What's New @ CREATE

Our program, speakers and attendee opportunities are updating all the time. Check out this page often to see what's new at CREATE.

CREATEFEST: A Johnsonville Jam

Be here for the Wednesday evening CREATE reception, featuring country music duo, The Dryes, as well as our Ultimate Recipe Challenge where four chefs have created never before seen dishes served during the reception. Click here to find out more about CREATEFEST: A Johnsonville Jam.

Hot Concepts

Meet the 2024 Hot Concepts Winners

This year’s Hot Concepts, powered by The Coca-Cola Company, recognize emerging chains from around the U.S. that have impressive growth momentum and the potential to become household names. Executives from each concept will be on hand for a panel discussion with Sam Oches that explores each brand’s unique story and how they’ve navigated challenges along the way. Join us at CREATE to meet the winners!

Investment Summit

Meet 20+ investors in Nashville at CREATE Investment Summit!

Designed to bring together leaders of emerging restaurant brands with the investment community to provide a unique environment for networking, education, and exploration of capital growth opportunities. Check out the full Investment Summit program here!

Technomic Brunch & Learn

Powered by Technomic’s cutting-edge menu and consumer data, this session will explore the crucial macro trends impacting menus and consumers. You'll gain actionable insights to help you plan for the future, covering everything from innovation, health, and sustainability to operations, value, and beyond.

In addition, hear firsthand accounts from some of the fastest-growing restaurant operators as they share how these trends are impacting their businesses.

Ask the Experts Sessions

The New Rules of Hospitality

Social Media Tips from the Voice of Wendy's

The Operational Keys to Dutch Bros' Massive Success

Finding the Right Niche in a Trending Category

Tapping Into the Power of Restaurant Groups

How This Korean Hot Pot Chain Became One of the Nation's Hottest Concepts

CREATED Talks

Join us at CREATE to hear our CREATED Talks! A series of fast-paced, TED-style talks designed to share tangible business-building ideas. The session takes place on October 10, REGISTER NOW for CREATE to catch it!

CREATED Talks Speakers

How Chili's is Winning During a Challenging Time
Presented by George Felix, SVP & CMO, Chili's Bar & Grill
What to Know About the Economy
Presented by Michael Halen, Sr. Restaurant Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence
Greens for Everyone: How restaurants can solve for accessibility, affordability, and wellness
Presented by Nicole Portwood, CMO, Salad and Go

CEO Conversations on the Main Stage

Founders are the beating heart of a brand, but CEOs bring invaluable outside perspectives and often face the tough decisions necessary for growth. That’s why, at CREATE, we’re introducing the new CEO Conversations session on the main stage. Hear from the CEOs of some of the most exciting restaurant companies in foodservice today as they share how they’re steering their brands with their extensive industry expertise.

Elisia Flores, CEO, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Elizabeth Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco
Bob Wright, President & CEO, Potbelly
Steve Kislow, President & CEO, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Keynote - Candace Nelson

Join us at CREATE to hear from Co-Founder of Sprinkles & Pizzana, Candace Nelson

Candace Nelson has been a judge on Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" and Netflix's "Sugar Rush," along with appearing as a guest shark on "Shark Tank." Hear from Candace Nelson about her journey as an entrepreneur, leaving her career in finance to start Sprinkles, selling that business and founding NRN Hot Concept award winning Pizzana. Don't miss this CREATE Keynote!

Table Talk Roundtable Sessions

Fast-paced, interactive roundtable discussions designed to tackle the biggest challenges for emerging growth restaurant leaders. Topic areas covered will be: