Kiosk Track / Thursday / December 15, 2022 / 12:00 PM

Automated Convenience: How To Cash In

Five years after Amazon Go made headlines, automated stores are now one of the fastest-growing retail channels. Retailers and restaurateurs face many challenges in how to utilize this expanding technology, and as with all new technologies, one size does not fit all.

Speakers on this panel will discuss how and why brands must have a game plan that includes a full understanding of customers’ shopping habits, an assessment of necessary technology expertise, an understanding of available technology products, clearly defined goals, a budget and a timeline.


PANELISTS

Marcos Acuña | Founder & CEO | QU!CK Scan&Go
Marcos Acuña is the Founder & CEO of QU!CK Scan&Go, a Miami company whose mission is to bring buying and selling experiences to the 21st century through the use of technology. Marcos is an entrepreneurial leader with 20 years of executive experience in the food and beverage industry. Before founding QU!CK, Marcos led the FAN ID technology project for Latin America. He was Vice President of the Banfield Athletic Club, Chairman of the members subcommittee and Assembly member of the Argentine Soccer Association (AFA).
Scott Ford | Director of Marketing | Innisfree Hotels
As Director of Marketing for Innisfree Hotels, Scott Ford oversees all marketing, communications, and public relations for a portfolio of 25 hotels, 20 food & beverage outlets, a mini-golf course, and several philanthropic projects championed by Innisfree. A native of New Plymouth, Idaho, and a U.S. Army veteran, Scott studied International Business at Cal State-Fullerton before founding a successful medical software sales company and co-founding Web Comet, an Internet Service Provider that was acquired by a large, publicly traded tech firm. He is recognized as a top pay-per-click marketer in the country and an expert in the affiliate marketing space. Scott joined Innisfree’s Pensacola Beach Hilton in 2017 and was promoted to Regional Marketing Manager for Pensacola Beach in 2019 and Director of Marketing for all of Innisfree in 2020. After navigating a challenging pandemic year followed by the explosive growth of 2021, Scott helped Innisfree create a new guest experience in 2022 by using QR codes in Innisfree restaurants to show interactive videos of chefs preparing their signature dishes.
Neil Thompson | VP, Digital | HMS Host
Neil Thompson is Vice President, Digital for HMSHost, a global restaurateur and world leader in delivering innovative dining solutions in travel venues. HMSHost operates locations all over North America, and is part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage services for people on the move. Neil joined HMSHost in 2012 as Vice President, Canada. In this position, he was responsible for the company’s operations in Canadian airports and motorways. In 2020, Neil was appointed Vice President, Digital and is responsible for overseeing the company’s digital strategy and vision. Prior to joining HMSHost, Neil worked as an executive for some of Canada’s most recognizable restaurant brands including Tim Hortons. Neil holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto, and his passion for food led him to attain a Culinary Arts Certificate from George Brown College. He also completed the Hospitality Managers’ Development Course at University of Guelph.
MODERATOR

Jack Frost | Director of Sales | MTI - Mobile Technologies Inc.
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session sponsor