the conference for people who are tired of conferences

The 2026 Loyalty UNconference

Phoenix, April 22-23, 2026 · Global Ambassador Hotel

40 senior restaurant leaders. 1.5 days of off-the-record conversations. Here's what happened.

About the event

Here's what you missed

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By the numbers

1.5

Days

40

Leaders

0

Panels

20+

Brands Represented

100%

off the record

What we talked about

Measuring incrementality honestly.

How operators are separating loyalty-driven revenue from cannibalized discount sales.

Beyond discounts

The creative plays (non-discount perks, access, surprise) that actually changed guest behavior in 2025–2026

AI in restaurant marketing

Where it's earning real lift, where it's still hype, and what the operators in the room are actually using

Loyalty as a board-level asset

What it takes to get loyalty out of the marketing department and into the growth plan

Aaron's section on AI continues to be inspiring and empowering. It's an incredibly exciting time to be a marketer. This will unlock a new level of creativity that makes brands and business stronger."

Sergio Perez

CMO, Latitude Food Group

There is nothing like it getting that many strategic thinkers in a room."

Taylor Bulen

VP of Brand Marketing, Prime Pizza

Thanx is thinking about loyalty in a way I think few providers are."

Adam Porter,

Sr. Director, Marketing, Cheba Hut

Interested in attending in 2027?

Join the waitlist

Attendees

Who came

Adam Porter

Sr. Director, Marketing, Cheba Hut

Alex Jano

VP of Marketing, Bubbakoo's

Alicia Mowder

CMO, Mendocino Farms

Anita Walker

VP of Marketing, Fox Restaurant Concepts

Anne Schultheis

Head of CRM & Loyalty, Scooter's Coffee

Anthony Nguyen

CMO, True Food Kitchen

Billie Jo Waara

CMO, Jack's Family Restaurants

Brandy Blackwell

Marketing Advisor, Playa Bowls

Carrie Cohen

Director of Digital and Loyalty, Beans & Brews

Charnell Landry

Sr. Director, Marketing, Smalls Sliders

Chris Ives

CEO, Bubbakoo's

Christopher Gumprecht

VP of Digital Marketing & IT, Craveworthy

CJ Ramirez

EVP of Marketing, Dog Haus

Clay Dover

CEO, Savory Restaurant Group

Doug Bertram

Head of Digital Marketing, Bagel Brands

Erika Borges

Head of Digital Growth & Customer Platforms, Salt and Straw

Erin Levzow

CMO, Capital Spring

Ha Ly

VP of Marketing, Pokeworks

Hayden Wolven

Senior Director of Marketing, Fox Restaurant Concepts, The Henry

Ingrid Martinez

VP of Marketing, Norm's Restaurants

Julie Wade

Fractional CMO, Crazy Pita

Katie Love

CMO,Sonny's BBQ

Kevin Nemeth

Previously-CMO & CDO, Authentic Restaurant Brands

Lisa Dimson

CMO, Your Pie

Mary Winslow

VP of Marketing, Walk On's Sports Bistreaux

Marty Wadsworth

CEO, Willie's Grill and Icehouse

Megan Oppelt

Head of Marketing, Slice House

Melissa Fry

CMO, Twin Peaks & Smokey Bones

Michael Lyman

CTO, Giordano's

Nicole Robillard

CMO, Red Lobster (Previous)

Pam Nedwetzky

Head of Marketing, Grimaldi's Pizzeria

Patrick Barry

CTO, 7th Street Burger

Rob Ertmann

CEO, Mo' Bettahs

Sergio Pérez

CMO, Latitude Food Group

Taylor Bulen

VP of Brand Marketing, Prime Pizza

Tracy McGinnis

Director Multi Brand Marketing, Panda Restaurant Group

Be there in 2027

The UNconference returns to Phoenix April 7-8, 2027, bookending RLC for operators already in town. Invitations are limited and go to VP-level restaurant leaders. Request yours now.

Request a 2027 invite