Rebecca Kahn boasts a decade-long track record as a dynamic Franchise Business Leader. Her expertise lies in spearheading expansive operational field initiatives, orchestrating substantial portfolio acquisitions, overseeing restaurant development, and devising comprehensive operational strategies. Prior to joining the Gong cha team, Kahn served as the Franchise Business Partner overseeing the US Mid-Atlantic region at Burger King, where she played a pivotal role in steering the company's rebranding efforts and spearheading its digital transformation. Before her tenure at Burger King, Khan spent six years as a consultant specializing in enhancing operational efficiency and driving profitability for Subway franchisees.

Steven King is the Distinguished Professor of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, holding a joint appointment with the Hussman School of Journalism and Media and Kenan-Flagler Business School. He combines computer science concepts, human-centered design and storytelling to create new ways to present information through emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other interactive media forms. Steven is the CEO of Blue Sky Robotics, which leverages computer vision and robotics to solve difficult problems in the supply chain, manufacturing, and hospitality industries.

Before joining Networld Media Group as Vice President of Events, Cherryh Cansler spent several years as VP of Editorial managing the Networld’s nine B2B publications. Throughout her 20-year career as a journalist, she’s written about a variety of topics, ranging from the restaurant industry and technology to health and fitness news. Her byline has appeared in a plethora of newspapers, magazines and websites, including Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine. She also serves as the managing editor for FastCasual.com.

Jeremy Cauble, Director of Strategic Innovation for Canteen North America, has been exploring innovation in unattended retail for 15 years. Through his diversified background in marketing, digital commerce/SEO, field implementation and customer experience, Jeremy has learned how to leverage new technologies to continuously improve the shopping experience for customers in unattended retail.  Quick and easy checkout, interactive shopping tools, channels for consumer engagement and feedback, and operational technologies to ensure the right product in the right place at the right time—all of these and more combined to simplify the overall shopping process and elevate customer satisfaction.

Ryan Cellucci has joined the Coke Florida team as Manager for the Unattended Retail Program. In this role, Ryan is pivotal in assisting the growth and success of our instamarket and unattended retail platforms. His expertise in the snack food and concessions business comes from multiple years in the food service industry with time spent working with Icebox Pantry, Sodexo Live! and Centerplate Hard Rock Stadium, Chartwells, Levy Restaurants and Compass Group. He has worked in locations across the country, including in Florida with Florida International University, Marlins Park, and Hard Rock Stadium. Ryan has a wealth of knowledge that will immediately add value to our instamarket strategy and execution.

With 20 years of experience in customer service, Charece Conklin has honed a strong focus on enhancing customer experiences. Currently serving as the Director of Customer Engagement at Strive, Charece has been instrumental in developing and leading the customer service department within a rapidly growing company over the past three years. Their expertise lies in driving customer satisfaction and loyalty, making them a key contributor to Strive's success in a competitive market.

Ray Friedrich is a proven entrepreneurial leader with 35 years executive experience in the food and beverage industry. Ray started and grew a food service management company into one of the largest independent operators in Michigan when sold in 2019. Ray is a recognized national industry leader receiving many accolades for creating new and forward-thinking innovations related to the dining and convenience services industry. Ray now works with CEOs and business owners to help their organizations successfully identify, define and execute high-level strategic initiatives designed to meet their long-term goals. Ray is also experienced in executive team building and coaching. He helps to create a team culture of responsibility, collaboration and accountability. Throughout his career, Ray has demonstrated the power of new technologies to significantly transform an organization.

Steve Lieber is a respected figure in the restaurant industry, celebrated for his expertise in restaurant concept design and successful operations. A certified pizzaiolo from Italy, he earned the title of Best Pizza in the USA in 2009. Currently, as Vice President of Franchise Development at BURGERFI International, he represents both the BURGERFI and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings brands. Steve has led his team to sell over 150 franchises to 50+ groups, spanning 20+ states and international markets like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. His commitment extends to mentoring franchisees and boosting local store marketing strategies for profitability.

Founded by the passionate foodie Candra Livsey, Delightful Vending started from a childhood venture selling frozen treats to neighbors. Now, it stands as a leading convenience service provider in Metro Atlanta, with a commitment to environmental sustainability through partnerships with local green initiatives. As an engineer with a diversified background in marketing, SEO, operations, and customer experience, Candra has created a network of nearly 40,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. She is dedicated to helping others start in the industry and provides training on how to efficiently operate their businesses. Her unique blend of technical expertise and marketing savvy ensure that new entrepreneurs have the knowledge and resources they need to succeed, making her an invaluable mentor and leader in the community.

Drew Munro is the co-founder and CEO of UpMeals, a Vancouver food tech start-up on a mission to make healthy food accessible 24/7 through technology solutions, such as customized healthy SmartVending machines powered by proprietary management software. Prior to starting UpMeals, Drew founded an award-winning catering company based in Vancouver. He has 12 years of experience curating corporate event experiences, working with organizations such as Facebook, Ferrari, and Amazon to create memorable food experiences. Drew is passionate about the intersection of wellness and technology, food waste reduction, and sustainability.

As Director of the Terminal Operations Division for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Rupen Philloura is responsible for supervising the operations of all terminal facilities at Miami International Airport, including directing and supervising a staff of approximately 200 employees. His duties include serving as the Aviation Department’s liaison to the airport’s federal agencies, employee unions and airline station managers; overseeing the 24-hour operations of MIA’s Airport Operations Center; and overseeing the airport’s Lost and Found office. Before joining the Aviation Department in 2020, Philloura gained more than two decades of airport operations expertise at medium and large hub airports. In 2019, he founded Airport Intelligence Metrics (AiX), a passengerforecasting platform for airport executives. AiX provides day-to-day efficiency solutions and can also help with resource planning for various departments at an airport. In 2017,

D.J. Plavsic is an accomplished executive healthcare leader with 19 years of industry experience. He has deep expertise in process optimization, automation tools, and emerging technologies, and speaks at numerous national conferences on the topics of self-service, automation, and AI. He has a proven track record of designing and implementing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions such as predictive analytics, machine learning models, and Generative AI applications at large scale to enhance efficiency, reduce expenses, and increase revenue. Currently, D.J. serves as an Executive Director of Patient Access with Indiana University Health, where he leads multiple statewide operational teams and several automation projects for the largest health system (16 hospitals, 5 physician groups) in Indiana. In 2023, he led the implementation of over 300 patient self-service registration kiosks across the state, and in 2024 led a technology initiative to infuse the self-service software on those kiosks with an AI backbone.

Lonnie C Talbert is the current CEO of The ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) and ATM Security Association (ASA)For over three decades, Talbert has enjoyed an extensive and successful career in Financial Services, including leadership roles with large Fortune 500 companies, encompassing several high-level executive roles. He was most recently President of the New Mexico Bankers Association and has been a member of numerous ABA committees and the ePay Advisors, Board of Directors. Lonnie received his BS degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University.