In this special TechBytes event spotlight, host Rob Grimes welcomes back George Brophy, Portfolio Director of the Hospitality Tech Expo, for an inside preview of one of Europe’s major gatherings for hospitality, foodservice, retail, and technology. Taking place September 29–30 at ExCeL London, this year’s event is part of the newly branded Food Service Industry Expo, bringing eight interconnected shows together under one roof.
George explains the thinking behind the expanded Food Service Industry Expo and how the event now connects technology with virtually every corner of the foodservice ecosystem. The Hospitality Tech Expo remains at the center, with approximately 400 exhibitors, while the complete event features around 600 exhibitors spanning hotels and resorts, cafés and coffee, drinks, food and beverage retail, responsible packaging, street food, restaurants, and takeaway.
Technology runs throughout it all. Rob and George discuss the explosive growth of AI, automation, connected equipment, payment technology, robotics, digital signage, and operational platforms and why hospitality businesses are increasingly looking for solutions that improve efficiency, profitability, and the customer experience.
But this isn’t simply an exhibition. George previews a packed educational program featuring speakers and brands including KFC, Starbucks, Honest Burgers, Hilton, Costa Coffee, PizzaExpress, IHG, and others. With keynote sessions, panels, masterclasses, networking spaces, demonstrations, and hundreds of exhibitors, attendees are encouraged to plan for both days—and to explore beyond their traditional area of focus.
The conversation also explores the importance of networking and creating opportunities for buyers and sellers to build meaningful relationships. From dedicated networking areas to the post-show riverside gathering overlooking the Thames, the event is designed to create connections that extend well beyond the exhibition floor.
And George drops some breaking news during the conversation. The Food Service Industry Expo is going global, with plans to launch in Miami in 2027, opening new opportunities to connect the U.S., Latin American, and international foodservice communities. He also previews plans for an expanded focus on stadium and arena technology, bringing together payments, digital signage, automation, vending, foodservice, audiovisual technology, and more.
From AI and automation to coffee, hotels, retail, stadiums, and restaurants, this episode offers a look at just how interconnected the future of foodservice technology has become—and what attendees can expect when the industry comes together in London.
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