer some insights.
Panelists:
  • Ray Bonneau | VP of Client Solutions | Virdee
  • Roxann Favors | Assistant Aviation Director/Chief Revenue Officer | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
  • Harikrishna Patel | Board Director | Asian American Hotel Owners Association

Moderator:
  • Jeremy DuPont | VP of Product & Marketing | Kiosk Information Systems

Sponsored by KIOSK Information Systems
| Vending Focus

Meeting Customer Expectations for Micro Markets, Vending and More

Customer preferences nowadays are more diverse than ever, with calls for gluten-free, sustainability, functionality and more. How can a convenience services operator know what products will meet the needs of a diverse and demanding customer? What resources are available? A panel of experts weighs in on the process.
Panelists:
  • Jeremy Cauble | Director of Strategic Innovation | Canteen North America
  • Ray Friedrich | CEO | East Street Business Advisors
  • Drew Munro | Co-Founder & CEO | UpMeals
  • Danelle Russell | Senior Director of Brand Marketing | Five Star Food Service

Moderator:
  • Ryan McWhirter | VP of Product Management | 365 Retail Markets

Sponsored by 365 Retail Markets

| Lunch

| Kiosk Focus

Blue Ribbon Customer Service for Unattended Retail

As the “phygital” economy has expanded, self-serve kiosks are playing an important role in allowing brands to combine digital and physical venues to offer an omnichannel shopping experience. How does a brand ensure the same level of customer satisfaction from self-serve touchpoints as attended environments? This panel explores available technology options.
Panelists:
  • Sean Albertson | Founder & CXO | CX4ROCKS
  • Sassan Rahimzadeh | President | ARYA Cleaners
  • Alejandro Rodriguez | Founder & CEO | Amerikiosks Corp.

Moderator:
  • Elliot Maras | Editor | Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Sponsored by friendlyway
| Vending Focus

Product Shrink in Micro Markets: What Can You Do?

Micro markets continue to expand at a fast pace across the customer landscape, offering more variety than ever. One challenge that continues to undermine the micro-market experience from the operator’s perspective is product shrink. A panel of veterans explores what strategies work best to overcome this challenge.
Panelists:
  • Bridger Keally | Sales Director | Panoptyc
  • Ryan McWhirter | VP of Product Management | 365 Retail Markets
  • Zachary Oliver | President | Dependable Break Room Solutions
  • Jeff Ping | Operations Excellence Manager | Aramark Refreshments

Moderator:
  • Wayne Vandekraak | Chief Sales Officer | OptConnect

Sponsored by OptConnect

| Refreshment Break

| Kiosk Focus

Innovation: What’s Hot; What’s Not?

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and 5G telemetry are just some of the technologies bringing new capabilities to the self-service market. What new innovations are setting progressive actors apart in today’s self-service playing field? How does a brand or retailer find technology resources? A panel of experts weighs in.
Panelists:
  • Randy Chilton | Chief Marketing Officer | National Entertainment Network
  • Phil Deckers | Director of Technical Solutions | Sodexo InReach
  • Glen Ryniewski | Owner | Soaring Strategies
  • Manuela Zoninsein | CEO & Founder | Kadeya

Moderator:
  • Mitul Patel | Director of OEM Sales – North America | Zebra Technologies

Sponsored by Zebra Technologies
| Vending Focus

Can Vending and Micro-Market Technology Ever Be Foolproof?

New capabilities continue to emerge for micro markets and vending machines. How does a convenience services operator ensure the technology is reliable, user-friendly and accessible to customers with different levels of technical aptitude? A panel of experts weighs in on the process.
Panelists:
  • Andrew Kartiganer | President | Professional Vending Services
  • Mickal McMath | VP of Retail Operations | Five Star Food Service, Inc.
  • Patrick Sheehan | President | Sheehan Brothers Vending
  • Christopher Smith | Operations Manager - Vending Services | Coca-Cola Beverages Florida

Moderator:
  • Pete Carmain | VP of National Accounts | Nayax

Sponsored by Nayax

| Refreshment Break

| Kiosk Focus

Unlocking Success with Cashless Payments in the Unattended Self-Service Space

In today's fast-paced world, cashless payments have revolutionized the way we conduct transactions, providing convenience and efficiency. This session will delve into the crucial elements that drive success for cashless payments in unattended self-service devices. Join us as we explore the key strategies, security measures, and user experience enhancements that businesses need to implement to ensure seamless and secure cashless transactions. Learn how to leverage the power of technology and consumer preferences to optimize your self-service devices and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital payment landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of cashless payments and drive growth for your business!
Panelists:
  • Mike Abecassis | Founder & CEO | GameTime & General Vending Service
  • Marcos Acuña | Founder & CEO | QU!CK Scan&Go
  • Gary Arwin | President | Gator Refresh
  • Arne Saupe | VP of Technology | Farmer's Fridge

Moderator:
  • Bruce Rasmussen | Director of Sales | Ingenico

Sponsored by Ingenico Inc.
| Kiosk Focus

Lessons from 100s of Self-Service Device Deployments

At every stage of a self-service deployment, issues can and do come up. Be it integrating different software systems, integrating hardware and software, logistics and delivery issues, connectivity problems, partner and customer relations, etc. In this session, you will hear from implementation experts from Esper and others who have traveled these trails how they addressed real world deployment issues. Their experiences can better prepare you for your own self service journey.
Panelists:
  • Bhavin Asher | Founder & Chief Technology Officer | GRUBBRR
  • Mike Melton | Consultant, formerly of Refreshing USA
  • Bill Nulf | VP of Sales | MicroTouch
  • Lonnie Talbert | CEO | ATM Industry Association (ATMIA)

Moderator:
  • Keith Szot | SVP & Chief Evangelist | Esper

Sponsored by Esper

| Break

| Keynote Session

User Experience Determines Success: How to Achieve it with AI and a Trusted Partner

The integration of artificial intelligence makes Kodak Moments more efficient and allows it to successfully tap into different markets. The company has been the trusted partner to retailers and entertainment leaders to prevent the loss of customers due to non-operating kiosks, thanks to tiered services.
Keynote Speakers:
  • Daniel Parker | Technical Services Manager | Kodak Moments
  • Rick Welch | Sr. Client Services Manager | Kodak Moments

Sponsored by Honeywell Safety & Productivity Solutions
Keynote Speaker
Daniel Parker
Technical Services Manager
Kodak Moments

Keynote Speaker
Rick Welch
Sr. Client Services Manager
Kodak Moments


| Awards Presentation

Automation & Self-Service Awards

The Automation & Self-Service Awards (formerly Self-Service Innovation Awards) are the official awards of the Self-Service Innovation Summit and AutomationAndSelfService.com. The awards honor innovators who are leading the way in the advancement of automation and self-service technologies, including vending, kiosks, robotics and AI.

The annual Automation & Self-Service Awards program aims to inspire and educate companies on how automation and self-service technologies can enhance productivity and profitability while optimizing both the customer and employee experience.

Categories include:

  • Best Vending Solution
  • Best Kiosk Solution
  • Best Mobile Solution
  • Best Use of Robotics
  • Best Use of AI
  • Accessibility Award
  • Influencer of the Year
Hosts:
  • Cherryh Cansler | VP of Events | Networld Media Group
  • Dave Wurm | Chief Sales Officer | Networld Media Group


| Networking Event

Dinner Party

Join us on the 9th floor Event Lawn, complete with panoramic views of downtown Coral Gable, for an evening of cocktails and dinner as well as magic, mentalism and mystique featuring Magician Comedian Johnny Pizzi, who has been doing comedy for over 30 years. He's been a fixture not only on the Boston Comedy Scene but, all over New England and the East Coast and is also the unofficial Magician of The New England Patriots! Be sure to catch one of his sets and check out some of his close-up magic!

Free to all attendees, speakers and sponsors.



WEDNESDAY // DECEMBER 6, 2023


| Breakfast

| Kiosk Focus

Self-Service Kiosks and the Many Forms of How to Interact

Today’s technology offers more ways than ever to engage with consumers, but new innovations bring new challenges. Brands and retailers first need to have employees on board when introducing new technology. Veterans offer their insights.
Panelists:
  • Jenifer Brinkman | Director of Business Services | Nova Southeastern University
  • Achal Kothari | Co-Founder & VP - Business | Bytebeam
  • Kurt Pahlitzsch | VP of Operations | Doherty Enterprises

Moderator:
  • Melanie Endres | CEO | Code Factory SL

Sponsored by Code Factory SL
| Vending Focus

Hot, Fresh Foods through Self-Service = Hotter Revenues

Consumers are looking for more hot foods, but affordable, high-quality options are limited, especially in vending and micro-markets. Micro-markets and vending locations have an advantage over food delivery for the convenience and cost, but many operators lack the technology, product SKUs and data to offer hot meals.Panelists will share lessons learned around technology adoption, product selection and marketing to drive top-line and bottom-line results.

Panelists:
  • Mike Alkurdi | Resident District Manager | Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services
  • Jason Fitch | Director of Auxiliary Service | Nova Southeastern University
  • Yang Yu | Founder & CEO | KitchenMate

Moderator:
  • Elliot Maras | Editor | Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Sponsored by KitchenMate

| Break

| Closing Keynote

Thought Leader Roundtable: Executive Predictions

As we wrap up the Summit, this heavy-hitter panel of industry thought leaders will comment on a variety of topics when it comes to self-service and the customer experience.
Panelists:
  • Sean Albertson | Founder & CXO | CX4ROCKS
  • Marc Crocquet | VP of Business Services | Nova Southeastern University
  • Steve Lieber | VP of Franchise Development | BurgerFi
  • Ashye Marcus | Senior Business Development Leader | Just Walk Out tech by Amazon
  • Neil Thompson | VP, Digital | HMS Host

Moderator:
  • Bill Stutzman | Director of Strategic Initiatives | Ventus

Sponsored by Ventus

| Summit Concludes


View 2022 Agenda

Agenda and speakers are subject to change.